AIDS Sourcebook

Basic Consumer Health Information about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Featuring Updated Statistics and Facts about Risks, Prevention, Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment, Side Effects, and Complications, Including a Section about the Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Health of Women, Children, and Adolescents

The first acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases were reported in the United States a quarter of a century ago. Since its appearance, AIDS has become the world’s leading cause of death among both men and women aged 15 to 59 years, although new drug treatments have decreased mortality rates by 70 percent and enabled those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to stay relatively healthy and symptom free for years. Despite such advances, 40,000 new HIV infections are reported in the United States yearly. These disproportionately affect minorities and women. In addition, approximately 25 percent of HIV-infected people in the United States do not know they are infected and, despite educational efforts, a large percentage of Americans still are not aware of how it is transmitted.

AIDS Sourcebook, Fourth Edition, provides updated information about HIV and AIDS and how it is transmitted, diagnosed, and treated. Information about prevention, risks, screening, treatments, complications, and tips on living with AIDS are included, along with a special section on the needs of women, youth, and children infected with HIV/AIDS. Reports on current research initiatives and clinical trials, a glossary of related terms, and directories for further help and information are also provided.