
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The illness alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person, such as semen, vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk. The virus is passed from one person to another through blood or sexual contact. HIV can be transmitted in many ways, such as vaginal, oral sex, anal sex, blood transfusion and contaminated hypodermic needles.