What Are Aids Infectious Diseases?

Introduction

Aids Infectious Diseases or AIDS is a diseases that affects the immune system of the body. AIDS is the short for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The immune system is affected in such a way that the body’s defenses are brought down and it is easy for one to be infected with other diseases (opportunistic infections) that would normally be warded off by the body. AIDS is caused by a virus known as HIV or Human Immuno-deficiency Virus and thus the common name by which the disease is known, namely HIV/AIDS. It is majorly a sexually transmitted disease though there are other modes of transmission such as through mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast feeding, sharing of needles, blood contact during injuries or accidents and unsafe blood transfusion. AIDS is no respecter of race, status or sex, it affects everyone.

History

Aids infectious diseases was first discovered in the early 1980’s. It has no cure in spite of all the research that has been done since its first time of discovery. Its devastating effects have been felt the world over. The disease has caused untold number of deaths and the trend continues to date. Low-income countries have been hardest hit. Aids Infectious Diseases are only treatable through the use of drugs going by the name ARVs or Anti-retroviral drugs. These drugs have provided a window of hope to many people infected with Aids Infectious Diseases as their lives have been prolonged. A lot of research continues to be done to try and find a cure for Aids infectious diseases. In the meantime, AIDS continues to take its toll.

Features

An AIDS infected person is prone to many illnesses that would normally be prevented by the body’s immune system. Symptoms normally associated with a person having Aids Infectious Diseases include sweating, fatigue, weight loss, flu, fevers and swollen glands. A compromised immune system means that an AIDS infected person is easily attacked by other diseases normally referred to as opportunistic infections. Common opportunistic infections include various types of cancers, Tuberculosis (TB), chronic diarrhea and a rash. These opportunistic diseases are normally treated using Anti-retroviral drugs or ARVs. Tuberculosis is the most common cause of death among people infected with Aids Infectious Diseases. The best methods identified so far for Aids Infectious Diseases prevention include abstinence, condom use and use of sterilized needles. It is important to note that just because you are infected with Aids Infectious Diseases doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice safe sex. This is because there are different strains or types of the HIV virus and you could be infected with any one of these thereby worsening your condition.

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