What is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome?
You’ve probably heard the term AIDS thrown around on TV or in movies, but what exactly is it? It’s not just a fancy acronym for an everyday cold. No sirree Bob! AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, which is a serious condition that can affect anyone.
What Exactly Is AIDS?
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks and weakens your immune system which makes it harder for your body to fight off other infections and illnesses. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS.
How Do You Get It?
There are many ways to get infected with HIV. Here are some of the most common:
- Unprotected sexual activity
- Sharing needles/syringes during drug use
- From mother-to-child during birth or breastfeeding
The best way to prevent getting infected with HIV is practicing safe sex by using condoms, getting tested routinely if sexually active, avoiding injecting drugs or sharing needles, and limiting contact with blood.
The Stages of HIV
Like many things in life, there are stages you go through if you have contracted HIV infection:
1) Stage 1: Acute Infection – also known as ‘seroconversion’. People usually experience flu-like symptoms such as fever and fatigue from 2 weeks up until two months after being exposed.
2) Stage 2: Clinical Latency – Otherwise referred to as chronic/inactive/latent stage where patients might show no signs/have mild symptoms at this point.
3) Stage 3: Progression into Symptomatic Late-stage Disease – During this last progression stage when left untreated patient becomes weaker than usual – experiencing multiple diseases which sometimes could be life-threatening due to weakened immunity occasioned earlier resulting from long-standing neglected treatment regimen till late-stage diagnosis..
In simpler terms:
At the start, you experience flu-like symptoms
Eventually, inactivity takes over, and for a while it might look like nothing is really happening
Lastly, your immune system becomes severely compromised which leaves one very susceptible to infection
What are The Symptoms of AIDS?
AIDS itself doesn’t have any specific symptoms. Rather, it’s the illnesses that develop due to having a weakened immune system that can be the result of contracting HIV.
Here are some common signs somebody with HIV/AIDS may experience:
- Rapid weight loss
- Extreme fatigue.
- Recurring fevers or night sweats
- Persistent swollen glands/lymph nodes around arms or groin regions.
- Sores on skin/mouth/face/genitals/diarrhea lasting long weeks and months.
It’s important to understand some people can carry HIV for years without experiencing these symptoms till they progress into AIDS condition..
Can You Cure It?
There is currently no cure for AIDS, however there are antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) available which suppresses virus replication thus reducing viral load; Keeping those infected healthy by preventing illness/infection from developing or extending their life expectancy further. So whilst you may not be able to get rid of it completely/a=altogether, treatment options do exist providing a route forward. Take THAT ignoramuses!
And Finally… How To Cope With A Condition Like This
Diagnosis with an incurable disease like AIDS coincides drastic repercussions but support groups and counseling sessions could help you manage this unforeseen crisis emotionally as well as clinically:
Option 1 : Joining Support Groups,
Option 2 : Counseling – i.e., Seeking emotional support from medical professionals who will offer both social-emotional & psychological approaches aimed at managing stress levels associated with living/having an immediate family member diagnosed.
One must also take care maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as: Eating nutritiously, exercise/if possible get airtime/a few minutes of sunshine daily & avoiding habits like smoking/ using drugs including alcohol.