Understanding AIDS & Chickenpox: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

AIDS

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a retrovirus that attacks and destroys the immune system, which is the body's defense system against disease. Once the immune system is severely weakened, people with AIDS are vulnerable to a wide range of life-threatening infections and cancers.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). VZV is a highly contagious virus that is spread through contact with an infected person's saliva, mucus, or fluid from chickenpox blisters. Chickenpox is characterized by an itchy rash of small, fluid-filled blisters that typically last for about a week.