What are 10 facts about AIDS?
1. aids Is Caused by HIV
- AIDS is the advanced stage of hiv (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection.
- HIV attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T-cells), making the body vulnerable to infections and certain cancers.
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Sharing needles or syringes
- From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
- Blood transfusions with infected blood
- Early hiv infection may show flu-like symptoms.
- As it progresses to aids, symptoms can include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Recurring fever or night sweats
- Persistent fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Opportunistic infections like tuberculosis
- According to UNAIDS, over 38 million people worldwide were living with hiv in 2023.
- AIDS has caused over 40 million deaths globally since it was first identified in the 1980s.
- Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can control hiv, suppress the virus, and prevent progression to AIDS.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can allow people with hiv to live long, healthy lives.
- Using condoms during sex
- Regular hiv testing
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for high-risk individuals
- Safe needle practices
- Screening blood before transfusions
- Without treatment, hiv destroys T-cells, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain cancers.
- People with HIV/AIDS often data-face social stigma, which can discourage testing and treatment.
- Education and awareness are key to reducing discrimination.
- Mother-to-child transmission can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- Early diagnosis and ART in infants greatly reduce the risk.
- Observed every year on december 1, World aids Day raises awareness, commemorates those who have died, and promotes testing, treatment, and prevention.
- Red ribbons are the symbol of solidarity for people living with HIV.