| HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency | | | | drug users and hemophiliacs are at high risk to get |
| Virus. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS | | | | HIV.c. HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a |
| as it is generally called, is the result of this virus. | | | | child either in the womb, during childbirth or duing |
| When a person has AIDS, the immune system | | | | breast-feeding. The chances of this happening have |
| gradually break downs. The patient then becomes | | | | been reduced with drugs and other procedures.Some |
| highly susceptible to infections and illnesses, which | | | | of the early symptoms include sinusitis, bronchitis, |
| could even, be fatal. History dates its origin to June | | | | otitis, pharyngitis, weight loss, dry cough, unexplained |
| 5th 1981 in Los Angeles where the virus was found in | | | | fatigue, unusual blemishes on the tongue, herpes |
| five homosexual men. It was then called GRID or | | | | zoster and oral ulcerations. During the more advanced |
| Gay-Related Immune Deficiency because people | | | | stages patients may have chronic diarrhea, |
| thought it only affected homosexual people. This | | | | continuous fever, extreme weight loss, oral hairy |
| theory was soon blown to pieces when cases were | | | | leukoplakia and candidiasis and pulmonary |
| reported from all over. Today, AIDS has reached | | | | tuberculosis.It is extremely important for people to |
| epidemic proportions. It has plagued most countries | | | | be tested for HIV. In some communities, partners |
| around the world and is considered a highly | | | | are required to take the HIV test prior to marriage. |
| dangerous disease.To gain a better understanding of | | | | This is because it not only affects the infected |
| HIV, we must first explore how it is transmitted.a. | | | | individual but also can spread to the spouse and the |
| HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. What does this | | | | unborn child. It is difficult telling someone you love |
| mean? The mucous membrane lines different parts | | | | that you have AIDS. However, is very vital for their |
| of the body such as the lips, genital areas, nostrils | | | | health and safety.Doctors, nurses and Medicare |
| etc. When the mucous membrane comes in contact | | | | professionals are also exposed to this virus as they |
| with sexual secretions of an infected HIV patient, the | | | | deal with syringes and needles on a daily basis. If you |
| virus transfers from one to another. This is why the | | | | have AIDS and if you are looking for a doctor, then |
| main cause for the spread of AIDS is unprotected | | | | do some preliminary research on the doctor before |
| sexual intercourse.b. HIV is also transmitted through | | | | you meet him or her. The doctor should be reliable |
| infected blood. Therefore, one has to take extreme | | | | and must be aware of the nuances of the field. You |
| precaution when undergoing blood transfusions. It is | | | | should choose a doctor who you are comfortable |
| always advisable to go to a reputed hospital or clinic | | | | with. |
| where infected syringes are not used. Intravenous | | | | |