AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is caused by a virus named HIV. It stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the key cells in the human body, which fight infections. The CD4+T cells are a part of the immune system in a human body which fights various cancers and infections. After the attack of HIV on CD4+T cells, the immune system is no longer capable of fighting diseases caused by micro organisms. There is a substantial loss of CD4+T cells which makes the human body vulnerable to cancers of any form.
Difference between HIV and AIDS
The term AIDS is an advanced stage of HIV infection, when there is a substantial damage to the immune system. A person with HIV infection does not necessarily get AIDS. When HIV progresses to AIDS, it is a deadly illness and there is absolutely no cure for AIDS. Half of the people who are infected by HIV, develop AIDS within 10 years of becoming infected. This time period varies from person to person, and may depend on other factors like his health status and lifestyle. A person is said to be affected by AIDS if the CD4+T cells are below 200 in number (healthy person has about 1000 CD4+T cells). There are more than two dozen AIDS associated conditions, and if any one of these conditions is present, the person is said to be affected by AIDS.
Difference between HIV and AIDS
The term AIDS is an advanced stage of HIV infection, when there is a substantial damage to the immune system. A person with HIV infection does not necessarily get AIDS. When HIV progresses to AIDS, it is a deadly illness and there is absolutely no cure for AIDS. Half of the people who are infected by HIV, develop AIDS within 10 years of becoming infected. This time period varies from person to person, and may depend on other factors like his health status and lifestyle. A person is said to be affected by AIDS if the CD4+T cells are below 200 in number (healthy person has about 1000 CD4+T cells). There are more than two dozen AIDS associated conditions, and if any one of these conditions is present, the person is said to be affected by AIDS.
Implications of HIV Infection in Body
The immune system cells called dendritic cells begin the process of infection. After exposure, these cells may bind to and carry the virus from the site of infection to the lymph nodes, where other immune system cells become infected. When HIV encounters CD4+ cells, a protein called gp120 that protrudes from HIV's surface recognizes the CD4+ protein and binds tightly to it. Another viral protein, p24 forms a casing surrounding HIV's genetic material. This genetic material is responsible for infecting the cells, producing new viruses and causing the spread of disease.
How does HIV Spread
Sexual Intercourse: This is the most common method of spreading the HIV infection. During sexual contact, HIV can enter a body through the lining of vagina, penis, rectum or mouth. Although there are no evidences of HIV being spread by saliva, it is advisable not to have an open-mouthed kiss. There are possibilities of contact with blood through cuts or sores in mouth.
Direct Contact with Infected Blood: HIV can spread from one person to other through the sharing of infected needles, which carry a small amount of blood. Spread of HIV is also common through blood transfusions, if there is any negligence during the transfusion process.
From an Infected Mother to Her Unborn Child: Women may transmit HIV to their fetuses during pregnancy or birth. This can be avoided if the mother takes the anti HIV drug AZT or Zidovudine during pregnancy. The risk is further reduced if delivering the baby by Cesarean section. HIV can also spread to babies through the breast milk of infected mother.
However, there are a certain myths regarding the spread of HIV. Such myths induce fear amongst people regarding HIV and may cause HIV patients to become social outcasts. Some of the ways in which HIV does not spread are touching or hugging, sharing household items like utensils, towels, bedding, contact with sweat or tears, sharing facilities like swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs or toilets, cough or sneeze of HIV infected person etc. HIV can only be transmitted through intimate contact with infected blood or body fluids. However, one must avoid sharing razors and toothbrush with an infected person.
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
People infected with HIV show symptoms only after a few years of infection. During this asymptomatic period, HIV multiplies fast, thereby infecting and killing cells in the immune system. As the immune system weakens, the symptoms begin to emerge.
Early Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
Some people develop symptoms within a month or two of exposure to HIV. These people have a flu-like illness with the following symptoms.
Fever
Rash
Headache
Loss of appetite
Swollen glands
Achy muscles
These symptoms usually disappear after a week or so. People who experience these early symptoms don't experience any other signs of infection for a few years.
Common Symptoms of HIV Infection
Usually it takes about 8 to 10 years to notice symptoms of AIDS. These symptoms are as follows:
Persistent, difficult and painful enlarged lymph nodes.
Excessive fatigue.
Weight loss.
Seizures and lack of coordination.
Mental symptoms like confusion.
Frequent fevers.
Night sweats.
Chronic or persistent diarrhea.
Nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting.
Genital sores.
Thrush and mouth lesions.
Rash or flaky skin.
Stiffness in joints.
Bone pain.
Blurred vision.
Short term memory loss.
Repeated viral or fungal infections.
Coma
As the CD4+T cell count continues to drop and the immune system deteriorates further, individuals may continue to experience the above symptoms and develop new ones as well. People with HIV AIDS are more susceptible to various cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical cancer and cancers of the immune system known as lymphomas. Kaposi's sarcoma causes round, brown, reddish or purple spots that develop on the skin or in the mouth.
After the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, the average survival time has been estimated to be 2 - 3 years. Hence, it is a must that HIV infection should be diagnosed at its earliest so that its progression into AIDS can be prevented.
