AIDS: A Deadly Disease But Preventable.
Introduction
What Does the HIV Do?
Modes of Transmission of HIV..
Symptoms and Signs
How is AIDS/HIV Infection Identified?
What is the Treatment?.
How Can One Prevent Him-/Herself from Getting Infected?
If You are HIV Positive!!
How Can You Prevent Others from Getting Infected?
Overview of AIDS and HIV
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to the latest figures published in the UNAIDS/WHO 2006 AIDS Epidemic Update, an estimated 39.5 million people are living with HIV, worldwide. In 2006, 2.9 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses all over the world.1
The new 2006 estimates released by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), supported by UNAIDS and WHO, indicate that nationwide adult HIV prevalence in India is approximately 0.36%, which corresponds to an estimated 2–3.1 million people are living with HIV in the country.2
The HIV infection results from two similar viruses either HIV-1 or HIV-2. Countries in the Western hemisphere, Europe, Asia, and central, south, and east Africa are mostly affected by HIV-1 virus;, while HIV-2 virus causes most cases in parts of west Africa and appears to be less virulent than HIV-1.3,4
What Does the HIV Do?
Human immunodeficiency virus creates a DNA version of its genes and continually copies itself by using the resources from the host’s body. They gradually spread all over the body and begin destroying one of the important defence cells known as CD4 cells. These CD4 cells along with other similar cells normally protect the body from infections that can be sometimes mortal to the human body. The HIV both affects these defence cells, which are already present in the body and also prevents their full scale production in the body.3
Once the body is devoid of the defence cells it becomes prone to a number of infections, the severity of which increases as the amount of defence becomes progressively less. Death is usually due to such opportunistic infections that affect the weakened immune system.
Modes of Transmission of HIV
The transmission of HIV requires contact with body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, saliva or secretions from wounds or skin lesions, which generally contain the free viruses or infected cells in varying
Read more about the modes of transmission of HIV....
HIV/AIDS does not spread by
- talking, touching or hugging an infected individual;
- Sharing clothes or utensils;
- through the air or food;
- mosquito bites; and
- kissing.
Symptoms and Signs of HIV
AIDS is characterised by a wide spectrum of manifestations that may affect different organs and tissues of the body and range from an asymptomatic infection to life-threatening conditions such as severe infections and cancers.
Read more symptoms of HIV....
How is AIDS/HIV Infection Identified?
Read more about the identification of HIV infection...
What is the Treatment for HIV?
Although death cannot be prevented, the life expectancy of individuals infected with HIV has significantly increased with introduction of newer antiretroviral drugs. These antiretroviral drugs which are generally advised in combination
Read more about the treatment for HIV....
How Can One Prevent Him-/Herself from Getting Infected from HIV?
Simple steps can prevent a major tragedy.
- Practice monogamy and avoid multiple sex partners.
- Always ask the new sexual partner about his or her sexual history.
- Practice safe sex, use latex or polyurethane condoms and seek periodic HIV testing if you fall under the high-risk group.
- Do not share needles.
- If you are a healthcare worker always wear protective gloves in situations that involve exposure to blood or other body fluids.
The risk of an infected mother transmitting the HIV infection to her unborn child is reduced by two–third if she is administered a proper course of antiretroviral drug. Delivery by caesarean section also tends to reduce the chances of the child being infected. Consuting the healthcare provider is necessary, if a woman is suffering from HIV infection and is diagnosed to be pregnant.
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If You are HIV Positive!!
- Meet your doctor immediately to discuss the treatment and prevention of complications
- See your doctor on a regular basis to ensure optimal health and know about new treatments
- Get in touch with a local AIDS support group
If you have had a positive ELISA test recently or have been diagnosed to be suffering from AIDS you can prevent the infection from being spread to others by:
- Informing your healthcare provider that you are infected.
- Practising safe sex. Avoid exposure to blood, semen and other secretions during foreplay or intercourse.
- Use condoms (latex or polyurethane) for all oral, vaginal or anal sexual activity
- Do not share needles.
- Do not donate blood or semen.
- Do not plan to donate any organ.
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Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: December 16, 2008