Acquired Immunodeficiency Disorder, also popularly referred to as AIDS is still one of the biggest worldwide public health problems. Despite decades of awareness-raising campaigns and improvements in treatment, misunderstandings and stigmas continue to be a part of the disease. Knowing the nature of AIDS is and how it is developed, and ways to be managed or prevented is crucial in the fight against this life-threatening disease.
What is AIDS?
AIDS can be described as the highest-grade form that can be a sign of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. While HIV is a virus, AIDS is the disease which can be triggered when HIV is not treated. AIDS is a severe affliction on immunity, leaving the body more susceptible to infections that are opportunistic and some cancers.
AIDS is not a sudden event. It is the last stage of an decline in the immune system. When diagnosed promptly and properly, treatment, a lot of people with HIV do not get AIDS and can lead healthy, long lives.
The Connection Between HIV and AIDS
To fully comprehend AIDS it is crucial to know the way HIV functions. HIV is a threat to cells in the human body, known as CD4 cells, a form of white blood cells that play an essential role within the body’s immune system. As time passes, if untreated, HIV reduces the number of these cells, which weakens the immune system.
An individual is diagnosed as having AIDS at the time their CD4 cell count falls below 200 per millimeter blood. This can happen when people experience certain types of opportunistic diseases or cancers that are common for those with impaired immune systems.
How AIDS Develops Over Time
The transition from HIV to AIDS is a gradual process:
- Acute HIV Infection :- The first stage is usually the most severe which can occur between 2 and four weeks of the illness. Some people might experience symptoms similar to flu like fever, sore throat and fatigue. In this stage the virus can multiply rapidly and the person is very infectious.
- Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency) :- At this point, HIV is still active but it is reproducing at a lower rate. Patients may not be afflicted with symptoms or have minor symptoms. The stage may last for a long time when left untreated. The virus will continue to cause damage to our immune system.
- AIDS :- If not treated, HIV eventually progresses to AIDS. The immune system becomes weak that the body will not fight against infections or illnesses. The most common conditions that affect those suffering from AIDS include pneumonia, pneumocystis Kaposi’s Sarcoma, tuberculosis along with chronic diarrhea.
Symptoms of AIDS
Although HIV is unnoticed for decades, AIDS is marked by various severe and noticeable signs:
- Rapid weight loss
- Nighttime sweats
- Unforgettable and extreme fatigue
- A prolonged swelling of lymph glands
- Chronic diarrhea
- Mouth sores Anus, mouth, or genitals
- Pneumonia
- Blotches that appear on or beneath the skin
- Depression, memory loss or any other neurologic conditions
The symptoms are caused by the body’s inability of fighting cancers or infections that would normally not cause illness for a person who has an immune system that is healthy.
Causes and Risk Factors of AIDS
AIDS is not directly caused however, it results from an untreated or improperly managed HIV infection. HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids
- Blood
- Semen (including pre-seminal fluid)
- Fluids from the rectal and vaginal canals
- Breast milk
The main modes of HIV transmission are:
- Sexual contact unprotected with an infected individual
- Sharing needles or Syringes
- Transfusions of blood (rare in countries that have screened blood supply)
- Mother-to-child transmission at the childbirth process or during breastfeeding
Risk increases when you engage in high-risk activities such as more than one sexual partner, a lack of condom use, as well as sharing equipment used for injecting.
Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS
AIDS is diagnosed on the basis of HIV diagnosis and clinical criteria. To detect HIV infection, a variety of tests are performed:
- Antibody tests :- Detect antigens for HIV in saliva or blood.
- Antigen/Antibody Tests :- Detected both HIV antibodies as well as antigens (available via blood tests).
- The Nucleic Acid Test (NATs) :- can detect the virus in itself. They are generally used for rapid or conclusive detection.
When you are diagnosed as having HIV the progress to AIDS is determined by:
- CD4 Cell Count: Lower than 200, it is a sign of AIDS.
- Prevalence of Opportunistic Infections Like certain cancers, or chronic infections.
It is essential to test early because it allows timely treatment that can delay the development of AIDS.
Treatment and Management
The cure isn’t available for AIDS however, it can be prevented completely by utilizing efficient HIV treatment. The most effective approach to control HIV and avoid AIDS can be found in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
What is ART?
It is a mix of drugs that prevent the spread of the virus. When you adhere to the daily schedule the ART
- Maintains a low viral load (often undetectable)
- Maintains an adequate CD4 count
- Helps to prevent the development of AIDS
- Reduces the chance of HIV transmission
Through consistent use of ART Many people have long and healthy lives, never having to ever develop AIDS. Beginning ART early after diagnosis is vital.
Living with AIDS The outlook and support for those living with AIDS
For those who have been diagnosed with AIDS the need for medical assistance and treatment are crucial. Although the immune system could already be in a state of decline however, ART can aid by reducing the burden of viral infections and also allowing partial recovery of the immune system.
Treatments for support include:
- Treatments for the treatment of opportunistic infections
- Support for nutrition
- Counseling for mental health
- Social support systems
Education and awareness are essential to decreasing stigma, encouraging early diagnosis and regular treatment adherence.
Prevention of HIV and AIDS
Prevention of HIV disease is by far the most efficient way to avoid AIDS. The most effective prevention strategies are:
- Consistently using condoms in sexual activities
- Routine HIV testing
- Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
- The use in PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventive medicine for people at risk.
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Emergency medication after potential exposure
The process of educating communities, particularly high-risk groups, remains an integral part of efforts worldwide to eradicate AIDS.
Conclusion
AIDS even though it was once thought to be an untreatable disease it is now a treatable and manageable illness due to the advances in medical research and awareness. Recognizing the link with HIV and AIDS and the symptoms and focusing on early detection could make a huge difference in the lives of people.
If someone or you may know may be at risk have them examined. A timely diagnosis and regular treatment can stop HIV from advancing to AIDS and enable an extended, satisfying life.
