Aids

[introduction mode of transmission symptoms -history and present state effects -methods of prevention]

AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome in full, is the medical condition which is resulted from the infection of retrovirus HIV (human immunodeficiency Virus), that destroys the immune system of the body. Once the Virus attacks, it begins to destroy some types of white blood cell gradually leaving the victim more and more vulnerable to many other infections that ultimately lead to death. But the complete symptoms of AIDS may not develop for more than 10 years after infection.

HIV has certain modes of transmissions. It transmits largely through sexual intercourse with an infected partner. HIV transmissions also occur through medical transfusions of infected blood. But the case is now quite rare because of careful screening of blood supply. It also transmits from an infected mother to her baby who can inherit the virus before or during labour, or through suckling of breasts. But now the baby can be protected almost completely through medical care. A large number of cases of transmissions are accounted for intravenous use of drugs where there are great chances of sharing infected needles. Because HIV cannot survive when exposed to the environment, transmission does not occur through non-sexual contacts and communalities.

The symptoms of HIV infection are observed over three main stages. In the first three weeks, the infected person experiences flu-like symptoms that may include fever, headache, skin rash, tender lumps, and malaise. In this stage, HIV multiplies very actively. It circulates through the blood and attacks all body tissues. The second stage is the period of as much as 10 years or more, of no clear symptoms during which the patient feels healthy,-though the virus is destroying the immune system. The end stage is characterized by neurological complications, progressing fatigue and dramatic weight loss along with opportunistic infections and cancer that cause death.

AIDS was first detected in Africa in 1983. It has been rapidly spreading. eversince throughout the world. Over 25 million people are estimated to have died from AIDS worldwide by the start of this millennium. Approximately 40,000 Americans are estimated to be newly infected with HIV each year though there are intensive efforts on to control transmissions.

 At least one third of the adult population is now infected in subSaharan countries such as Botswana, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Infection rates are currently rising fastest in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. There are also rapidly growing epidemics in China, ' with 1 million HIV-positive people, and in India with 4 million. In Nepal more than 100000 people are supposed to be living with HIV infection. The infection is growing due to various factors such as girl trafficking, prostitution, lack of awareness tourism development and drug addiction.

The epidemic has serious effects on individuals, families . and societies. The governments have pressure’ to care for the infected as well as their dependants who are often young children and elderly people. The economic development is . obstructed due to lack of manpower and capital. AIDS is not
curable but it is preventable. It can be prevented largely by developing safe sex behaviour and using of safe blood and' sterilized needles. Awareness is all the more important.