AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is primarily a sexually transmitted disease (STD) transmitted by heterosexual and homosexual practices such as anal, vaginal, and oral sex. HIV attacks the immune system and causes AIDS.
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS vary depending on the stage of infection. In Stage 1 - Acute HIV infection, which occurs 1–2 weeks after infection, symptoms include non-specific symptoms such as low-grade fever, headache, malaise, rash, and lymphadenopathy. In Stage 2 - Asymptomatic infection, there are no symptoms. The infection remains controlled until the immune system becomes so compromised that Stage 3 begins. In Stage 3 - Symptomatic infection, years of viral activity cause damage to the immune system. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, malaise, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, swollen lymph glands mainly on the neck, muscle aches and joint pain, sore throat, skin rashes and bumps, headache, soaking night sweats, white spots or unusual lesions on tongue or in mouth.
HIV is transmitted through certain bodily fluids such as blood semen vaginal and rectal fluids breast milk. The virus isn’t transferred in air or water or through casual contact. HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact; through blood contact or from mother to child during pregnancy (mother to child transmission can be prevented); childbirth or breastfeeding; through blood transfusions; by sharing needles.
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Treatment can block the replication of the virus in the body and slow down disease progression. Treatment includes medication such as Efavirenz, Etravirine, Nevirapine (Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs): Disable a protein needed by HIV to make copies of itself), Abacavir, Tenofovir, Lamivudine/Zidovudine (Nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs): Stops spreading of infection), Atazanavir, Darunavir, Fosamprenavir, Indinavir (Protease inhibitors (PIs): Blocks the action of an enzyme called protease which is important for HIV replication), Enfuvirtide, Maraviroc (Entry or fusion inhibitors: These drugs block HIV's entry into CD4 cells), Raltegravir, Elvitegravir, Dolutegravir (Integrase inhibitors: These drugs work by disabling integrase which is a protein that HIV uses to insert its genetic material into CD4 cells).
Prevention includes using condoms during sex; always using sterile needles; avoiding sharing razors; watching out for blood-stained needles or metal objects.
