Americans still confused by AIDS.Nearly 40% of Americans responding to a recent survey still believe HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. can spread through casual contact--almost 20 years since the AIDS epidemic epidemic, outbreak of disease that affects a much greater number of people than is usual for the locality or that spreads to regions where it is ordinarily not present. began and after up to 900,000 Americans have been infected in·fect tr.v. in·fect·ed, in·fect·ing, in·fects 1. To contaminate with a pathogenic microorganism or agent. 2. To communicate a pathogen or disease to. 3. To invade and produce infection in. with HIV. A nationwide survey released late last year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agency of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1973, with headquarters in Atlanta; it was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. found that four out of 10 surveyed mistakenly believe it is possible to contract the virus by sharing a drinking glass or being coughed or sneezed on by an infected person. Nearly 19% said they agreed with the statement "People who got AIDS through sex or drug use have gotten what they deserve." |
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