|
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
AIDS is not really a disease but a condition of the immune system. When HIV infects the human body, it targets the T-cells, cells which play an integral part in the function of the immune system. The virus introduces its own DNA into that of an infected cell, altering its function from that of an immune system cell to a factory for the production of more viruses. The T-cell's capability to support the immune system is destroyed and diseases and infections which a healthy and functioning immune system could normally fight off can infect the body. People who are infected with HIV but still have adequately functioning immune systems and have not yet contracted any diseases as a result of an impaired immune system are called HIV-positive. Only when they have contracted one or more diseases as a result of an impaired immune system or have a T-cell count below a specified level can they be said to have AIDS. It is inaccurate to say that a person dies of AIDS. Rather, people die from one or more diseases or conditions which are a result of their bodies' impaired ability to fight off infection. Therefore, a more accurate description is that they have died from an AIDS related condition or complications of AIDS. Pneumonia, kidney, heart and liver infections, and kaposi's sarcoma are the most common infections associated with AIDS. A person's ability to survive various forms of cancer can also be severely impaired by AIDS. Thanks to new developments in drugs and therapy, HIV infection is not the death sentence it once was, and even people who have contracted AIDS can expect to live for several years, even decades. However, AIDS is still a very real threat and should be taken seriously. Therapy for HIV and AIDS is expensive, even with insurance, and while the onset of AIDS can be delayed for up to twenty years or more, and people with AIDS are living longer, current statistics show that the condition remains ultimately fatal, and the drug therapies used do not work for everyone. Even when they are not fatal, the various diseases and infections associated with AIDS can be very painful and unpleasant, and can recur numerous times. Anyone who engages in behavior which is known to transmit HIV is at risk for the disease, regardless of sexuality, gender, age, race, nationality, or any other class or distinction. Those who are already infected with one form of HIV and continue risky behavior can be infected with other strains of the virus, which can speed up the onset of AIDS and increase its severity. For these reasons, everyone should remain aware of the means by which HIV is transmitted and take steps to prevent it. Those who use intravenous drugs should avoid sharing needles or better yet enter rehab to stop the use of such drugs. Those who get tattoos or piercings should insure that all equipment used is properly sterilized or better yet avoid this fad altogether. Those who choose to be sexually active should limit the number of sex partners they have and practice safe sex. Persons living with someone who is HIV-positive or who has AIDS should avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes, or other implements which can be contaminated with infected blood. Expectant mothers should be especially careful to avoid these behaviors, since HIV can be transmitted from the mother to infants in the womb. Those already infected are advised to take anit-HIV drugs, choose caeserean births, and to not breast feed their babies. The odds for both HIV infection and the onset of AIDS can also be reduced through proper diet and nutrition, regular exercise, and a positive attitude. Above all, the greatest weapon against AIDS is education. The Body - AIDS and HIV Information Resource AIDS Research Information Center World Health Organization: HIV/AIDS Surveillance Center for AIDS Prevention Studies American Foundation for AIDS Research
|
|||||||||
