AIDS

 

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome(AIDS)

AIDS is a viral disease which has been able to over come all the defensive mechanism of human body and generally leads to death. It is caused by Human Immune deficiency Virus(HIV)

Historical Background:-

It was first recognized in USA in 1981. In India it was reported in 1986, among prostitutes in Madras. The problem of AIDS is increasing in magnitude every year. Since AIDS was first detected in India in the year 1986, the cumulative number has risen to 8220 by the end of July 1999. About 87.3 thousand cases are seropostive for HIV in the country. 

How does AIDS spread?

1). Sexual intercourse with HIV infected partner.

2). Through HIV infected blood.

3). HIV infected mother to child.

4). Use of unsterilsed needles and other instruments. 

5). Sharing HIV contaminated needles by drug users.

6). Breast feel of HIV infected.

7). Shaving blades.

8). Occupational hazards.

9). Unhygienic traditional customs like circumstances.

Incubation period:-

It ranges between 15-75 months. Average incubation period is of 28 months.

Prevention of AIDS:-

1. Imparting health education to people about safe sex, use of condoms, maintenance of personal hygiene etc.

2. Adopting safe sex, avoiding multipartner sex and stick to one mutually faithfully sex partner.

3. Using HIV free bloods and blood products.

4. Ensuring needles and syringe are sterilized properly and not sharing needles and syrings.

5. Getting treatment of sexually transmitted diseases ( STD's)

Signs and symptoms of HIV infection:

1. Continuous fever for more than one month.

2. Diarrhea for more than one month.

3. Respiratory infection, cough, disposed for more than one month.

4. Loss of weight.

5. Kaposis Sarcoma ( Skin Tumors)

Investigations:

1. Elisa test or Western bloods.

2. Immuno-comb

AIDS / HIV does not spread by:

1). Shakng hands and hugging.

2). Sneezing and coughing.

3). By mosquito bites.

4). By toilet sharing.

5). Sharing utensils, telephone, office room, bed room and traveling together.

There is no cure for HIV / AIDS. There is no vaccine to prevent HIV / AIDS. AIDS causes certain death. HIV / AIDS leads not only to death but also to SOCIAL STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION for infected individual as well as his/her family. Everyone is at risk of HIV / AIDS irrespective of Age, Cast, Creed, Religion, Region and Nationality. AIDS poses one of the biggest threat to mankind every and in order to lead an AIDS free life one must know all about HIV ( the AIDS causing virus) because knowledge is best defence against AIDS.