HIV and AIDS have emerged as one of the most deadliest killers in the 21st century. Not only the death rates are high, but it affects and kills people from all age groups, ethnicities and both sexes. There is a common misconception that AIDS is spread only through sexual activity with unknown partners. This is not true for there are many other innocous routes with which HIV virus can be transmitted.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This syndrome basically means a decline in the cell lines of white blood cells, which are responsible for defending the body against foreign germs and bacteria etc. When the white blood cells are themselves infected and destroyed, the body is unable to produce new lines of cells as fast as needed, and the body becomes vulnerable to the huge variety of diseases from which it was protected for so long. Therefore, AIDS patients are likely to suffer from the most simplest of diseases in normal human terms, and may end up dying because of it due to a decrease in the immunity. In such cases, the development of cancers is another very common complication, as white blood cells also keep in check the mutinous lines of body cells which have potential to grow into cancer.
AIDS is spread through body secretions and fluid, and these include mucous membrances and their exposure to infected blood or specimen when injured. Other sources of spread of HIV or Human Deficiency Virus include blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid and breast milk etc. While sexual contact has been termed the most common cause of infection among homosexuals, the other routes of infection includes the reuse or infection with needles that were exposed to HIV containing blood or fluid, through blood transfusion, and when a woman already exposed with HIV becomes pregnant. This form of transmission in the case of mother to child is vertical transmission of the disease.
The main problem with this condition is that it may remain in the body for many years without causing any damage or signs, and during this time, the person may be involved in routine activities that may contribute to the spread such as donating blood. The spouse is very likely to get infected with HIV should no precautions are taken. Therefore, when going for HIV testing, it is important that both spouses undertake the test, so that the status of both can be known.
The treatment of AIDS at this moment is not available. There are no vaccines or medicines that can remedy AIDS at the moment. Therefore, the best treatment plan is to avoid the causes of AIDS in the first place. People should have regular blood tests done to check whether they have become infected with HIV. In the case of women, it may potentially save the child’s life, for good early interventions and techniques have made it possible that HIV positive mothers can deliver HIV negative children. The use of disposable syringes should be mandatory, and a person should ensure that he or she receive medical treatment from places where there is a strict protocol regarding use of sterile equipment, and proper disposal facilitations. Usually many hospitals employ incineration methods to dispose off of waste material, and such method of disposal is the most effective in preventing further spread of HIV.
Through proper care and practicing safe sexual practices, one can ensure his or her freedom from HIV. Therefore seeking proper guidance and information from health resources can ensure prevention and awarness regarding the illness and ensure risk free life of HIV and AIDS.