Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a fatal dis ease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HEV). More than I million people in the United States and 10 million people all over the world arc already infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, and millions more are at risk for infection. For detailed information and convenience the topic is divided in to three parts.
Transmission:
HIV disease is a threat 10 every one men, women and children, Three routes for transmission of the AIDS virus (HIV) are well known:
1.Intimate sexual contact,
Individuals at highest risk of infection are men with a history of homosexual or bisexual activity, Heterosexuals with frequent exposure to multiple sexual partners may be at substantial risk of HIV infection, especially in areas of high prevalence. The low concentration of HIV found in saliva makes transmission by kissing extremely unlikely. The disease is not transmitted by interpersonal contact that is touching, sharing household utilities and personal care Items. 2.Parenteral exposure to blood, blood-containing body fluids and blood products,
Individuals at highest risk of HIV infection are intravenous drug users who share needles for administration of recreational drugs. Individuals who received blood or blood products after 1985 are at much lower risk than those who received these products before 1985, when screening of donors for HIV started and changed manufacturing to reduce contain nation with HIV became available. There is also a very small but definite risk of HIV infection among healthcare workers ¢x posed to the blood and body fluids of HIV infected patients. This risk can be minimized through adherence to universal precautions.
- Mother to child during child birth.
About one third to one half of infants born to HIV infected mothers are infected with HIV prenatally (during and just after the child birth).
A history of sexually transmitted disease is a powerful clue to high risk behavior in a Suspected HIV case, Signs & Symptoms: following are some of the common signs and symptoms associated with HIV infection. These may be present in many other medical conditions.
1 Persistent Fever, especially if associated with night sweats.
- Persistent dry cough.
3.Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing during daily activities such as walking,
4.Persistent diarrhea with loose Or watery Stool lasting several days.
5.Jncréased fatigue and tiredness after moderate physical exercise Such as climbing stairs. 6.Slowhealing mouth sores or whitish patches on mouth, gums: or tongue.
7.Painor discomfort in the throat, especially when swallowing liquids.
8.Unexplained weight loss of more than 8 to LO pounds or more than a pound per week that is not due to dieting.
9.Severe headaches.
10.Swollen glands especially in the neck armpits or groin,
Laboratory Signs:
Following laboratory signs may be associated with HIV infection.
1 Decreased hemoglobin & hematocrit.
2.Decreased neutrophils,
3.Decline in CD4 cell count.
4.Low platelet count.
5.Low serum cholesterol,
6.Jncreased serum LDH
7.Positive syphilis.
This information provides a general overview on AIDS and may not apply in each individual case. Consult your physician to determine whether this information can be applied to your personal situation and to obtain additional information.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 4, 1993
