March 28, 2024

 

The Truth About the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).



What exactly is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)?

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (HIV). AIDS, which is also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency disease, can be acquired or transmitted. The term “acquired” refers to a person who has contracted AIDS from another person. The term “transmitted” refers to a person who has contracted AIDS after coming into touch with the blood of an infected person.


The History of AIDS

HIV has existed in humans for thousands of years, but it was only recognized in the medical community in 1981. Since then, HIV infection rates have grown exponentially. Over 35 million people are currently infected with HIV worldwide, 15 million of whom are women and children (UNAIDS). Although the AIDS epidemic has begun to slow down in developed countries like the United States, it is still growing rapidly in developing nations. Just like the HIV virus, AIDS is a disease that has plagued individuals and the world community for decades. It all began in 1984 when scientists first identified acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Now known as AIDS, this deadly disease has claimed millions of lives throughout the past three decades.


Symptoms of AIDS

What are the symptoms of AIDS? People with AIDS have weakened immune systems. This makes it easy for them to get sick from infections that do not affect most people with healthy immune systems. Some common symptoms of AIDS are fever, swollen lymph glands near the surface of the skin, night sweats, weight loss, muscle wasting, and diarrhoea.


Types of AIDS

There are two main types of HIV.  The most common type is type 1, which accounts for more than 90% of all cases. It is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse without a condom or by sharing needles used to inject drugs.HIV-1 is a lentivirus that infects and replicates in specific types of immune cells known as CD4+ T lymphocytes. Before an infected person shows signs of AIDS, their body produces antibodies to fight the infection. These antibodies are proof that the immune system has been exposed to HIV-1.

Type 2 is less common and spread primarily through unprotected sex and needle-sharing among people who inject drugs. HIV 2 is a strand of HIV that rarely affects humans. It was developed in the lab, and it is very similar to HIV-1. According to the CDC, people can get both strains of HIV from unprotected sex or by sharing needles with someone infected with either strain. So far, there have been no cases of HIV 2 being transmitted through blood transfusion or breast milk.


Taking Care of Yourself with HIV/AIDS

Taking care of yourself with HIV/AIDS is a big part of how you can live a long and healthy life. Many people living with HIV/AIDS need to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick or spreading the virus. You can do things to help ensure your health, such as eating right, exercising, and going for regular medical check-ups.


How it is transmitted

There are 2 ways to get AIDS:

-sex (intimate sexual contact)

-needles (sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs with an infected person)

AIDS can’t be spread through things like kissing and hugging. However, the virus that causes AIDS can be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, labour and delivery. But you can take special medicines and follow certain health guidelines to lower your risk of getting HIV.


How do you know if you have it?

There are a number of simple methods you can use to determine if you have developed an HIV infection. These include taking your temperature at least once a day and examining your urine for evidence of the virus. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to AIDS, it is critical that you begin testing as soon as possible. If you have less than 500 T-cells (CD4+ lymphocytes) or an opportunistic infection, then you probably have AIDS. This means that your immune system is severely compromised and can no longer fight infections on its own.

How is AIDS treated and managed today?

Today, there is no cure for AIDS. The medications that are used to treat the disease work by slowing down the growth of viruses. These drugs can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has helped millions of people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. There are now 33 million people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa alone—but only 20 per cent are aware of their status, including 1.8 million children. For children who have been infected with HIV, antiretroviral therapy is the first line of defence against AIDS-related illness and death.


Healthy food to eat when you have AIDS

If you have been diagnosed with AIDS or HIV, you cannot afford to eat unhealthy foods. If your immune system is weak, any disease can get a foothold in your body and rapidly get out of control. In fact, some people with weakened immune systems actually die from food poisoning. So, if you want to live a long and healthy life, then it is best that you choose what you eat carefully.


The life span of those infected with AIDS

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the life expectancy of people infected with AIDS is increasing. The report shows that in many countries, including Ethiopia, Russia, Thailand and Uganda, an HIV-infected person can live up to two decades after diagnosis. A person who is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can live a long, healthy life. What they can not do is stop the progression of infection to AIDS without medication. According to Johns Hopkins University, people infected with HIV may die from an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related illness 10 years or more after their initial exposure if they do not receive antiretroviral therapy.


Conclusion

To ensure that you remain healthy, it’s important to get tested regularly. If you are currently infected with HIV, it’s vital to get the treatment you need in order to live a long and healthy life. There is still a lot of work to be done in order to eradicate HIV from our world. With the proper education and support, we can help those affected by HIV live long, happy lives. To learn more about how you can help with the fight against HIV.  The truth about HIV/AIDS is scary and overwhelming, but it is an important topic to educate yourself about. We hope this article has provided you with a better understanding of the disease and how you can fight it.

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