AIDS is not a virus but a set of\u00a0symptoms caused by the HIV virus. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, which is our body\u2019s natural defence against illness. White blood cells\u00a0are an important part of the immune system. HIV infects and destroys certain white\u00a0blood cells\u00a0called CD4+ cells. If too many CD4+ cells are destroyed, the body can no longer defend itself against infection.<\/p>\n
The last stage of HIV infection is\u00a0AIDS\u00a0(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). People with AIDS have a low number of CD4+ cells and get infections or cancers that rarely occur in healthy people. These can be deadly.<\/p>\n
If HIV is left untreated, it may take up to 10 or 15 years for the immune system to be so severely damaged it can no longer defend itself at all. However, the speed HIV progresses will vary depending on age, health and background.<\/p>\n
Basic facts about AIDS<\/strong><\/p>\n What causes HIV?<\/strong><\/p>\n HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. You can get HIV from contact with infected\u00a0blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Some common reasons are listed below:<\/p>\n What are the symptoms?<\/strong><\/p>\n HIV may not cause symptoms early on. People who do have symptoms may mistake them for the\u00a0flu\u00a0or\u00a0mono. Common early symptoms include:<\/p>\n Some common myths and facts related to AIDs:<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.Myth:<\/strong> You can get HIV just by being around HIV-positive individuals in your daily life.<\/p>\n Fact: HIV is transmitted when infected material (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk) comes in direct contact with a mucous membrane (mouth, vagina, anus), damaged tissue, or is injected directly into the bloodstream. HIV is not spread by kissing, hugging, sharing food\/drink, toilet seats, sneezes\/coughs, sweat, touching, or through insect bites.<\/p>\n 2. Myth:<\/strong> HIV can be cured.<\/p>\n Fact:<\/strong> There is no cure for HIV. With treatment, HIV-positive individuals can control the virus and live long, healthy lives.<\/p>\n 3. Myth:<\/strong> Being diagnosed with HIV is a death sentence.<\/p>\n Fact:<\/strong> The HIV virus was earlier less understood, how it was transmitted, or how to treat it. As a result of this lack of knowledge, combined with the stigma surrounding HIV\/AIDS, many of those who were diagnosed died. With better awareness and advanced medication people can live long healthy lives.<\/p>\n 4. Myth:<\/strong> If both partners are HIV positive, use of condoms is not required.<\/p>\n Fact:<\/strong> Do not forget that antiretroviral therapy (ART) will not protect you from unwanted pregnancy or other STDs. Additionally, it is possible for an HIV-positive individual to become infected with a second strain of HIV, which is called HIV re-infection. This could potentially hamper the current treatment.<\/p>\n 5. Myth:<\/strong> The elderly do not have to worry about HIV<\/p>\n Fact:<\/strong> HIV does not discriminate against age, gender, race, sexual orientation, class, or any other identifier. Age doesn\u2019t stop people from having sex and if you are having sex, then you are at some risk of contracting HIV or other STDs.<\/p>\n Let us all get together and bring an end to the AIDs epidemic. Over the years public efforts have spread the anti-AIDs message strongly leading to reduction in deaths due to AIDs. Let us be responsible citizens.<\/p>\n To get yourself tested for HIV, please see our below website to avail of the most suitable health check-up package for you:<\/p>\n\n
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