Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a serious condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that attacks and weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases.
HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of transmission are through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes with an infected person, or from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Once HIV enters the body, it targets the immune system’s CD4 cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. HIV takes over these cells, replicates itself, and destroys them. As a result, the immune system becomes weakened and vulnerable to infections and diseases that a healthy immune system would be able to fight off.
It is important to note that not everyone infected with HIV will develop AIDS. HIV can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of medications that target the virus and prevent it from replicating in the body. ART can effectively control the virus and allow people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives.
However, if left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, which is characterized by a severely weakened immune system and the onset of opportunistic infections and cancers. These infections and cancers are often more severe and difficult to treat in people with AIDS.
Symptoms of AIDS can include fever, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and recurrent infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. However, many people with HIV and AIDS may not experience symptoms for years, making it important to get tested regularly if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.
There is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS, but with proper treatment and management, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives. Prevention is also key in stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS, and involves practices such as practicing safe sex, using clean needles and syringes, and getting tested regularly.
