What is HIV/AIDS ?

HIV:- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It is primarily transmitted from person to person through body fluids – with routes of transmission being sexual contact (through semen and vaginal fluids), blood transfusions and shared needles. An infected pregnant woman can also pass HIV on to her baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding.

HIV infection weakens the immune system leaving it vulnerable to certain infections, known as “opportunistic” infections as they attack weakened immune system thereby causing illness. Most infected people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.

AIDS:- Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome or AIDS is diagnosed in a person infected by HIV after they develop one of the AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person who has not had any serious illnesses also can receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests.

A positive HIV test result does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician using certain clinical criteria (e.g., AIDS indicator illnesses).

Many of the infections that cause problems or may be life-threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS is weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.

Appropriate medical treatment can slow down the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system and some of the illnesses associated with AIDS can be prevented or cured. Early detection is the key to health management of an infected person as it offers more options for treatment and preventive care although as yet NO Cure has been found for AIDS.