HIV/AIDS and Homelessness
Description:
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is found in bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk, destroys the immune system by inserting its own genetic material into white blood cells called T cells. Over time, T cells are killed and HIV replicates. As the concentration of T cells falls, the immune system weakens, leaving the body open to opportunistic infections. The disease progresses through four stages, the last of which is full-blown AIDS, when the body has little natural immunity left. The average time from HIV infection to AIDS is 10 years, and a person may live for several months to five years after the AIDS diagnosis (Straub, 2007).
Type of Resource:
Fact Sheet
Publication Date:
2009
Location:
Washington, DC, United States