What is AIDS stand for? -Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. What is AIDS? -is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). What causes AIDS? -HIV is a retrovirus that was first found in 1983. The virus is responsible for causing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Once within the body the HIV infects cells of the immune system that form the body’s defense system and makes them unable to fight off infections. The virus enters the immune system’s CD4 cells, which protect the body against various bacteria, viruses and other germs.
The CD4 cells are then used to make thousands of copies of the virus. These copies then leave the CD4 cells, killing them in the process. As the virus starts to multiply the CD4 cell count thus decreases dramatically. HIV infection takes nearly 10 years or more to manifest into full blown AIDS case. Beginning of HIV. HIV is thought to originate in Africa, where humans caught it from chimpanzees and other apes. The virus that affects the apes is very similar to HIV and is called SIVcpz (simian immunodeficiency virus).
This virus spread to humans following contact with infected chimpanzee blood during the hunting of chimpanzees. For many years the human type of HIV was limited to a remote part of Africa. With improved connections the virus began to spread worldwide. Signs and symptoms Many HIV+ people do not have symptoms. Often people only began to feel sick when they progress towards AIDS. As early as 2- 4 weeks after exposer to HIV people can experience ARS, often describe as “the worst flu ever. ” After the initial infections, the virus becomes less active in the body.
This can last up to 10+ years. During primary HIV infection, there are higher levels of virus circulating in the blood, which means that people can more easily transmit the virus to others. However, that not everyone gets ARS when they become infected with HIV. Symptoms can include: * Fever * Chills * Rash * Night sweats * Muscle aches * Sore throat * Fatigue * Swollen lymph nodes * Ulcers in the mouth HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another through: * Blood (including menstrual blood) * Semen * Vaginal secretions * Breast milk.
Blood contains the highest concentration of the virus, followed by semen, followed by vaginal fluids, followed by breast milk. Activities That Allow HIV Transmission * Unprotected sexual contact * Direct blood contact, including injection drug needles, blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings or certain blood products * Mother to baby (before or during birth, or through breast milk) Sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal): In the genitals and the rectum, HIV may infect the mucous membranes directly or enter through cuts and sores caused during intercourse (many of which would be unnoticed).
Vaginal and anal intercourse is a high-risk practice. Oral sex (mouth-penis, mouth-vagina): The mouth is an inhospitable environment for HIV (in semen, vaginal fluid or blood), meaning the risk of HIV transmission through the throat, gums, and oral membranes is lower than through vaginal or anal membranes. There are however, documented cases where HIV was transmitted orally, so we can’t say that getting HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluid or blood in the mouth is without risk. However, oral sex is considered a low risk practice.
Sharing injection needles: An injection needle can pass blood directly from one person’s bloodstream to another. It is a very efficient way to transmit a blood-borne virus. Sharing needles is considered a high-risk practice. Mother to Child: It is possible for an HIV-infected mother to pass the virus directly before or during birth, or through breast milk. Breast milk contains HIV, and while small amounts of breast milk do not pose significant threat of infection to adults, it is a viable means of transmission to infants.
HIV does not spread by * Talking, touching or hugging an infected individual; * Sharing clothes or utensils; * Through the air or food; * Mosquito bites; and * Kissing. The following “bodily fluids” are NOT infectious: * Saliva * Tears * Sweat * Feces * Urine Identification of AIDS/HIV Infection Individuals suffering from constant infections or conditions given above are suspected to have contracted the HIV infection if they also have a history of: Multiple sexual partners * Unsafe sexual practices.
* Transfusion of unscreened blood or blood products in hospitals and illnesses * Babies of infected mothers * Accidental skin contact with blood (such as needle stick injuries and treating wounds) In adults and older children, blood tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test and Western blotting are the methods used initially to detect HIV infection. An initial negative result though signifies the absence of infection, the individual with such symptoms cannot be declared free of infection until another negative test is elicited after about 6 months of the initial test.
Positive results confirm the individual is infected with the virus and needs further testing to confirm the status of the infection. The doctor may advise several additional tests to either confirm or rule out the presence of other infections or conditions. 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. Consulting the healthcare provider is necessary, if a woman is suffering from HIV infection and is diagnosed to be pregnant. 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 How Can You Prevent Others from Getting Infected from HIV? 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: 1. Informing your healthcare provider that you are infected. 2. Practicing safe sex. Avoid exposure to blood, semen and other secretions during foreplay or intercourse.
3. Use condoms (latex or polyurethane) for all oral, vaginal or anal sexual activity 4. Do not share needles. 5. Do not donate blood or semen. 6. Do not plan to donate any organ. 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 are effective in preventing the multiplication of the viruses to a certain extent. Pictures of HIV/ADIS (GET READY FOR THIS).