AIDS

A Worldwide Effort Will Stop It

Written By: Zehra Nasirali

For: Mrs. Beaupre

Grade: PHF-1WN

Date: 24th February, 1997

Score: 93%

 

Introduction to Aids:

‘Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)’ is a virulent, devastating epidemic that has already stricken million of people worldwide.  It is spreading inexorably and threatens to infect millions more.  In the U.S. it appeared initially among homosexuals and intravenous drug users, but the heterosexual population is also at risk.  Public health professionals agree that education is the single most important factor in controlling the disease.  Because of the daunting scientific complexity of AIDS – the AIDS virus destroys the body’s immune system, rendering it susceptible to a variety of cancers and infections – a clear, accessible guide to the known medical facts is crucial.

 

Symptoms & Signs:

Every person has an immune system that helps to kill infections.  However, a person with AIDS has no defense against infection simply because their immune system has broken down.  Eventually the infection will kill the AIDS sufferer.  The average time between the developments of AIDS and death is 14 months.  During this time period, the following symptoms may occur:

·        Attacks of shingles or herpes

·        Fatigue

·        Weight loss

·        Swelling of lymph glands in the neck and armpit

·        Fever

·        Night sweats

·        A persistent dry cough

·        Bruising easily

·        Unexplainable bleeding

·        Diarrhea

·        Forgetfulness

·        Loss of concentration

·        Blurred vision

 

‘Kaposi’s sarcoma is a rare form of skin cancer which affects many people with AIDS.  It is this disease, rather than the AIDS virus itself, that causes death in many patients.’

‘Skin lesions symptomatic of Kaposi’s sarcoma on an ankle (right) and a heel (above).  Kaposi’s sarcoma, common in AIDS victims, is an otherwise rare skin cancer that signals a profound deficiency in the immune system.’

 

Prevention

‘Until a vaccine that provides protection against the AIDS infection is availabe, the only way to prevent this virus is to avoid those practices that have so far been responsible for the spread of the disease,’ the Encyclopedia of Family Health suggested.  These are the following:

Even though AIDS causing product has been exposed to an uninfected person, their immunes system should produce antibodies to fight off the infection and any other future invasion.

‘Because AIDS virus multiplies easily, coming up with a vaccine effective against all potential strains may prove difficult.  That a vaccine will be safe is not certain, but research in the area still continues,’ stated by the Encyclopedia of Family Health.

 

Treatment:

At present there is no treatment or cure for AIDS.  AIDS is a virus infection.  Scientists in the laboratory are testing drugs that can help combat infection as they occur.  They are also taking appropriate courses of action to deal with the other conditions associated with the disease.  This treatment primarily involves antibiotics which in relation with the antibodies.

            ‘Many antiviral drugs have been tested against HIV in the lab and several have undergone limited human trials,’ the Encyclopedia of Family Health quotes.  ‘They also state that these include pentamidine and aziothymidine (A27) under the brand name ‘Retrovir’.  Even though tests show that these antiviral drugs can inhibit the ability of the virus, it turns out to be less effective when trailed on humans.  It can also produce side effects including suppression of bone marrow leading to sever anemia.’

            Moreover, tests and trials are still being carried out, but these ar4e very expensive.  Donations for its research are always open in your local hospital.  Make a donation and you will be side to side with Mother Teresa who helped establish the first AIDS hospice in New York.

 

Effects on the Unborn Child

If a pregnant woman is infected with the HIV virus, there is a possibility that she will give the virus to her child during the pregnancy or at the time of birth.  She can pass AIDS to her unborn baby thought blood exchange in the placenta.  However, passing on the infection cannot be determined.  Researchers believe the baby born to an AIDS patient has a chance of roughly fifty percent of becoming infected.

How are they spread

            ‘The AIDS virus lives in the body fluids – blood, semen, vaginal and cervical secretions, saliva and tears.  It is passed from one person to another when infected body fluid gets in the bloodstream,’ the Encyclopedia of Family Health explains. Moreover, spreading can be done by:

sexual intercourse

when a drug addict uses someone’s un-sterilized needle

A woman can pass AIDS to her unborn baby

Infected blood or blood products carrying AIDS virus

Blood transfusions

Treatment of hemophiliacs

Health workers who puncture their own skin with needles used on an AIDS patient

            Furthermore, the AIDS virus cannot live long outside body fluids.  It is easily killed by disinfectant or even hot water.

            Aids can also be spread by joining the high-risk groups; homosexuals or bisexuals, drug users, prostitutes, anyone who has been the partner of someone in these groups over the past few years may be infected.  So stay away from such groups!

 

Bibliography:

Sheehan, Angela, BA, “AIDS”. Encyclopedia of Health.  Volume 1, Marshall Cavendish Ltd, 1991, Italy.

Check, William. A, “AIDS – The Encyclopedia of Health – Medical Disorders and Their Treatment.” Chelsea House Publishers, New York, Philadelphia, 1988.

Carol Milligan, Encyclopedia of Family Health.  Volume 1, Marshal Cavendish Ltd, 1991, London, England.

 

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