Understanding

AIDS: Causes and

Management
Sam
jhana Chaulagain
Introduction to AIDS
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, which is a
chronic and life-threatening condition that results from the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus ( HIV). HIV charges the immune system,
notably CD4 cells ( T cells ), which actively work in fighting off
infections. The body becomes weak and vulnerable to opportunistic
infections and cancers can be fatal after the immune system becomes
weak in the body.
AIDS Treatment Options
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

AIDS can be cured by providing treatment of Antiretroviral Therapy. Antiretroviral therapy is given
by combining antiretroviral drugs to suppress the virus and stop it from reproducing. ART slows
down the progression of HIV to AIDS and enhance the standard of living for individuals afflicted
with the illness.

Preventing Opportunistic Infections

The common complication of AIDS is called Opportunistic infections. These infections occur when
the immune system of the body is weakened and the body is more susceptible to infections.
opportunistic infections infections can be prevented by taking antibiotics and other medications to
boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infection. Good hygiene and avoiding contact
with other people who are sick also play a significant role in controlling opportunistic infections.
Causes of AIDS

The major causes of AIDS are as follows:

1. HIV Infection : The main cause of AIDS is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This
virus attacks and makes the immune system, very weak, which makes it challenging for for the
body to fight off infections and diseases.

2. Unprotected Sexual Contact : HIV virus can be transmitted to the human body through
unprotected physical intercourse with an infected person which includes oral, vaginal, and anal
sex.

3. Sharing Needles : HIV is prone to be transmitted through the sharing of needles or other
injection equipment with an infected person. It includes the use of drugs and other medical
procedures that involve injections.

4. Transmission of the Virus from Mother to Child : HIV virus can also be transferred from
an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
 AIDS Awareness Campaign
The objective of the AIDS awareness campaign is to aware people about the importance of education
and safe physical intercourse practices.

a. The Red Ribbon - The crossed Red Ribbon has been used since the early 1900s as an important symbol
to aware people of AIDS.
b. Safe Sex Practices- Use of contraceptive devices like condoms and getting tested regularly can help prevent
the spread of AIDS.
c. Education- Educating oneself and others about AIDS can help prevent the spread of the disease.
AIDS Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms :

Following are some early symptoms that can be seen among infected persons:

● fatigue
● swollen lymph nodes
● fever
● As the disease progresses, symptoms may include weight loss, night sweats, and recurrent infections.

Diagnosis

AIDS is diagnosed by doing blood tests that detect the availability of antibodies to the virus or the virus
itself. Early detection and treatment can significantly progress outcomes for those individuals AIDS.
 Transmission and Prevention

Transmission

HIV is passed by blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most normal ways of transfers are
unsafe sex, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or
breastfeeding.

Prevention

HIV transmission can be prevented by practicing safe sex by using condoms, not sharing needles, and
getting tested frequently. Those who are susceptible to high risk of infection can use Pre-exposure
prophylaxis (PrEP) as an option. Preventing the transmission of HIV requires raising awareness of the
virus and encouraging safe sexual behavior.
 Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms

Early symptoms of AIDS may include fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and headache. As the
disease matures symptoms may include weight loss, chronic diarrhea, night sweats, and opportunistic infections.

Diagnosis

A blood test is used to diagnose AIDS by looking for antibodies to the HIV virus. To track the disease's
development and the efficacy of treatment, more testing could be necessary.
 Treatment and Management of AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus is the source of the chronic and sometimes fatal illness known as AIDS (HIV). Although
there isn't a cure for AIDS at this time, there are medicines that can help those who have the illness manage their symptoms
and lead longer healthier lives.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): The mainstay of treatment for AIDS is antiretroviral therapy or ART. A mix of
drugs known as antiretroviral therapy (ART) targets several phases of the HIV life cycle. These drugs have the ability
to lower HIV levels in the body, delay the illnesses course, and stop opportunistic infections.

Prevention of Opportunistic Infections: Individuals living with HIV/AIDS are more vulnerable to opportunistic
infections, which prey on immune system weaknesses. People living with AIDS may need to take prophylactic drugs
or undergo vaccines against specific diseases in order to prevent these infections.

Palliative Care: Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the
quality of life for people with serious illnesses, including AIDS. Palliative care can include pain management,
emotional support, and spiritual care.