AIDS is not a disease that should be taken lightly, but it doesn’t have to be the death sentence for one’s life. Learn about how it can be managed, what are the best prevention methods, and why you should always use protection during sexual intercourse.
What is AIDS, and how can it be prevented?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a debilitating and often deadly disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). As of 2020, 37.7 million people lived with HIV/AIDS worldwide, including 1.7 million children. Despite years of research and advancements in treatment, there is still no cure for AIDS.
There are many ways to prevent HIV infection, including using condoms and practicing safe intercourse, getting vaccinated, and limiting your exposure to infected blood or body fluids. This makes it possible to live a long and healthy life with AIDS, even with low T-cell counts.
To receive a correct diagnosis, a patient needs to visit a doctor who will do a physical examination, ask for their medical history, order specific tests or exams depending on the symptoms presented by the patient, and ultimately determine if they have contracted HIV.
How does HIV affect the human body?
HIV attacks an individual’s immune system, which can eventually lead to full-blown AIDS. An HIV infection can be managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle, but it is important to remember that there is no cure for AIDS.
There are three stages of an HIV infection:
- Acute Infection — The person experiences a high fever, swollen glands, and muscle pain. This stage usually lasts two to four weeks.
- Chronic Infection — The person won’t experience any symptoms and can remain asymptomatic for years but still have HIV and transmit the virus to others. This lasts approximately ten years but could last as long as 20 years or more. It is during this time that an individual becomes most infectious.
- AIDS — AIDS occurs when the immune system is too weak to fight off opportunistic infections and lead to death. If left untreated, this stage usually occurs within ten years after the initial HIV infection.
HIV is transmitted through blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions from individuals who are infected with the virus. It can also be transmitted through needles and other sharps used by someone infected. HIV is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food or drinks.
What are the treatments for AIDS?
Sadly, there is still no cure for AIDS, but there are many treatments that can prolong a person’s life and manage the symptoms of the disease. These treatments include antiretroviral medications that are taken throughout a person’s life to reduce the amount of HIV in their body, also known as “viral load” or “RNA.”
These drugs are not a cure, but they will greatly improve the quality of life for those living with AIDS. They also help to prevent HIV from being spread to others. Other treatments include treating any opportunistic infections that may occur, as well as providing emotional support to the patient and their loved ones.
There are also many ongoing research projects to find a cure for AIDS. But because the disease is still stigmatized in society, finding research participants for an HIV treatment is often difficult. This research includes initiatives to develop a vaccine for HIV, better ways to identify the virus earlier in the infection process, and more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
Why is raising awareness for HIV/AIDS important?
Education and awareness are critical in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Raising awareness can help break down the stigma that is often associated with the disease. Doing so can also provide information on preventing HIV infection and how to get tested.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing HIV/AIDS. Raising awareness will help ensure that people know the risks and symptoms of HIV/AIDS and encourage them to get tested and treated if they are infected.
It is important to remember that AIDS does not have to be a death sentence. With proper treatment and management, people living with AIDS can live long, healthy lives. But it has to start with awareness, education, and breaking down the stigma.
HIV is not something to be taken lightly. It can lead to AIDS, which can eventually put someone’s life at risk. Thankfully, many treatment options work well for those living with HIV/AIDS, and medical research continues for a cure.
Raising awareness about the disease will help people know what it entails. This way, they can take steps early on in their lives to protect themselves from contracting the virus.
