HIV and AIDS What stands for HIV and AIDS AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was firs found in the USA in 1981 and has become a major worldwide pandemic. AIDS is the advanced form of infection which can be hidden for a long period which is called latent after the initial infection. People who are infected with the virus are said to be HIV positive. HIV gradually destroys a person’s immune system and the body becomes less able to protect itself from disease. When the immune system has been badly damaged by HIV infection, people are amenable to various infections or cancers. From that time on, a person is recognised to have AIDS. The ways HIV is transmitted HIV may be transmitted in several ways. The most widespread is unsafe sex. Another one is sharing needles and injecting equipment contaminated with blood and therefore most of the drug takers risk to get an infection. HIV may also be transmitted through donated blood and blood products. AIDS in women who are going to become mothers is also a serious concern as they can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, birth or when breast feeding. Testing In the early stages HIV often causes no symptoms and the infection can be diagnosed only by testing a person’s blood. Nowadays, quite rapid tests are available that give results in five to thirty minutes. They are getting more and more popular with those who take care about their health. Therapy Medical research has made great progress in reducing the impact of HIV infection on the immune system. No vaccine is currently available to prevent HIV infection. At present, all forms of AIDS therapy are focused on improving the quality and length of AIDS patients’ life by slowing the replication of the virus and treating or preventing infections that take advantage of a person’s weakened immune system. What is HIV infection? HIV infection is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV affects the human immune system, against which various diseases develop. The virus can be in the body for dozens or more years before a person feels any symptoms of the disease. He can look and feel absolutely healthy and at the same time transmit the virus to others. AIDS - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the last stage of HIV infection. This is the danger of HIV infection HIV is transmitted: • during sexual contact with an infected partner; • when using uninfected syringes and needles; • from an HIV-infected mother to a child during pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding, • through uninfected shaving, manicure and other hygiene procedures. HIV is not transmitted: • with generally accepted forms of greetings (handshakes, friendly kisses, hugs); • through dishes, clothes, underwear and other household items; • by airborne droplets (coughing and sneezing); the HIV virus can be used if: • remain faithful to your partner. • avoid casual sexual relations; • abstain from sexual relations before marriage; • be protected in case of accidental sexual relations, • use only individual personal hygiene items (razors, manicure
