AIDS

AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. The disease of AIDS is caused by retrovirus known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). AIDS virus attacks white blood cells of human beings and weakens the human body is immunity or self – defence mechanism. Since AIDS virus reduces the natural immunity of the human body, therefore the patients suffering from AIDS becomes prone to many other infections or diseases. In fact, the patients suffering from AIDS die from other infections. Death occurs because the patient’s body cannot resist the attack of pathogens of secondary infections since patient’s natural defence mechanism has been destroyed by AIDS virus.

 

TRANSMISSION OF AIDS

(1)    The AIDS disease usually spreads through unprotected (i.e., without the use of condoms) sexual contact with an infected person carrying AIDS virus. Thus, AIDS is sexually transmitted viral disease.

(2)    The AIDS disease also spreads through the transfusion of blood contaminated with AIDS virus.

(3)    The AIDS disease spreads through the use of infected needles for injections (i.e., sharing of infected infection needles which have not been satisfied).

(4)    An AIDS infected mother can transmit the virus to her child during pregnancy or during birth (i.e., by mother’s blood).

AIDS was first detected in USA in 1981 and in India, first confirmed evidence of AIDS infection came in April 1986 from Tamil Nadu. The AIDS disease has spread in epidemic form in Africa and western countries. This is because of the undesirable sexual practices, polygamy and polyandry. Recently alarming increasing cases of AIDS have been repoted from different parts of India.

SYMPTOMS OF AIDS

Some important symptoms of AIDS are the following: swollen lymph nodes; regular fever; sweating at night and weight loss. AIDS virus causes severe damage to brain and may lead to loss of memory, ability to speak and of clear thinking.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

So far no medicine or vaccines has been developed to cure AIDS, so, once a person gets AIDS, he is sure to die in a short span of time. The following steps may help in controlling infection of this dreaded disease.

(1)    People should be educated about AIDS transmission.

(2)    Disposal syringes and needles should be used for injection.

(3)    Sexual contact with the unknown person should be avoided.

(4)    High risks groups should refrain from donating blood.

(5)    Sterilized needles may be provided to drug addicts.

(6)    Before receiving blood for transfusion, one should ensure that it has screened for HIV.

(7)    The common razor at the barber’s shop should not be used.