AIDS Definition Defference between HIV and AIDS Symptoms Transmitted And Prevention

Definition of AIDS:

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is a condition that describes an advanced state of HIV infection. With AIDS, the virus has progressed, causing significant loss of white blood cells (CD4 cells) or infections that result from immune system damage. 

Difference between HIV and AIDS:

• HIV is the virus which attacks the T-cells in the immune system.But AIDS is the syndrome which appears in advanced stages of HIV infection. 

• HIV is a virus. But AIDS is a medical condition. 

• HIV testing can identify infection in the early stages. This allows the patient to use prophylactic (preventive) drugs which will slow the rate at which the virus replicates, delaying the onset of AIDS. But AIDS patients still have the HIV virus and are still infectious. Someone with AIDS can pass HIV to someone else. 

Symptoms:

Symptoms of early HIV infection may include: 

• Fever 
• Chills 
• Joint pain 
• Muscle ache 
• Sore throat 
• Sweats (particularly at night) 
• Enlarged glands 
• A red rash 
• Tiredness 
• Weakness 
• Weight loss 

Signs and symptoms of late-stage HIV infection may include:

• Blurred vision 
• Diarrhea, which is usually persistent or chronic 
• Dry cough 
• Fever of above 37C (100F) lasting for weeks 
• Night sweats 
• Permanent tiredness 
• Shortness of breath 
• Swollen glands lasting for weeks 
• Weight loss 
• White spots on the tongue or mouth 

Transmitted:

HIV can be transmitted through:

• Sexual transmission: It can happen when there is contact with infected sexual secretions (rectal, genital or oral mucous membranes). This can happen while having unprotected sex, including vaginal, oral and anal sex or sharing sex toys with someone infected with HIV. 

• Perinatal transmission: The mother can pass the infection on to her child during childbirth, pregnancy, and also through breastfeeding. 

• Blood transmission: The risk of transmitting HIV through blood transfusion is nowadays extremely low in developed countries, thanks to meticulous screening and precautions. Among drug users, sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood is extremely hazardous.

The virus CANNOT be transmitted from:

• Shaking hands 
• Hugging 
• Casual kissing 
• Sneezing 
• Touching unbroken skin 
• Using the same toilet 
• Sharing towels 
• Sharing cutlery 
• Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation 

Prevention: 

• Protected sex: Having sex without a condom can put a person at risk of being infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HIV can be spread by having unprotected sex (vaginal, oral and anal sex). It can also be caught from sharing sex toys with someone infected with HIV. 

• Drug abuse nd neeadle sharing: Intravenous drug use is an important factor in HIV transmission in developed countries. Sharing needles can expose users to HIV and other viruses, such as hepatitis C.

• Body fluid exposure: Exposure to HIV can be controlled by employing precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated blood. At all times, health care workers should use barriers (gloves, masks, protective eyewear, shields, and gowns). Frequent and thorough washing of the skin immediately after being contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids can reduce the chance of infection. 

• Pregnancy: Anti-HIV medicines can harm the unborn child. But an effective treatment plan can prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby. Precautions have to be taken to protect the baby´s health. Delivery through caesarean section may be necessary. Breastfeeding may have to give way to bottle-feeding if the mother is infected. A study by scientists from Columbia University, New York, found that breastfeeding for 6+ months with antiretroviral therapy could help reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission as well as improve chances of infant's survival. 

• Education. Health education is an important factor in reducing risky behavior.