AIDS is one of the major health issues affecting people living on a global basis. World AIDS Day has been celebrated on the 1st of December every year since 1988. The theme for this year is "End Inequalities. End Aids" aimed at WHO and its partner organizations. This theme changes every year.
AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which
potentially damages an individual's immune system. The chances of transmission
of HIV more likely take place
through sensual intercourses with semen, vaginal fluid, or infected blood.
The data gathered from WHO reveals that 3.77 crore individuals were infected with AIDS in 2020. This is a crucial issue as the AIDS virus reduces resistance and deteriorates the condition of the body.
Symptoms:
Fever
Sore
throat
Fatigue
4 Stages of HIV infection
Stage 1: Infection
This is the first stage where HIV starts to replicate after infection. The immune system reacts to the HIV virus and starts developing antibodies (sero-conversion).
Stage 2: Asymptomatic
The second stage of the virus is asymptomatic as HIV does not show any outward symptoms. Since this stage is asymptomatic the individuals are required to test HIV to know if they are infected or not. This stage can last eight to ten years.
Stage 3: Symptomatic
The third stage of HIV infection is symptomatic as over time the infection damages the immune system causing severe diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss. Reasons underneath the visible symptoms are due to opportunistic infections.
Stage 4: Progression of HIV to AIDS
This
is the fourth stage where the medical practitioners check the various symptoms
such as the CD4 count, opportunistic infection, and other medical tests before
confirming.
Compulsory AIDS Test before Marriage
Compulsory Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Test has already been implemented on January 13, 2004, by the Government in order to grant marriage licences at the same time taking initiative for preventing the spread of the deadly disease.
According to the sources (HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS - Country Comparison), India ranks third consisting of 2,100,000 individuals suffering from AIDS. Even though they fear getting ostracized, individuals do not want to get tested before their marriage.
Treatment:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for AIDS, however strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy has been found to be capable of slowing down the progress of the disease as well as other complications and secondary infections.
It is advised for undergoing a Compulsory AIDS Test as prevention is always better than cure. The fear of getting rejected from society or betrayal from their loved ones is not the solution to the problem, rather the individuals are required to trust each other and overcome the hurdles together. Even though medications have advanced still there isn’t no cure for AIDS for the treatment of this sexually transmitted disease. In this case, the Compulsory AIDS Test will be providing a ray of hope for the individuals for taking precautions from their gynaecologists and urologists for staying healthy.
It’s time to release your stresses
and take the right treatment for improving your health if you are suffering
from AIDS and lead a healthy lifestyle.
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