Basic Facts About AIDS & HIV

AIDS & HIV is the one of the most dreaded virus of all times. No other malady or disease has attracted so much human dread and attention as has this virus.

This infection has caught the attention and dread of the world because of one primary reason. And that is - there is no known cure for this infection. This alone is sufficient to cause utmost fear.

So it is in fitness of things that present basic information on this topic.

Here are the basic facts related to AIDS/HIV:

What is HIV ?
HIV stands for Human Immuno Deficiency Virus

What is Aids?
AIDS stands for "Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome". It is signified by the later stages of infection with HIV virus which damages the immune system of the body. This results in infection by opportunistic germs and organisms and increased chances of malignancy. This part has no cure.

How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV is transmitted by :

• Unprotected sex with a person already infected with HIV. this seems to be the most predominant method of infection.
• Sharing of needles contaminated with HIV infected blood.
• transfusion of infected blood and blood products. This is rare as blood is always tested before transfusion as per FDA regulations

What is the effect of HIV on Pregnancy?
HIV does not appear to affect the development of unborn child. In fact the main danger that HIV poses during pregnancy is the risk of infecting the baby by transmission of virus across placenta.

Can one get HIV from casual contact?
No. You do not get HIV from these activities

1. Working together
2. Sharing food
3. Shaking hands
4. Hugging
5. Sharing living spaces like rooms, toilet etc.

This implies a HIV infected person is not to be discriminated against. This guideline is spelt out in the WHO publication also.

Can one identify a person with HIV?
No. Not from physical attributes or appearance. HIV virus can remain in human body for years before manifesting physical symptoms. Only a blood test can reveal a HIV infection.

Are there drugs available to treat AIDS?
No. Not yet. But there are combination of drugs called as HAART that are used to decrease the HIV infection in the affected person's blood and make him feel healthier and postpone the symptoms from appearing.
Any vaccine to protect against this disease?
No, not as of now. But we would like to see is soon.

How to protect oneself from the infection?
The adage Prevention is Better than Cure seems very apt here, as there is no cure for this infection. Here are some tips:

1. Abstain promiscuous lifestyle - no multiple partners in sex
2. No sharing of Needles for any purpose
3. Donot come in contact with blood
4. Ensure disposable needles are used for injection, if ever.

The role and importance of bringing about awareness and education is of prime importance in order arrest the spread of AIDs & HIV. We do have hope now as more faster and efficient communication means are with us. Lets hope for a speedy curbs to the spread and its eventual eradication from planet earth.

Below are some Useful and Informative Links on AIDS & HIV
More Information About Aids
Official U.S. Government Web site managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Information Education and Action
Official Journal of the International Aids Society