AIDS – Basic Facts And Information

AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a condition that is a result of the infection of HIV. Human Immunodeficiency virus, HIV results in weakening of the immune system and the infected individual is susceptible to infections and others diseases.
AIDS affects thousands of children and adults worldwide.Both government and private sectors are implementing projects and informing people to combat the disease and to promote its awareness.

Causes:

HIV is a major cause of AIDS, HIV destroys the white blood cell, these cells ensure smooth functioning of the immune system, and a severely weak immunity system causes AIDS.

Transmission And Prevention:

When the HIV infected blood, breast milk, semen or vaginal secretions enter a healthy body, itbecomes infected too.

Infection through HIV can spread in the following ways:

• During Sex: You may become infected through vaginal or oral sex with an HIV infected person. This means that condom for anal and vaginal sex is necessary, and you must make sure you have sex with safe partner.

• Exposure To Infected Blood: When the infected blood enters your body, you can be infected too, so make sure you always use clean and sterile needle to inject drugs and go in for certified and trusted blood banks.

• Heredity, From Mother To Child: HIV positive mothers, transmit the disease to their babies during pregnancy or while breast-feeding them. When infected mother conceives, she should be given right treatment during pregnancy, so that the child can be safe from AIDS.

• Sharing Needles: If people inject themselves with drugs or medicines using syringe or needle, whichhas been used by the one who is suffering from aids, then there are high chances of getting HIV themselves.

Symptoms:    

HIV weakens the immune system and the individual gradually develops AIDS. The primary symptoms are so mild that most of the time they go unnoticed. This is the major reason behind the rise of HIV.

Common Primary Symptoms Of Aids Are:

• Cold and Fever
• Mouth ulcers and sore throat
• Digestion problem
• Joint pains

If you receive no HIV treatment, the symptoms may persist and the immunity system may be severely damaged. Moreover, you may develop signs and infections like:

• Night Sweats
• Shortness of breath and uneasiness
• Unclear vision
• Skin rashes, redness, swelling or bumps
• Excessive Weight loss

Diagnosis And Treatment:

HIV is diagnosed by a simple blood test, when you are pregnant, or you have symptoms, get a blood test done.

It takes years before HIV weakens your immune system. The good news is- HIV in its early stages can be managed with ease with proper medications, lifestyle changes, medication, counselling and support. Families support along with professional counselling and guidance can to help an infected person cope up with the disease and still live life the best way.