HIV/AIDS
WHAT IS HIV/AIDS?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body's ability to fight infection and disease.it is basically a communicable disease.
HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED?
HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids that include:
- blood
- semen
- vaginal and rectal fluids
- breast milk
SYMPTOMS?
- fever
- chills
- swollen lymph nodes
- general aches and pains
- skin rash
- sore throat
- headache
- nausea
- upset stomach
- Get tested for HIV. It’s important they learn their status and that of their partner.
- Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If they test positive for one, they should get it treated, because having an STI increases the risk of contracting HIV.
- Use condoms. They should learn the correct way to use condoms and use them every time they have sex, whether it’s through vaginal or anal intercourse. It’s important to keep in mind that pre-seminal fluids (which come out before male ejaculation) can contain HIV.
- Take their medications as directed if they have HIV. This lowers the risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partner.
- Avoid sharing needles or other paraphernalia. HIV is transmitted through blood and can be contracted by using materials that have come in contact with the blood of someone who has HIV.
IS THERE ANY VACCINE?
Currently, there are no vaccines to prevent or treat HIV. Research and testing on experimental vaccines are ongoing, but none are close to being approved for general use.
HIV is a complicated virus. It mutates (changes) rapidly and is often able to fend off immune system responses. Only a small number of people who have HIV develop broadly neutralizing antibodies, the kind of antibodies that can respond to a range of HIV strains.
Comments
Post a Comment