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AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is a dangerous disease that has caused many deaths around the world. Scientists first found this disease in 1980. It happens because of a virus called HIV. This virus enters the body and makes the immune system weak. Because of this, the body cannot fight other infections properly. AIDS is a long-term illness and can be life-threatening. Right now, there is no full cure for it. Read below to learn more about its symptoms and treatment.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is a blood borne virus which spreads through retroviruses. Presently, there are two types of retrovirus, HIV – 1 and HIV – 2. The virus destroys the CD4 T lymphocyte in the body and makes the immune function weak. This damage makes the patient vulnerable to fighting any infection. It also lowers the WBC count in the body, due to which they can easily catch viral diseases. Presently, there is no definite cure for AIDS. However, early detection and treatment slow down the process of virus multiplication.
Symptoms Of AIDS
AIDS is a life-threatening condition that has no cure as of now. However, you can detect it in early stages by carefully checking the given symptoms:
- Constant tiredness
- Unexplained and rapid loss of body weight
- Diarrhoea that lasts for a long time
- Frequent infections
- High body temperature that stays above 37°C
- A cough that stays for weeks and doesn’t improve
- Breathing feels harder or shorter than usual
- Glands in the neck or armpits staying swollen for weeks
- Excessive sweating at night, soaking clothes or sheets
- Skin problems like rashes or sores that don’t heal
- Blurred or unclear vision
- White patches in the mouth or on the tongue
- Ongoing fever and body weakness
- Nervous system issues like confusion or trouble focusing
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Stages Of AIDS
AIDS has a total of four stages, and each stage has its symptoms. As the stages advance, the disease starts becoming fatal for the patient. Here are more details of the same:
- Primary HIV infection.
This is the first stage of an AIDS infection. The symptoms develop two to four weeks after the person is infected. It begins with a simple flu, and during this virus multiplies very fast. The human body starts producing an immune response to reduce the viral load through acute seroconversion.
- Chronic HIV
This stage does not have any visible symptoms, and the patient remains asymptomatic all the time. The only way to detect the infection is by undergoing a clinical test. However, if this stage is left untreated, then the disease progresses very quickly.
- Symptomatic HIV
This is the stage in which the virus starts showing its effects by damaging health. The immune system starts to weaken due to the body becomes vulnerable to infections. Some common symptoms of this stage are fever, weight loss, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Advanced AIDS
Advanced AIDS is the final stage of HIV, where the immune system is badly damaged. It usually takes 8 to 10 years for full symptoms to appear. This stage is identified by checking viral load, CD4 count, and certain infections.
How Does AIDS Spread?
AIDS is a serious illness that spreads through different ways. The most common way in which HIV spreads to different people. Apart from this, here are some other ways in which it is transmitted from one person to another.
Sexual Transmission
An HIV patient can infect a normal healthy adult with AIDS via sexual intercourse. This typically happens if they get intimate in the absence of a contraceptive. The virus easily enters the body via semen, thus infecting the person.
Mother to Child Transmission
A mother can transfer AIDS to her unborn child if she is infected during pregnancy. The major reason could be that she was already carrying HIV. She can pass off the virus during childbirth and breastfeeding as well. Although the chances are very less but ART therapy reduces the risk of transmission.
Blood to Blood
This is another way in which the AIDS virus gets transmitted. Using contaminated needles or unsterilised instruments leads to infection. Therefore, you should always look for hygiene during medical procedures.
Sharing Intimate Items
You should avoid sharing items related to personal hygiene. This includes razors or toothbrushes as they contain traces of blood and saliva.
Treatment Of AIDS
Medical professionals and doctors are doing research, but they have not yet found any permanent treatment for AIDS. However, there are some medicines that slow down the progress of the infection in the body. Similarly, people can also go for other therapies that slow down the virus load.
One such popular therapy is the antiretroviral therapy. In this, doctors prescribe medicines that slow down the replication speed of the virus. This therapy has helped a lot of HIV patients to live a happy life.
Prevention Of AIDS
Prevention is one of the best ways to avoid the infection of AIDS from spreading. Read on to know about the common ways in which you can prevent:
- Always use contraceptives during sexual activities
- The injection that you use for taking drugs should be sterile. Do not use shared injections or needles
- Go for regular checkups for sexually transmitted infections, as it reduces the risk of HIV infection
- Limit the number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of HIV.
AIDS Full Form FAQs
Is there any cure for AIDS?
No, there is no cure for AIDS, but you can use contraceptives and maintain hygiene to prevent it.
How does AIDS spread?
AIDS spreads through unprotected sexual intercourse or sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes.
Are there any symptoms of AIDS?
Yes, the early symptoms of AIDS are flu and weakness in the body.
What is the full form of AIDS?
The full form of AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
What are the 4 stages of AIDS?
The four stages of AIDS are primary, chronic, symptomatic, and advanced.
