AIDS A Horrendous Disease
Many theories have been adduced to unravel the mystery shrouding the origin of AIDS, but none is perfect. The first few cases of AIDS came to light in the early eighties. A victim of the disease of AIDS was found in 1981. Having a very low resistance to diseases he later succumbed to pneumonia. The term AIDS was actually coined in 1982. After much debate the virus was called HIV, i.e., Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Some Facts About AIDS
A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician, according to AIDS definition Over the time, the infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty in fighting certain bacteria causing infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. Many of the infections that cause problems or that can be life-threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system.
Difference between HIV and AIDS
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
H - Human because this virus can only infect human beings.
I- Immunodeficiency because the effect of the virus is to create a deficiency, a failure to work properly, within the body's immune system.
V -Virus because this organism is a virus which means one of its characteristics is that it is incapable of reproducing by itself. It reproduces taking over the machinery of the human cell.
A - Acquired because it's a condition one must acquire or get infected with; not something transmitted through the genes.
I- Immuno because it affects the body's immune system, the part of the body which usually works to fight germs such as bacteria and viruses.
D. Deficiency because it makes the immune system deficient (makes it not work properly).
S- Syndrome because someone with AIDS may experience a wide range of different diseases and opportunistic infections.
How Long does it take for HIV to Cause AIDS?
Currently, the average time between HIV infection and the appearance of signs that could lead to an AIDS diagnosis, is 8-11 years. This time varies from person-to-person and can depend on many factors including a person's health status and lifestyle. Today, there are medical treatments that can slow down the action of HIV that weakens the immune system. There are other treatments to prevent or cure some of the illnesses associated with AIDS. As with other diseases, early detection offers more options for treatment and preventive health care.
What's the Connection between HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) can increase a person's risk of becoming infected with HIV, whether or not that STD causes lesions or cracks in the skin. If the STD infection causes irritation of the skin, cracks or sores may make it prone for HIV to enter the body during sexual contact. Even an STD that causes no cracks or sores can stimulate an immune response in the genital area that can make HIV transmission more likely.
Where did HIV Come from?
The most recent presentation on the origin of HIV was presented at the 6th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (Chicago, January, 1999). At that conference, research was presented and suggested that HIV had crossed over into the human population from a particular species of chimpanzee, probably through blood contact that occurred during hunting and field dressing of the animals. The findings of researches presented at this conference provided the strongest evidence to date that HIV 1 originated in non-human primates.
We know that the virus has existed in the United States, Haiti and Africa since at least 1977-78. In 1979, rare types of pneumonia, cancer and other illnesses were reported by doctors in Los Angeles and New York. The common threat was that these conditions were not usually found in persons with healthy immune systems. In 1982, the centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially named the AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome). In 1984, the virus responsible for weakening the immune system was identified as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
Extents of HIV Infections and AIDS Epidemic
Gains continue to be made in the response to the global HIV epidemie. New HIV infections are falling, fewer people are dying of AIDS-related causes and more people with HIV are living longer.
There were 2.7 million (2.4 to 2.9 million) new HIV infections in 2010, down 21% from the peak of the global epidemic in 1997. HIV incidence has fallen in 33 countries, 22 of them in sub-Saharan Africa, the region most affected by the AIDS epidemie.
Declines in new HIV infections across the world have been spurred in particular by changes in behaviour among young people, sex workers and their clients, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and transgender people, as well as by greatly increased access to HIV prevention services.
Increased access to services for eliminating new HIV infections among children and keeping mothers alive has led to a 30% drop in the annual number of new infections among children since 2002 and 2003.
An estimated 390000 (340000-450000) children were newly infected with HIV in 2010. At the end of 2010, an estimated 34 million (31.6 to 35.2 million) people were living with HIV worldwide, up 17% from 2001. This reflects both new HIV infections and the significant expansion of Antiretroviral therapy, which is helping to reduce AIDS related deaths. HIV prevalence declined among young people (aged 15-24 years) in at least 21 of 24 countries with national HIV prevalence of 1% or higher.
An estimated 6.6 million people in low and middle-income countries were receiving HIV treatment. At the end of 2010, an increase of more than 1.35 million over 2009 and nearly half of those eligible. As a consequence of expanded treatment, AIDS-related deaths are decreasing, and growing number of people with HIV are living longer and productive lives.
The number of people dying from AIDS-related causes fell to 1.8 million (1.6 to 19 million) in 2010, down from a peak of 2.2 million (2.1 to 2.5 million) in the mid 2000s. A total of 2.5 million AIDS related deaths have been averted since 1995, due to Antiretroviral therapy being introduced according to new calculations by UNAIDS.
How to Find if One is Infected with HIV?
The only way to determine is to be tested for HIV infection. One can't rely on symptoms to know whether it is HIV infection or not. Many people infected with HIV don't have symptoms for many years. The symptoms associated with AIDS are similar to the symptoms of many other diseases. AIDS is a diagnosis made by a doctor based on specific tests.
Symptoms of HIV
Primary HIV infection is the first stage of this disease, when the virus first establishes itself in the body. Some researchers use the term 'Acute HIV infection' to describe the period of time between when a person is first infected with HIV and when antibodies against the virus are produced by the body (usually 6-12 weeks).
Some people, newly infected with HIV, experience some flu-like symptoms. These symptoms, which usually last for a few days, might include fevers, chills, night sweats and rashes (not cold-like symptoms). Other people either do not experience 'acute infection,' or have symptoms so mild that they may not notice them.
The general character of the symptoms of acute infection, can easily have causes other than HIV, such as flu, e.g., if one had some riek for HIV a few days ago and are now experiencing flu-like symptoms, HIV might be responsible for the symptoms, or might have been some other viral infections.
Symptoms of AIDS
There are no common symptoms for individuals diagnosed with AIDS. When immune system damage is more severe, people may experience opportunistic nfections, because they are caused by organisms which cannot induce disease with normal immune systems, but take the opportunity to flourish with HIV. Most of these more severe infections, diseases and symptoms fall under the centres for Disease Control's definition of full-blown AIDS.
How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another through the following
(a) Blood (including menstrual blood)
(b) Semen
(c) Vaginal secretions
(d) Breast milk Blood contains the highest concentration of the virus followed by semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
Activities that can cause HIV Transmission
Direct blood contact, including injecting drug needles, blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings or certain blood products, unprotected sexual intercourse in the genitals and the rectum. In such cases, HIV may infect the mucous membranes directly or enter through cuts and sores caused during intercourse (many of which would be unnoticed). Vaginal and anal intercourse is a high-risk practice.
Oral sex The risk of HIV transmission through the throat, gums and oral membranes is lower than that through vaginal or anal membranes. There are, however, some cases where HIV was transmitted orally. So, we can't say that getting HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluid or blood in the mouth is without risk. However, oral sex is considered a low risk practice.
Sharing injection needles An injection needle can pass blood directly from one person to another. This practice is common in drug addicted persons. It is a very efficient way to transmit a blood-borne virus. Sharing needles is a high-risk practice.
Mother to child It is possible for an HIV-infected mother to pass the virus directly before or during birth, or through breast milk. Breast milk contains HIV, and while small amounts of breast milk do not pose significant threat of infection to adults, it is a viable means of transmission to infants. The 'bodily fluids' like saliva, tears,sweat, faces, urine etc., are not considered as infections.
Can One get HIV from Kissing?
Casual contact through closed-mouth or 'social kissing involves no risk for transmission of HIV. Because of the potential for contact with blood during 'French' or Open-mouth Wet Kissing, doctors recommend to avoid this activity with a person known to be infected. However, the risk of acquiring HIV during open-mouth kissing is believed to be very low.
Can one get HIV from casual contact (shaking hands, hugging, using a toilet, drinking from the same glass, or by sneezing and coughing of an infected person)?
No, HIV is not transmitted by day-to-day contact in the home, the workplace, schools or social sittings. HIV is not transmitted through shaking hands, hugging or a casual kiss. One cannot get infected from a toilet seat, a drinking fountain, a doorknob, dishes, drinking glasses, food or pets.
HIV is a fragile virus that cannot live long outside the body. HIV is not an airborne or food borne virus. HIV is present in the blood, semen or vaginal secretions of an infected person and can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, or through sharing injection drug needles.
Can a Woman Transmit HIV to a Man during Vaginal Intercourse?
Yes, if the woman is infected, HIV is present in vaginal and cervical secretions and can enter the penis through the urethra or through cuts or abrasions on the skin of the penis. The presence of other STDs can increase the risk of transmission. The correct and consistent use of a latex condom or female condom can reduce the risk of transmitting HIV during vaginal intercourse.
How Effective are Latex Condoms in Preventing HIV?
Several studies have demonstrated that latex condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV transmission, when used correctly and consistently.
What if One is HIV-Positive?
If one gets HIV-positive, early medical treatment, a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude can help one stay well. Prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions.
How Long after a Possible Exposure should one be Tested for HIV?
The time it takes for a person who has been infected with HIV to seroconvert (test positive) for HIV antibodies is commonly called the 'Window Period'. "When a person is infected with the HIV virus, statistics show that 95-97% (perhaps higher) of all infected individuals develop antibodies within 12 weeks (3 months)". The National CDC says that in some cases, six months to seroconvert (test positive). At this point, the results would be 99.9% accurate.
What does this Mean for a Person?
The three months window period is normal for approximately 95% of the population. If you feel any anxiety about relying on the 3 months result, by all may take means you should have another test at 6 months.
Is there Anything One can do to Stay Healthy?
In short, the answer is yes. There are things that one can do and stay healthy.
Emotional support may be very important for HIV-positive people because it breaks the isolation and provides a safe way of sharing both feelings and practical information.
*Do the New Drugs we hear About Cure AIDS?
At present, there is no cure for AIDS, but these drugs help to prolong the lives of many people with AIDS and delay the onset of AIDS in many people with HIV.
Owing to the rapid pace, it has spread all over the world. It has earned a veritable state of Pandemic. The situation has been very grave in the USA, Thailand and many African, Central American and East Asian countries. It is estimated that the developing countries account for 84% of the total HIV infectants.
The lower strata of the society are more prone to HIV due to poverty, illiteracy, lack of access to the proper counselling and medical facilities. Despite the best efforts of NGOs, voluntary social workers, a large number of people living are oblivious of the dreaded effects of the AIDS. The most common mode of AIDS transmission is through sexual intercourse, when one of the partners is HIV-positive. It can be transmitted from a mother to her infant in the womb, though the chances are 25%. Transmission of the disease by HIV contaminated blood transfusion is also common. Illiterate and ignorant people treat AIDS as a retribution and ostracise the affected people. That AIDS to HIV patients, woes, and they are driven away from their homes and jobs, and all social bonds are delinked. Indian women are the worst affected, for they have to strive to succeed as mothers and wives despite being bed-ridden. In most of the cases, they are excommunicated and left to die. These social trends and behaviours make AIDS more horrendous and more dreaded. India has launched a National Campaign to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
Phase I (1992-99) of the programme was implemented across the country with objective to slow the spread of HIV to reduce future morbidity, mortality, and the impact of AIDS by initiating a major effort in the prevention of HIV transmission.
Phase II (1999-2006) was aimed at reducing spread of HIV infection in India and strengthen India's capacity to respond to HIV epidemic on long-term basis.
Phase III (2007-12) is based on the experiences and lessons drawn from NACP I and II, and is built upon their strengths. Its priorities and thrust areas are drawn up accordingly, and include the consideration that more than 99% of the population in the country is free from infection. NACP III places the highest priority on preventive efforts while, at the same time, seeks to integrate prevention with care, support and treatment.
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