diseases and infections that come your way. White blood cells defend you against viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that can make you sick. When HIV enters the body, it goes straight for the CD4+ T cells that are a lynchpin for the operation of the entire immune system. As the virus infects and kills more of these T cells, your immune system grows weaker, and you become more susceptible to illness. Respiratory and Cardiovascular HIV increases the risk of Systems colds, influenza, and pneumonias. According to the American Lung Association, HIV/AIDS can lead to opportunistic lung diseases. Without preventive treatment, people with advanced HIV are susceptible to tuberculosis, pneumonia, and a disease called pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). PCP causes trouble breathing, cough, and fever. A common HIV-related Digestive System infection is called candidiasis. Symptoms include inflammation of and a white film on the tongue. It can also cause inflammation of the esophagus, which can make it difficult to eat. Another viral infection that affects the mouth is oral hairy leukoplakia, which causes white lesions on the tongue. One of the more obvious signs of HIV/AIDS can be seen on the Skin skin. A weakened immune response leaves you more vulnerable to viruses like herpes. Herpes can cause you to develop sores around your mouth or genitals. People with HIV are at increased risk of shingles, which is caused by herpes zoster, the virus that gives you chickenpox. Symptoms of shingles include a painful rash, often with blisters. Although the South Africa government has educated society against the stigma of HIV/AIDS, many still feel shame and secrecy. This affects the care available to the sufferer and their families making it difficult for many to access drugs, income and support. HIV/AIDS is responsible for over half of those children in South Africa who have lost both of their parents. These children are left to be looked after by the elderly grandparents (often the Grandmothers) or older children causing many emotional and financial impacts on family life. If your parents have HIV/AIDS they are more likely to be unemployed and therefore have no regular source of income. 80% of families lose half their income when the major bread winner dies of HIV/AIDS. Those families living with someone suffering from HIV/AIDS are less likely to be able to attend school or miss school as they are caring for their sick parents. When parents die of HIV/AIDS, the vulnerable children left behind often live in temporary households as they are moved from family to family therefore making it difficult to maintain regular school attendance. Children growing up in these temporary families or child- headed households are more susceptible to poor self-esteem, poor nutrition and poverty.