KNOW AIDS - NO AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, life-threatening disease caused by a virus called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus and the infection are known as HIV. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a term used to refer to the later stages of the infection. 
Your body’s Immune System protects you from diseases. But when the HIV virus attacks your body’s Immune System it damages and/or destroys the Cells of your Immune System making you easily prone to various infections.Your body loses its ability to fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause infections and disease.

Causes of HIV HIV  spreads through sex—oral, anal or vaginal—with an infected person or through blood when you share a needle used by an infected person for injecting yourself with drugs. Most commonly, the virus passes from person to person through body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids and Semen. Babies born to infected mothers are also at a high risk of getting infected during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. But if women receive treatment for HIV infection during pregnancy, the risk to their babies is significantly reduced.
Who is at risk? If you feel you may be at risk (see Box), get yourself screened to rule out the possibility. Most HIV antibody tests done are accurate if they are done 3–6 months or even longer after you think you may have been infected. It takes this long for the antibodies to appear in the blood. HIV cannot survive for long outside your body. It needs mediums to get into your body like semen, vaginal fluids and/or blood.
You are at risk if: You have had unprotected sex with multiple partners without using a new latex or polyurethane condom—whether you are heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. You have had sex with an HIV infected individual. You have shared a needle with an infected person. You have had a blood transfusion at an unauthorized or unrecognized source. You have a preexisting sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, or Gonorrhea. You have a sex partner who falls into one of more of the above risk factors mentioned.
Signs and symptoms The symptoms of HIV and AIDS differ, depending on the stage of the infection. Initially with HIV, there may be no symptoms at all, although one of the most common symptoms is mild fever 3–6 weeks after getting infected. Sometimes symptoms can show up after 8 or 9 years or more. Some of the symptoms of HIV infection are fever, sore throat, headache, swollen lymph glands, rash, cough,diarrhea and weight loss.

You cannot get HIV by:  Casual contact such as touching, embracing or shaking hands with an infected person. Using a public swimming pool. Sharing a soap or towel. Donating blood. Mosquito or other insect bites.

Complications of HIV Because of the damage HIV can cause to your immune system, you will be more prone to various fungal, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. Cancer is also a possibility. However, with recent advances in medicine and research on the subject, the available treatment options play a major role in reducing the incidence of various opportunistic infections such a Pneumonia or Meningitis. Preventing HIV As with most other diseases, the mantra to avoid getting infected with HIV is prevention. There is no vaccine to prevent HIV infection and no cure for AIDS. Do not indulge in activities that will allow HIV-infected fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and/or breast milk enter your body. Do not have sex with multiple partners. Do not have sex with a person whom you think may be infected. Protect yourself adequately during sex with new or unknown partners. Male as well as female condoms are available for the purpose. Remember that although condoms can reduce your risk of contracting HIV, they do not eliminate the risk entirely. Condoms are not 100% safe as they can tear during the act. Do not share needles and syringes. Learn more about HIV and how the virus can be transmitted. Educate your children about the disease. If you are HIV positive If you have been diagnosed with HIV, the following tips will help you as well as others from getting infected: Inform the partner with whom you have had sex that you are HIV positive. This can help him/her to get screened for the virus. This will also prevent them from infecting others. Keep your family doctor informed about your HIV status. This will help your doctor provide you the best possible care. Do not donate blood as this can spread the virus to others. If you are pregnant you may pass the infection to your baby. However, if you take timely treatment, you may be able to reduce the risk of passing on the infection to your baby. Do not smoke or consume alcohol as this can weaken your body further. A healthy diet will keep you strong and improve your Immune System. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and protein foods. Exercise regularly and get enough sleep. This will keep your body strong and boost your Immune System. Take enough care when you are with your pets. Some animals may carry parasites that can cause infections in people who are HIV positive. Keep your hands clean always by washing them thoroughly with soap and water.

Finally… It is not easy to receive a diagnosis of being HIV positive—it is devastating. But the situation today is unlike the one that existed 30 years ago. Treatment options are better, support groups are many and quality of life can be better with proper treatment. So, live your life to the fullest and lend a soothing hand to others like you who also yearn for support and solace.