introduction
The epidemic of AIDS, at one time, was spreading like a forest fire all over the world. Thanks to the dedicated operations throughout the world, this is why more people are becoming aware of AIDS - not only how dangerous it is, but what is the reason for it and how it is treated. The more information we have, the better we will be able to fight this disease. Therefore, it is important that we know about this syndrome as much as possible, so that it can help prevent its motion.
Causes of AIDS / HIV
AIDS is caused by HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. It is a retrovirus, which means that it replicates the DNA copy of its genome into the host cells. In this case, host cells are white blood cells called T-helper cells or CD4 cells, which are part of the immune system. HIV destroys these cells and creates copies of itself, thereby weakening the human immune system. Practically, this reduces our ability to fight diseases with time. This does not mean that every person who is HIV positive has AIDS. However, if treatment is not done on time, then AIDS develops in the body of HIV positive person.
AIDS / HIV transmission
HIV can be transferred in three ways:
HIV can be passed through blood transfusion, although these days it is quite unusual. Most advanced countries have strict blood tests prior to the procedure that blood transfusion is not infected. However, there is another way for blood to pass from one person to another and it is through sharing of needles that many drug users often do. If these needles are shared by someone who is HIV-positive, then the virus is transferred to that person with which they are sharing.
Perinatal - If a pregnant mother is HIV-positive, her child may have to undergo a virus. It can occur during pregnancy, during or after delivery, or during breastfeeding.
Sexual transmission - HIV can be transferred through the sharing of body fluids during sexual intercourse. These liquids contain genital, rectal and oral fluids. This means that without the protection of condoms, the virus can be transmitted through oral, illegal or viral sex. This can happen even when sex toys are shared with someone who is HIV-positive.
Symptoms of AIDS / HIV
HIV is not always easily recognizable symptoms. However, some symptoms can depend on how much of its progress in the body.
Early signs- At this stage, everyone does not see signs of being HIV positive. Even so, 80 percent of HIV-positive people do not see the symptoms of flu. These symptoms usually include cold, fever, muscular pain, joint pain, night sweats, sore throat, red spots, increased glands, weakness, fatigue, thrust and weight loss. However, these symptoms also appear when the body is fighting with other viral infections. Therefore, those who are currently in the danger of HIV contract should be tested immediately.
Asymptomatic HIV- After symptoms of early stage, HIV positive people do not see any other symptoms for months or years. This does not mean that the virus is inactive. This is the time when the virus is attacking CD4 cells and weakening the immune system. Without proper medication, this process is still going on when the person does not see any symptoms.
Symptoms of late-stage- In this phase, due to the virus, the immune system is already weakened, causing the person to become weak for many infections from light to severe, and the strength to fight those infections is over. This is the stage that is known as AIDS. Symptoms of this stage include chronic diarrhea, blurred vision, fever, weeks, dry cough, persistent fatigue, sweating in the night, glands which have semolina until, shortness of breath or shortness of breath, white spots on the mouth and tongue, and weight phenomena It is possible.
Once the progress of the disease reaches that stage, where AIDS is more or less likely, a patient becomes susceptible to other diseases like tuberculosis.
Treatment of AIDS or HIV
There is no cure for AIDS or HIV at this time. Since HIV is a retrovirus that copies the host cell's DNA with copies of its own DNA, the best way to disrupt its transmission is ART or antiretroviral therapy. It is a medicine therapeutic that prevents the virus from replicating, so that its progress slows down or stops from spreading. It is best to start treatment in early stages of the transition so that the immune system is not significantly affected. In the latter stage, this treatment can be combined with other medicines to treat the other diseases that have occurred in patients due to weak immunity.
Conclusion
Once the patient finds out that he is HIV-positive, it becomes difficult to handle himself. However, with the help of treatment available to prevent the spread of the disease, patients suffering from HIV can still lead a long, healthy and productive life.