AIDS and HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or, as it is more commonly called, HIV, is a virus which attacks the immune system. When the lymphocytes are affected, the immune system is suppressed and is no longer able to work properly. An immune system which fails to operate at its proper capacity is no longer able to resist diseases and other infections. When the cells of the immune system have decreased to such a low level as to have virtually no ability to protect the body from infections, this stage is known as AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

The main ways in which HIV is transmitted include unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, use of or contact with needles which have been used by an infected person, and receiving blood from infected donors. These days, transmission through blood transfusions is quite rare, as donated blood is routinely tested for HIV as well as donations being refused from individuals who are in a high-risk category. HIV can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child through breastfeeding. In addition, a person can contract HIV from an infected person’s open, bleeding wounds.

Although there is currently no cure for either AIDS or HIV, there have been breakthroughs in treatment which can slow the progression of these diseases. In some instances the patient’s symptoms can be made less severe. This means that while a person who has been infected with HIV may have a longer life-expectancy through the use of these treatments, the course of his or her lifespan can be made less painful and less difficult.

The problems most frequently associated with treatment include the high cost of antiretroviral drugs, the disease progressing to a later stage before treatment is begun, and numerous side-effects from the drugs. Nerve damage, psychiatric difficulties, and worsening other preexisting conditions, are amongst the most common side effects of antiretroviral drugs.

While more funding has been going into AIDS research, the most sensible course of action is to protect yourself from contracting this incurable disease. Abstinence, monogamy, or using protection during all sexual activity can help you to avoid contracting HIV. Taking care that you do not expose yourself to other people’s blood and other bodily fluids is also important. While refraining from intravenous drug use should be a part of your basic health and life plan anyway, it is important to be sure that you are not exposed to needles which other people may have used.