| Hiv is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which | | | | night sweats and feverslethargy, fatigue, and |
| damages the immune system to the extent that it | | | | exhaustionweight lossdiarrhea, thrush, and herpes |
| can no longer fight off infection. Most experts believe | | | | infectionsmouth ulcers and bleeding gums. |
| that HIV is responsible for Aids, but there is some | | | | Complete recovery is the norm immediately after this |
| evidence that not all people who contract HIV go on | | | | illness, but thereafter the person will test positive for |
| to have full-blown Aids (Acquired Immunodeficiency | | | | antibodies to HIV (they will be HIV positive) but |
| Syndrome). Infection by the HIV is followed two to | | | | otherwise appear healthy. Several years typically |
| six weeks later by the development of antibodies to | | | | elapse between the acquisition of the virus and |
| the virus. This process may be accompanied by one | | | | development of full-blown Aids. |
| or more systemic illnesses. Symptoms includeheavy | | | | |