AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is an advanced stage of an often fatal illness caused by a virus. This virus is known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV.

HIV attacks certain white blood cells which are part of the body's immune system. When the immune system is weakened by HIV, rare cancers and infections can invade the body, eventually leading to death.

Not everyone who is infected with HIV develops AIDS. Some people develop chronic symptoms which vary from mild to severe . Other people who are infected with HIV appear to be in good health. These people may be unaware of their infection because they have no symptoms. 
  

HOWEVER... 

ALL PERSONS WHO ARE INFECTED WITH HIV, FROM THOSE WITH NO SYMPTOMS TO THOSE WITH AIDS, ARE CAPABLE OF INFECTING OTHERS.

Department of Human Services information
Appropriation No: 013-10A-2526
Revised May 1993

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE
In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. s2000d et. seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. s794), The Maine Human rights Act ( 5 MRSA 4551, et. seq.), The Maine Department of Human Services does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, handicap, or age in admission, access to, treatment, or employment in its programs or activities. Ms. Ann Twombly, Affirmative Action Office, has been designated to coordinate our efforts to comply with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regulations (45 C.F.R. Parts 80, 84, and 91) implementing these Federal Laws. For further information about the regulations and our grievance procedures for resolution of complaints alleging discrimination, please contact Ms. Ann Twombly at 221 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333. Telephone number: (207) 287-3488 (Voice) or 1-800-332-1003 (TTY).