AIDS (HIV)

 

Causes of AIDS (HIV) | Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

What is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. The virus attacks white blood cells responsible for protecting the body against infections and certain cancers, which weakens the immune system and makes the body vulnerable to life-threatening diseases such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, and cancers.

A person can live for years without showing noticeable symptoms, but without treatment, HIV infection may progress to AIDS.

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How is HIV Transmitted?

HIV spreads only through specific routes:

1. Unprotected sexual intercourse: via semen or vaginal fluids.

2. Sharing contaminated needles: especially among drug users.

3. Receiving infected blood or tissue transplants: if not properly screened.

4. From mother to child: during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

5. Accidental needle-stick injuries: particularly in healthcare workers.

👉 Important note: HIV does not spread through handshakes, sharing food and drinks, toilets, or living in the same room with an infected person.

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Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection:

• Early symptoms:

  • Swollen lymph nodes.

  • Sore throat.

  • Skin rash.

  • Muscle and joint pain.

  • Unexplained weight loss.

  • Painful mouth ulcers.

• Severe complications (if untreated):

  • Tuberculosis (TB).

  • Cryptococcal meningitis.

  • Severe bacterial infections.

  • Cancers such as lymphomas.

  • Hepatitis B and C coinfections.

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Risk Factors

Certain behaviors and conditions increase the risk of contracting HIV:

1. Engaging in unprotected or high-risk sexual practices.

2. Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI).

3. Sharing needles or body-piercing instruments.

4. Needle-stick injuries among healthcare workers.

5. Receiving unscreened blood transfusions or organ transplants.

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Treatment

Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps by:

• Preventing the virus from multiplying.

• Reducing viral load in the blood.

• Strengthening the immune system.

• Delaying the onset of severe symptoms and prolonging life.

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Prevention of HIV/AIDS

Effective strategies to prevent HIV infection include:

• Avoiding unsafe or high-risk sexual activities.

• Using condoms if one partner is infected.

• Never sharing razors, needles, or piercing tools.

• Pregnant women with HIV should receive proper medical care to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

• Male circumcision lowers the risk of acquiring HIV.

• Regular HIV and STI testing for early detection and prevention.