HIV stands for Human Immuno-deficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency syndrome). HIV breaks down the body’s immune system that fights off infection and other diseases. If this immune system does not work well, the body is at high risk for serious ailments and infections. AIDS is the most serious stage of HIV infection.

Mode of transmission of HIV:

1.       Sexual transmission: AIDS is sexually transmitted disease.

2.       Blood transfusion: AIDS is also transmitted by contaminated blood transfusion of blood cells, platelets and hence is easily transmitted by sharing of needles, syringes and skin piercing.

3.       HIV can also be transmitted from infected mother to child either during pregnancy or through breast feeding.