ABSTRACT
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) that destroys the body's natural ability to fight illness. Diseases such as pneumonia and rare cancers develop as the virus causes a breakdown in the body's immune system. One or more of these diseases actually cause death. AIDS has an impact on people of all races, cultures, and ethnic groups. The period of time between infection and the development of AIDS can be longer than ten years. A person is given a diagnosis of AIDS after he or she develops one of the opportunistic diseases associated with this virus. The importance of terminology is to help supply answers to the frequent questions of caregivers dealing with HIV/AIDS. AIDS is forcing society to recognize and acknowledge the diversity of sexual orientations.
