Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS):
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a viral infection. In AIDS, virus attacks and mainly weakens the human immune system.
History:Â
The AIDS was first reported in early 1980’s in some young males having multiplex symptoms. All the males were queer (gays). But later, this disease was also discovered in some females and normal males.
Causative agent:Â
The main causative agent of this syndrome is a retrovirus, HIV. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The genome of this virus consists of only RNA (ribonucleic acid). It has also various types of enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase and protease, which help in its replication.
Discovery of HIV:
It is, first, identified in 1984 by research teams from National Institute of Health in USA and Pasteur Institute in France. And, this virus was named HIV in 1986.
Attack of HIV:Â
The virus HIV attacks primarily on CD4 cells of blood such as helper T-lymphocytes. Moreover, it can also effect macrophages and specific brain cells.
Symptoms of AIDS:
A person who is suffering from HIV have a number of complex symptoms. The symptoms of AIDS are fever, chills, pain in body parts, inflammation of lymph nodes and lymph glands, rashes, itching, severe pneumonia, diarrhea, flu, cough, depression, night sweats, severe and sudden weight loss, decrease in immunity, cancer and lesion on skin, etc. In many cases, there are no symptoms in patients upto 9 months or longer.
Causes:
The virus of AIDS can spread through contact with infected blood, intimate sex, breastmilk, semen, vaginal fluid and pregnancy. Prick of an infected needle or surgical instruments also spread HIV. HIV cannot transmit through sweat, urine and saliva.
Cure:Â
As of August 2024, there is no permanent cure for AIDS.
Treatment:Â
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is for its treatment. It controls virus in such a way that the infected patient can live a longer and healthier life. ART also reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
Preventive Measures:Â
- Do not use used syringes and needles.
- Blood must be used after a clear screening of HIV.
- Surgical instruments must be properly sterilized.
- Refrain from immoral sexual contact and follow Islamic teachings.
- Don’t share same toothbrushes, combs, blades and towels.
Myths about AIDS and their Answers:
- Mosquitoes and other insects can spread HIV/AIDS: No, it’s not true.
- HIV only affects gay and lesbian people: No, it’s also not true. HIV can affect all human.
- AIDS is curable: No, it is not fully curable.
- Its symptoms are clear: No, it may not be true.
- HIV also spread from kissing: No, it is a false concept.
- Hand shaking also spread HIV: No, it is also wrong.
- I’ve AIDS. Now, I’m over: No, it may not be true.
