December 1st is World AIDS Day. This day was established by the World Health Organization in 1988 to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS around the world.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Someone described as being HIV positive has the HIV virus in their body. When an HIV-positive person's immune system is too weak to fight off a range of diseases with which it could normally cope, the person is is described as having developed AIDS.
You can find more information on this topic at CHL.
Books:
The Epidemic: A Global History of AIDS
by Jonathan Engel
This sweeping look at AIDS covers the epidemic from all angles and across the world.
AIDS Sourcebook
edited by Ivy L. Alexander
Basic consumer health information about HIV and AIDS, featuring updated statistics and facts about risks, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatments, side effects, and more.
DVD:
The Age of AIDS
Watch this PBS Frontline episode on the topic of AIDS.
Websites:
AIDS.gov - Find basic information on HIV/AIDS, news, and events.
MedLinePlus - Use this site to find accurate and up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS, including overviews, news, information on prevention and screening, and more.
National HIV and STD Testing Resources - This site from the Centers for Disease Control answers questions about the HIV test, including where to get tested.
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