AIDS is caused by human immune deficiency or more popularly known as HIV virus. This virus affects the immune system and makes it weak and ineffective. With the result, the human body is unable to sustain resistance against infections. This leads to tumors and other diseases in the AIDS effected person. When blood or mucous of a person comes in contact with fluid infected by HIV the person gets infected with AIDS. HIV can thrive in bodily fluid like semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, blood, and breast milk . Thus drug abuse by infected injections, breast milk, sexual contact , transfusion of blood having HIV, and prenatal transmission are the main causes of AIDS. The purpose of this article is to offer accurate facts regarding AIDS and HIV so that all misconceptions, reservations and uncertainty related to it are resolved.
Here are some facts about AIDS.
Risk factors for AIDS
Hemophiliacs, drug users, homosexuals, prostitutes have higher chances of acquiring AIDS. Also people who got blood transfused anywhere between 1983 and 1985 are also at risk. An unborn child can get AIDS from the mother. People who share needles or have blood to blood contact can also get AIDS. Sexual contact and blood transfusion also causes AIDS.
AIDS is not transmitted by sharing things just be hand touch like computers, office equipment, pencils and pens, or using each other’s telephones or mobiles.
Prenatal transmission
If a pregnant woman has AIDS, the virus will be transmitted to the baby in the womb. This transmission usually takes place in the third trimester of pregnancy or at childbirth. If the mother who has AIDS breast feeds the new born baby, the AIDS virus gets transmitted to the baby. The chances of the baby getting the AIDS virus can be reduced by giving antiretroviral treatment or medicines to the mother. Even if the mother gets a cesarean done the chances of the baby getting AIDS are reduced.
Sexual transmission
Heterosexual as well as homosexuals can contract the disease. This is because intimate physical relation with a person who has AIDS will transmit the disease to the other person. Having multiple sex partners or being promiscuous makes you more susceptible and vulnerable to get AIDS. The solution for this is having safe sex and taking all precautionary measures during sexual activities.
Anal unprotected sex is more risky in terms of transmission of HIV with respect to vaginal sex. This is applicable to both the homosexual as well as heterosexual. Since no protections are taken during forced sex or rape, so the risk of transmission of HIV is more.
It is a misconception that if sex is penetrative then only AIDS can be acquired. But oral sex can also not be considered to be completely safe. The reason being that if there is any cut or abrasion in the mouth of a person, the virus can be transmitted to him / her as there is exchange of mucous and blood. So keep away from oral sex with partners whom you don’t know. Only indulge in oral sex, if you are convinced that your partner does not have AIDS or is not infected with HIV virus.
Using needle during drugs consumption
Drug addicts usually share the needles for consuming drugs. This is the reason drug addicts are at higher risk of acquiring AIDS. If any person has AIDS and the needle used by him is used by some other person, HIV virus will be transmitted (even if the blood gets dried on the needle, it still can transmit the virus). To prevent this, it is advised that all the used needles ought to be disposed of right away.
Another way in which AIDS is transmitted is by getting tattoos made by a needle which has been infected by the HIV virus. You need to make sure that the person who makes the tattoo uses new needle.
Blood transfusions
One of the main reasons for transmission of AIDS is blood transfusions. During 1983 to 1985 when AIDS virus appeared people did not test the blood for having AIDS virus . So during this period several patients got AIDS by blood transfusion. Now the situation is changed. All the blood donated is tested for AIDS virus before transfusing to other person.
How to prevent the transmission of AIDS
Being educated and gaining knowledge about AIDS is the most important and in fact the only way of protecting yourself from AIDS virus. Safe sex is the key to protect you if your sex life is quite active. Be loyal and maintain sex relationship with one partner so that you both are safe. Avoid multiple sex partners. If the mother had AIDS she should take proper medications, avoid breast feeding and undergo cesarean .Never use used needles. Doctors and nurses should wear gloves while dealing with needles.
