AIDS

AIDS- Information And Symptoms of Aids

A person can expect to develop AIDS within an average of 10 years depending on their lifestyle. The HIV virus is a ribonucleic acid (RNA) retrovirus that may have arisen from a similar virus found in monkeys. Its precise origins are not known, but cases of AIDS have been identified as far back as the mid-1950s. So far two active forms have been found, HIV-1 and HIV-2, both of which cause immunodeficiency.

Symptoms of HIV infection

• unintentional weight loss
• chronic diarrhoea
• skin rashes, especially on your face, genitals or anus
• an increase in herpes ulcers or thrush infections in your mouth and genitals
• sweats, especially at night
• unusual tiredness
• nausea or loss of appetite
• swollen lymph glands in the neck, groin or armpits

There are 2 main methods by which HIV is transmitted - by heterosexual or homosexual sex and by direct transplantation of the virus from one individual to another, that is blood product transfusion, organ transplant and sharing needles by intravenous drug users. The virus is not transmitted by casual contact, for example coughs, handshake, sneezes or kissing.

The best defence against HIV and AIDS is to prevent infection by practicing safe sex:

• use a condom and spermicide for each act of sexual intercourse (look for latex condoms with the BSI kite mark)
• avoid contact with semen, blood, faces, urine, vaginal fluids, etc
• avoid multiple partners, especially if not known personally; avoid oral sex with a high-risk partner.
• use a condom if engaging in anal intercourse
• don't use oil-based lubricants as they weaken condoms and make them ineffective, intravenous drug users should avoid sharing needles sex toys or vibrators should be thoroughly washed if shared or used with a partner. These practices help to reduce the transmission of the virus through the population.