Diseases

What are HIV and AIDS?

We frequently see the red ribbon emblem in a variety of settings. But what exactly does this imply? It’s a symbol that’s used to raise awareness of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV.

The red ribbon concept was used to raise awareness of the condition as well as to morally uplift those who are affected by it.

HIV and AIDS
Red Ribbon for AIDS and HIV
What is a syndrome, exactly?

It’s a condition that’s defined by a group of symptoms. In simple terms, AIDS, like any other syndrome, is a grouping of symptoms that appear at the same time, as in the case of AIDS. Because the case causes several infections as a result of the weakened immune system, the person who is afflicted exhibits multiple symptoms at the same time. So, if a person catches tuberculosis, typhoid, and cholera, the symptoms of all three will manifest in the patient. Aids is referred to be a syndrome for this reason.

HIV is a retrovirus that can be transmitted from person to person.

What is the definition of a retrovirus?

We know that different types of viruses are categorised mostly based on genetic content. Retroviruses are viruses that have RNA as their genetic material and are classified as such. These viruses infect the host cell by inserting their genetic material, and after infection, the virus’s main goal is to target and destroy the host’s immune system. HIV use this method to entirely take over the host body.

What exactly is AIDS?

When an HIV-positive person’s immune system is significantly impaired, this condition develops. People with AIDS are especially susceptible to any disease, as their immune systems lose their ability to effectively fight even acute infections.

When people with HIV has progressed to AIDS their CD4 cell count drops to less than 200 cells per cubic millimetre of blood (200 cells/mm3). (CD4 levels range from 500 to 1,600 cells/mm3 in people with a healthy immune system.) or regardless of their CD4 count, they get one or more opportunistic infections.

What is the mechanism through which this virus infects a healthy host?

HIV has a proclivity for remaining active and spreading only through bodily fluids. As a result, it can only access a healthy host body through some sort of bodily fluid. This can happen by blood, sperm, placental transmission, and a variety of other means. We’ve all heard the adage that prevention is preferable to cure. This is especially true in the case of AIDS. There is no cure after the disease has progressed to a certain stage.

The only thing that can be done is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Is sexual contact the most common means of transmission?

The greatest strategy to avoid HIV transmission is to avoid unprotected sexual contact. Blood transfusion is another common way of transmission, so receiving blood transfused without first being examined should be avoided at all costs. Also, the spread of HIV through blood can be facilitated by the use of syringes or previously used equipment; sharp devices such as razors for personal use should be avoided.

Finally, during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, HIV can easily transmit from a woman to her child.

Is it necessary to administer correct drugs and take steps to avoid HIV transmission to children?

Transmission of HIV infection can be stopped using a few different approaches.

If the tragic occurrence occurs, how will the infection be detected?

The Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or Eliza, is a diagnostic tool for detecting the presence of HIV. After a certain point, we know that HIV is not truly cured.

In the event that a person becomes infected, what can be done?

There are a variety of medications available now that can be used to prevent viral proliferation. We now have a limited number of antiretroviral medications that can be used on HIV patients.