AIDS

Overview

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)Almost every region in the world is in one way or the other affected by HIV. Almost 40 million people are presently living with HIV and an estimated 25 million died of this disease.  There is no permanent cure for this disease, and prevention is the only way to avoid infection from HIV.

What is AIDS? AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome is the final stage of HIV infection. HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a fatal virus as our immune system is inefficient to fight the virus. This HIV can hide inside our body for long periods of time, and could silently destroy many fighter cells of our body. The destruction becomes significant, when our body is unable to even fight minor infections. This stage is called AIDS. This disease in itself is not the cause of death, but the person dies of some other disease, which invades our body due to poor immune system.

Symptoms

The first response from our body to HIV is Flu, which may occur as early as 2-3 weeks after exposure to HIV. Other symptoms may include:
• Fever
• Chills
• Rash
• Night sweats
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Ulcers in mouth.

In the final stage, the symptoms may also include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Wasting syndrome.

Treatment In the present scenario, a number of clinical trials are running to test the efficacy of many medications against HIV. Presently Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy is the major treatment for AIDS and for suppression of HIV.

Medications have increased the life expectancy in people affected with HIV. With proper care and precautions, a person suffering from HIV may live a much manageable life.

Specialist to see: General Physician/ Infectious Diseases

Causes

• Unprotected Sex
• Sharing needles
• Perinatal infections

Prevention

• Mutual Monogamy between partners
• Use a condom for preventing the spread of infection
• Do not share needles/ avoid used needles