Since its discovery in the 1980s, the HIV/AIDS pandemic—which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome—has claimed millions of lives worldwide. HIV is a virus that targets CD4 cells, which are essential for warding off infections, and assaults the immune system of the body. AIDS is diagnosed when the patient's..
Since its discovery in the 1980s, the HIV/AIDS pandemic—which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome—has claimed millions of lives worldwide. HIV is a virus that targets CD4 cells, which are essential for warding off infections, and assaults the immune system of the body. AIDS is diagnosed when the patient's immune system is seriously weakened. The main ways that the virus spreads are through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or nursing. HIV can also spread by blood transfusions, however this is uncommon in areas where blood is regularly tested for the infection. Being able to live in the body for years without showing any signs is one of the most worrisome characteristics of HIV/AIDS. This implies that during this asymptomatic stage, people may unintentionally spread the virus to other people. As the virus spreads, fever, exhaustion, enlarged lymph nodes, and recurring infections are possible symptoms. Although HIV/AIDS was formerly thought to be fatal, tremendous progress in medical care has made it a chronic illness that many people can manage. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) functions by inhibiting the virus's ability to replicate, promoting the immune system's healing, and stopping the development of AIDS. ART can significantly extend the life of HIV-positive individuals and lower their risk of spreading the infection to others when taken regularly. But in many parts of the world, especially in low-income nations with scarce healthcare resources, getting treatment is still difficult. Testing, treatment, and support services for those living with HIV/AIDS are still hampered by stigma and discrimination against them. In order to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, prevention measures are essential. The risk of transmission can be decreased by promoting safe sex practices including using condoms and being tested frequently for STDs. HIV prevention among drug injectors depends on access to clean injecting equipment and needle exchange programs. But in many parts of the world, especially in low-income nations with scarce healthcare resources, getting treatment is still difficult. Testing, treatment, and support services for those living with HIV/AIDS are still hampered by stigma and discrimination against them. In order to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, prevention measures are essential. The risk of transmission can be decreased by promoting safe sex practices including using condoms and being tested frequently for STDs. HIV prevention among drug injectors depends on access to clean injecting equipment and needle exchange programs.
