USAF Basic Military Training (BMT) End of Course Practice Exam

The term that describes the symptoms and diseases caused by damage to the immune system from HIV is AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that results from the advanced stages of HIV infection, where the virus significantly weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and certain cancers.

The process begins when HIV infects and destroys CD4 cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response. Over time, as the virus proliferates and the number of CD4 cells decreases, the individual may develop AIDS, characterized by the occurrence of opportunistic infections or specific cancers that would not typically affect a person with a healthy immune system. Thus, AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection and directly describes the health consequences of the virus's impact on the immune system.

HIV refers specifically to the virus itself that causes the disease, while syphilis and chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections unrelated to HIV. Understanding this distinction is vital for comprehending how HIV progresses to AIDS and the medical importance of monitoring and treating HIV infections early to prevent the development of AIDS.