Write a note on control and preventive measures of AIDS.
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Since it was discovered in 1983, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has wreaked a lot of havoc in the world. AIDS, the disease that results from it, is the fourth most common cause of death worldwide. Find out how to protect yourself against this serious infection.
HIV and AIDS: a few facts
There are several myths surrounding HIV and AIDS, so it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction. It is important to look at this issue because of the magnitude of its implications when such an infection strikes. Fortunately, preventive measures and the development of medication have contributed to limiting its consequences on Canadians. However, there is still a lot to be done to raise public awareness on the issues surrounding the disease, both at a national and global level.
The HIV infection is characterized by the progressive destruction of the immune system after the virus has attacked very specific body cells: the lymphocytic T4 (or CD4) cells. At this stage, an individual is said to be infected with HIV or to be “HIV positive”.
After the disease has progressed for several years, generally without any symptoms, the drop of CD4 cell levels brings the individual to the “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome” stage (AIDS). Typical characteristics of the disease include the development of “opportunistic” infections, which are caused by germs that usually do not affect individuals in good health. AIDS can also contribute to the development of some forms of cancer. The presence of the virus can also lead to other problems such as lesions to the nervous or digestive systems, or to the muscles or kidneys.
If untreated, AIDS is a progressive life-threatening disease. Treatment significantly prolongs life expectancy.
How do you get AIDS?
As is the case for most viruses, HIV is contagious. It is transmitted through biofluids containing high quantities of the virus such as blood, sperm, vaginal secretions and breast milk.
The virus can be transmitted in various ways, including:
Sexually, during unprotected sexual intercourse;
through drug or medication abuse, using dirty syringes;
through pregnancy via the umbilical cord, when giving birth or when breastfeeding;
through blood and blood products, during blood transfusions.
HIV and AIDS: a few facts
There are several myths surrounding HIV and AIDS, so it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction. It is important to look at this issue because of the magnitude of its implications when such an infection strikes. Fortunately, preventive measures and the development of medication have contributed to limiting its consequences on Canadians. However, there is still a lot to be done to raise public awareness on the issues surrounding the disease, both at a national and global level.
The HIV infection is characterized by the progressive destruction of the immune system after the virus has attacked very specific body cells: the lymphocytic T4 (or CD4) cells. At this stage, an individual is said to be infected with HIV or to be “HIV positive”.
After the disease has progressed for several years, generally without any symptoms, the drop of CD4 cell levels brings the individual to the “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome” stage (AIDS). Typical characteristics of the disease include the development of “opportunistic” infections, which are caused by germs that usually do not affect individuals in good health. AIDS can also contribute to the development of some forms of cancer. The presence of the virus can also lead to other problems such as lesions to the nervous or digestive systems, or to the muscles or kidneys.
If untreated, AIDS is a progressive life-threatening disease. Treatment significantly prolongs life expectancy.
How do you get AIDS?
As is the case for most viruses, HIV is contagious. It is transmitted through biofluids containing high quantities of the virus such as blood, sperm, vaginal secretions and breast milk.
The virus can be transmitted in various ways, including:
Sexually, during unprotected sexual intercourse;
through drug or medication abuse, using dirty syringes;
through pregnancy via the umbilical cord, when giving birth or when breastfeeding;
through blood and blood products, during blood transfusions.
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