WORLD AIDS DAY is celebrated every year on 1st December. The 2017 theme was “My Health, My Right”. It is very important to create awareness to prevent AIDS as it kills about 50 million people worldwide.
INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF AIDS:-
AIDS is caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is a retrovirus which means it has RNA as its genome, then go inside the living cell convert into DNA genome. This DNA of virus combines with living cell virus and causes AIDS. Due to this, HIV is undetected for many years until symptoms do not appear.
It is transmitted through blood, infected needles, neonate while delivery, small kids through breast milk. Earlier it was believed that it is caused among homosexuals and gay men that is why its name was GRID.
WHAT HIV DOES IN LIVING CELLS??
When HIV enters the body it decreases CD4 cell, macrophages count which results in a decrease of cell acquired immunity. As a result of decrease immunity, many opportunistic infections like TB, KAPOSI SARCOMA attack on the body.
SYMPTOMS and SIGNS:-
The incubation period for HIV is almost 10 years.
The most common sign is LYMPHADENOPATHY AND WEAKNESS. Other are like skin rash, fever, headache, night sweats, STIs.
RED RIBBON FOR AIDS:-
Red Ribbon is chosen as the symbol for World AIDS Day as red color implies blood because AIDS is transmitted through blood. Every year AIDS day is celebrated on 1st December. On this day, camps at various sites are organized to create awareness against AIDS.
HOW TO PREVENT AIDS??
- Use condoms during sexual activity,
- If pregnant woman have AIDS either she should abort her child or do not get pregnant,
- While blood transfusion every blood sample should be checked so that HIV is not present,
- While taking drugs intravenously, check needles. Needles should be discarded after one use.
TREATMENT:-
Anti- retro viral drugs like TENOFOVIR, EFAVIRENZ, LAMIVUDINE etc. are given.
AIDS cases are increasing worldwide. Everyone should follow the above measures to prevent it and make World from AIDS.