HIV

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a chronic disease of the immune system that is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus damages and destroys immune cells. . Because of this mechanism, people who are sick with AIDS are susceptible to infections that people with healthy immune systems are not affected by.

AIDS is among the five most common causes of death through infectious diseases worldwide. Today, there are 39.5 million people who are infected with HIV. In 2006, 2.9 million people died as a result of AIDS. In Austria, 12,000-15,000 people are infected with 1-2 new infections daily. Infections are more common among men (79.1%) than women (20.5%).

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HIV