Transmission, Symptoms and Signs of AIDS

 Transmission, Symptoms and Signs of AIDS

AIDS is thought to have originated in Central Africa. The HIV virus which causes it then appears to have migrated via Haiti to the USA, and has subsequently been identified in 71 countries throughout the world. By the late  1993 it had infected an estimated 14 million people, with over 3 million estimated cases of AIDS. By 1995 more than 23 million people were infected and there were an estimated 3.1 million new infections and 1.5 million deaths. Half the new infections were of women and the majority of them were aged under 25. By the year 2000, around 40 million people may be infected with HIV. AIDS is a disorder which damages the human body's immune system. It is caused by HIV virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It's a RNA virus. It is important to realize, however, that infection with the HIV virus does not necessarily result in AIDS. As other diseases, some people remain symptom less and are therefore termed 'carriers'.

How is HIV Transmitted?

The HIV virus can only survive in body fluids and is transmitted by blood or semen. In 90% of cases the transmission is achieved by sexual contact. Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Following early infection, a person may experience a concise period of influenza-like illness. This is usually followed by an extended period without symptoms. As the infection progresses, it interferes more and more with the immune system, making the person much more at risk to common infections like tuberculosis, as well as opportunistic infections and tumors that do not usually affect people who have working immune systems. The late symptoms of the infection are referred to as AIDS.

What is HIV/AIDS?- Video

                                      

HIV/AIDS has had a huge impact on society, both as an illness and as a basis of discrimination. The disease also has considerable economic impacts. There are many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS such as the belief that it can be transmitted by casual non-sexual contact. The disease has also become issue to many controversies involving religion. It has paying attention international medical and political attention as well as large-scale funding since it was identified in the 1980.

                                                                   

Different Modes of HIV Transmission