AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases.
HIV is primarily transmitted through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of HIV transmission are unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and transmission from an infected mother to her child during childbirth or through breastfeeding.
Once a person becomes infected with HIV, they may go through a period of asymptomatic infection, during which the virus replicates in the body without causing significant symptoms. This stage can last for several years. However, if HIV is left untreated, it can progress to AIDS.
The diagnosis of AIDS is made when a person with HIV experiences severe immune system damage, as indicated by a low CD4 cell count (a type of white blood cell) or by the occurrence of specific opportunistic infections or cancers associated with HIV.
There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus and slow down the progression of the disease. ART involves taking a combination of medications that target different stages of the HIV life cycle, reducing the viral load in the body and allowing the immune system to recover.
Prevention strategies for HIV/AIDS include practicing safe sex by using condoms, avoiding sharing needles or syringes, getting tested for HIV and knowing your partner's status, and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV. Additionally, programs promoting education, awareness, and access to healthcare play a crucial role in preventing new infections and providing support to those living with HIV/AIDS.
Comments
Post a Comment