The AIDS Virus, HIV, newly infects 16,000 people a day. 30.6 million are living with the virus. 2.3 million people will die of AIDS in 1997. 1 in 4 new HIV infections are in people under the age of 25.
Heterosexual transmission is responsible for the rapid increase.
The progress from HIV infection to AIDS can be slowed or temporarily halted by use of combinations of HIV specific drugs that fight the virus by slowing down or preventing viral replication. The goal of all anti-HIV treatment is for those infected to remain healthier, feel well and live longer. There is, however, no cure or vaccine for HIV yet. The HIV virus is transmitted by intimate sexual contact, by contact with contaminated blood supplies, by use of contaminated needles, and during pregnancy from infected mother to fetus. The virus is not transmitted through casual contact such as sharing a home, school or work environment, eating, touching, etc.