AIDS – Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome – Class 10

AIDS 

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

AIDS is a serious and life-threatening disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV attacks and weakens the immune system, making it hard for the body to fight off infections and some types of cancer. While there is no cure for AIDS, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help manage HIV and allow people with HIV to live healthier lives by keeping their immune systems stronger.

Modes of Transmission:

– Sexual contact with an infected person.

– Organ transplants (grafting) from an infected donor.

– Artificial insemination with infected sperm.

– Blood transfusions with blood contaminated by the HIV virus.

– From an HIV-infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or through the mother’s blood.

Symptoms:

– Weight loss and night sweats (also known as “slim disease”).

– Swollen lymph nodes.

– Frequent diarrhea, along with low-grade fever, cough, and nausea.

– Damage to brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with speaking and thinking.

Prevention:

– Educating people on how AIDS is transmitted.

– Avoiding sexual contact with unknown or infected persons.

– Proper screening of blood donations, organ transplants, artificial insemination, and pregnant women to check for HIV infection.