On 1st December,
every year, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. This day is meant to support
the people who got affected by the AIDS and have died. Each year World AIDS Day
focuses on a specific theme. Established by the World Health Organization in
1988, World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the
fight against HIV and raise awareness of the continuing epidemic around the
globe. This year the theme will be Global
solidarity, shared responsibility. Last year the theme was Communities make the difference.
What is AIDS/HIV?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially
life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
It damages your immune system and thus decreases the ability of body to fight
against everyday diseases and infections. There’s no cure for HIV/AIDS, but medications can slow the progression of
the disease. Untreated HIV affects and kills CD4 cells, which are a type of
immune cell called T cell.
Transmission:
HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids that include:
·
blood
·
semen
·
vaginal
and rectal fluids
·
breast
milk
Symptoms:
According to nhs.uk:
Most people experience a
short flu-like illness 2 to 6 weeks
after HIV infection, which lasts for a week or 2. After these symptoms
disappear, HIV may not cause any symptoms for many years, although the virus
continues to damage your immune system.
Prevention:
According to cdc.gov:
You can
use strategies such as abstinence (not having
sex), never sharing needles, and
using condoms the right way every time you have sex. You may also be able to
take advantage of HIV prevention medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis
(PEP).
Living with HIV is not a
reason to stop loving. When we support people with HIV, we make it easier for
them to lead healthy lives. Play your part and end HIV stigma! This World AIDS
day, let us unite in solidarity to support the people living with HIV/AIDS!
#WorldAIDSDay #RedRibbon
Spread the word and share your thoughts below!
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