Which of the following statements is true regarding AIDS deaths?

The statement that the majority of AIDS deaths are from the virus itself is accurate in the context of understanding the progression of HIV to AIDS and its impact on the immune system. As the HIV virus progresses, it severely weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. This weakened state can lead to a range of complications that may also be categorized as AIDS-related illnesses.

While opportunistic infections are a common outcome of AIDS and contribute significantly to mortality, it is crucial to recognize that the underlying cause leading to these complications is the HIV virus itself. Thus, it is accurate to say that the majority of deaths are ultimately related to the effects of the virus, which dismantles the immune defenses, allowing for various health crises that can result in death.

This understanding reinforces the importance of effective treatment strategies for HIV, which can dramatically reduce the progression to AIDS and improve patient outcomes.