The number of HIV cases in the Philippines is rapidly increasing. Despite the several seminars conducted around the country to make the people aware about the deadly virus, the number still continues to rise.
What is HIV? Is it the same with AIDS? How does one know if he is affected by the virus? How can it be transmitted? Is there a cure?
First and foremost, people must be aware that HIV and AIDS are different. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a disease you get when your immune system is damaged by specific means or virus. And one of the results of AIDS is HIV.
What are the sign and symptoms?
- rapid weight loss
- dry cough
- recurring fever or profuse night sweats
- profound and unexplained fatigue
- swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
- diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
- white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
- pneumonia
- red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
- memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
But take note, one may not know there he already acquired the disease and the only way to know is consult a doctor and take the HIV test.
There are several ways of transmitting the disease. But mainly, it is transmitted through body fluids in several specific ways. Usually, you can get this when you have sexual contact without condom or blood transfusion or sharing needles with person who has this disease. Sadly, those who are pregnant immediately transfer HIV to their infants. Moreover, breastfeeding is another way of transmitting it.
Sadly, there is still no cure of HIV. Although, there are already developed medicines to make the person healthier and make one’s life last longer.
http://www.thebody.com/content/art2283.html
http://www.pamf.org/teen/sex/std/std/hivfacts.html
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