What is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)?
AIDS is the late stage of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection, a single-stranded RNA human retrovirus that attacks the immune system. By weakening the immune system, it makes it harder for the body to fight off infections and kinds of cancers.
A person has to have contracted HIV to develop AIDS but having HIV doesn’t necessarily mean that someone will develop AIDS.
HIV progression to AIDS occurs when:
• The number of their CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm3) OR
• Development of one or more opportunistic infections regardless of CD4 count.
What are the signs and symptoms of AIDS?
If left untreated, HIV typically turns into AIDS in about 8 to 10 years.
Symptoms of AIDS can include:
• Recurrent fever more than 38degreeC (intermittent or continuous).
• Chronic swollen lymph glands, especially of the neck, armpits, and groin
• Chronic fatigue and weakness
• Night sweats
• Lesions, sores, or spots of the mouth and tongue, eyelids, nose, genitals, or anus
• Bumps, lesions, or rashes of the skin
• Chronic recurrent diarrhea
• Rapid weight loss (more than 10% of body weight)
• Neurologic problems such as depression and anxiety, trouble concentrating, memory loss, and confusion
• HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) – behavioral changes and reduced mental functioning to severe dementia
• HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN)
What is the incubation period?
The AIDS incubation period is the duration of time from initial infection with HIV to the development of symptoms of the disease. If left untreated, HIV typically turns into AIDS in about 8 to 10 years.
What is the mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS?
Routes of transmission of HIV/AIDS:-
1) Parenteral-
• Transfusion of blood and blood products
• Needle sharing
• Needlestick injuries
• Injection with unsterile needles
• Splash of body fluids on the mucosa (mouth, nose, and eyes)
2) Sexual- having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner
3) Perinatal-
• Vertical transmission from mother to fetus
• Paripartum- During delivery or through breast-feeding
Routes not involved in the transmission of HIV/AIDS:-
• Close personal contact including kissing, hugging, or shaking hands.
• Household contact
• Sharing of utensils
• Insect bites
Who are at the risk of getting HIV/AIDS?
-Having unsafe sex (vaginal or anal sex)with an HIV positive person.
-Injecting used needles or syringes
-People who have sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as syphilis
-Homosexuals (gays)
-More than one sex partner
-Using used razors
What are the complications of AIDS?
If the HIV infection progresses to AIDS, the immune system weakens which makes the body prone to opportunistic infections, including:
• Pneumocystis pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Esophageal Candidiasis (oral thrush)
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
• Cryptococcal meningitis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Amoebiasis
• Typical/atypical mycobacterium infection
• Cancer, including Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and lymphoma
What are the investigations of AIDS?
• HIV antigens or HIV antibodies: – HIV testing is important to know either you have HIV antigens or HIV antibodies in your body to confirm the AIDS. People within the age of 13 to 65 should get it checked at least once or in cases of exposure it can be done on a regular basis. It is done through the samples of serum, saliva, or urine these tests may detect antibodies, antigens, or RNA.
• CD4 T cell count: – HIV infection progress to AIDS if CD4 cells fall below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm3)
Also Read: HIV Test
What treatment is advised for AIDS?
There is no definitive cure, but the progression of this virus can be slowed.
The treatment advised is combination therapy or “the cocktail.”
It is also called antiretroviral therapy (ART) or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
To date Combination therapy is the most effective treatment for HIV.
This medication works by stopping the virus replicating in the body thereby allowing the immune system to repair itself and prevent further deterioration.
A combination of HIV drugs is used as it is observed that HIV can quickly adapt and become resistant.
Medication to manage the opportunistic infection.
General measures include a balanced diet, stop smoking, and intake of alcohol and adequate rest.
What prevention is helpful for AIDS?
The prevention can be done by the following: –
• Avoid unsafe sex.
• Using sterile instruments like needles etc.
• Get medical care right away, if you’re pregnant as it will significantly cut your baby’s risk.
Also Read: 7 Certain Ways To Prevent STDs
What is the prognosis?
People with AIDS typically survive about 3 years Without HIV medicine. Life expectancy without treatment falls to about 1year if the person develops a severe opportunistic illness.
However, treatment with antiretroviral drugs can prevent HIV infection progresses to AIDS.
What the names of commonly indicated Homeopathic remedies for AIDS?
There is no cure for aids, we can just aim to improve life’s quality and symptomatic relief can be given.
The remedies are as follows: –
• Sulphur,
• Tuberculinum,
• Syphilinum,
• Silica,
• Kali carbonicum,
• Phosphorus,
• Calcariaiodum,
• Arsenic album,
• Arsenic iodum,
• Bacillinum.
