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HIV/ AIDS- SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

AIDS was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers AIDS, the acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (sometimes called slim disease) is a newly described, usually fatal illness caused by a retrovirus known as the human immuno -deficiency disease virus (HIV) which break downs the human body's immune system leaving the victim vulnerable to a host of life threatening opportunistic infections, neurological disorders, or unusual malignancies.

WHAT IS HIV / AIDS?

As mentioned above, when that HUMAN IMMUNO-DEFECIENCY VIRUS (HIV)enters the human body, it destroys the natural immune system in his body and makes him a prey to a number of diseases.

HIV does not directly kill man. It makes his body so weak that he will become susceptible to any diseases- cancer, T.B, Pneumonia, anything.

WHAT DOES REALLY HAPPEN?

White Blood Corpuscles (WBC) carry out the function of the immune system in our body. When any disease germs enter the body, WBC attack and try to destroy those germs. AIDS germs are very powerful. When they enter the human body, they attack and make the WBC impotent. The result is when any disease germs enter that body, there is no defence system in that body with the result that the person concerned will succumb to that disease.

HOW HIV / AIDS SPREAD?

A person who is HIV-infected carries the virus in certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The virus can be transmitted only if such HIV-infected fluids enter the bloodstream of another person. This kind of direct entry can occur (1) through the linings of the vagina, rectum, mouth, and the opening at the tip of the penis; (2) through intravenous injection with a syringe; or (3) through a break in the skin, such as a cut or sore. Usually, HIV is transmitted through:

• By having sex with an infected partner.
• HIV also is spread through contact with infected blood, which frequently occurs among injection drug users who share needles or syringes contaminated with blood from someone infected with the virus.
• Women with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breast-feeding.
• Unprotected oral sex with someone who is HIV infected.

Symptoms of AIDS

In Elders:-

• Lack of energy
• Weight loss
• Frequent fevers and sweats
• Persistent or frequent yeast infections (oral or vaginal)
• Persistent skin rashes or flaky skin
• Pelvic inflammatory disease in women that does not respond to treatment
• Short-term memory loss
• Diarrhoea for months together.
• Enlargement of lymph glands in many parts of the body.

In Children:-

• Under growth, weakness, under weight
• Fever, diarrhoea continuing even after one month
• Foul mouth
• Often getting infected;pain in the ear and throat
• Continous cough
• Itching sensation

Diagnosis of AIDS / HIV Infection:-

• Screening Test:- Screening for HIV infection is most commonly done by testing blood for HIV antibodies. At present to ensure accuracy, two different tests are commonly applied. At first a sensitive test is used to detect the HIV / AIDS antibodies, while a second confirmatory test is used to weed out any false positive results.
• Wester blot test should be done to confirm HIV / AIDS.

Where does the HIV / AIDS germ live in the human body?

The germ live in the following fluids of the body:-

• Sperm
• Tears
• Sweat
• Mothers Milk
• Blood
• Spittle
• In the fluid of woman's sex organ

Prevention and Control on HIV / AIDS

• Don't have sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of AIDS.
• Don't have sex with prostitutes.
• Avoid having sex with anyone who has multiple and/or anonymous sexual partners.
• Avoid oral, genital and anal contact with partner's blood, semen, vaginal secretions, feces or urine., a latex condom should be used during each sexual act, from start to finish.
• Avoid anal intercourse altogether.
• Don't share toothbrushes, razors or other implements that could become contaminated with the blood of anyone who is or might be infected with the AIDS virus.
• Exercise caution regarding procedures, such as acupuncture, tattooing, ear piercing, etc., in which needles or other nonsterile instruments may be used repeatedly to pierce the skin and/or mucous membranes.
• If woman is infected then use of contraception is adviced to avoid pregnancy.

HIV / AIDS is not transmitted by:-

1. Mosquito bite or any other insect bite.
2. Living together: touching, hand shaking, embracing, kissing and such other social custom.
3. playing together : In school and colleges and in swimming pools.
4. Proffesional contact : Siting side by side in offices, using telephones, pens, books, typerwrites, mobile phones, computers.
5. Sharing food, water, clothes, toilet.
6. Eating and drinking along with the HIV/ AIDS patient.

Treatment of HIV / AIDS

At present there is no vaccine or cure for treatment of HIV / AIDS infection. There is no definite cure for AIDS in any system of medicine in the world so far. However several researchers are working on drugs to interfere with HIV's production cycle at one stage or the other.

Only now some drugs are coming into market but it is a pity they are beyond the reach of the common man.