world aids day
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PRIYANSHI GARGSHRUTI PRIYA
IX-A
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“Today we have a far more reliable estimate of the burden of HIV in India,” said the Indian Health Minister, Anbumani Ramadoss. He did however warn of complacency, as “in terms of human lives affected, the numbers are still large, in fact very large”.Let’s watch out for the HIV patients in other countries and learn to know how to prevent this disease.
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 contact 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.
United States 3.4% Congo 3.1% Russia 2.8% Zambia 2.8% Malawi 2.6% China 2.1% Brazil 1.9% Cameroon 1.7% Thailand 1.5% Côte d'Ivoire 1.3% Ukraine 1%India 6.9%..........
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do not smoke or consume alcohol as this can weaken your body further.
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.
