Persons infected with HIV may start showing symptoms of illness at any time from six months to several years after being infected. These symptoms are common to much illness and cannot by themselves be used to diagnose AIDS. AIDS can be diagnosed when a person has two or more of the following major signs together. The major signs are those which are closely, linked with HIV infection.
1. Loss if weight greater than 10% of the normal body weight.
2. Fever for longer than one month.
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3. Diarrhea for longer than one month.
4. Persistent severe fatigue.
1. Cough for more than one month.
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2. Itchy skin rashes.
3. Cold sores all over the body.
4. Thrush in the mouth and throat.
5. Swollen glands at two or more sites for more than three months.
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HIV can be transmitted from infected persons to another through the followings:
1. Blood (including menstrual blood).
2. Semen.
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3. Vaginal secretions.
4. Breast milk.
Route of Transmission and Risk of Infection :
Intensity and infectivity depends upon the route of transmission, which way any of the followings.
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How the Virus is not spread:
1. Not spread through everyday contact as shaking hands, kissing, hugging, living together, playing, and eating.
2. Not spread by using common bathroom, toilet, telephone, public transport.
3. Not spread through mosquito or bug bites.
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AIDS can spread from mother to her unborn child during pregnancy or during delivery. A woman who knows or suspects that she is an HIV carrier should avoid becoming pregnant.
It is well accepted that childhood immunizations can save the lives of many children by preventing a number of diseases. Studies have shown that immunizations are not harmful to HIV infected children, and all vaccines are recommended for all children with the exception of BCG vaccine. It is important that sterilization procedures for immunization equipment be strictly followed, to prevent transmission of a variety of infections, including HIV.
How HIV is detected:
The tests that are used most likely, to detect the presence of antibodies produced by the body in response to presence of the virus. The commonest of these tests is ELISA. Other rapid tests are also available. The antibody production time takes about 3 months and in between time is known as the “window period”. During this period though the subject is the carrier of virus and can be spread the virus to others but it cannot be detected by tests.
1. Not to donate blood, semen or any organ.
2. Not having penetrative sex or should use condom.
Confidentiality and Human Rights
While it may be generally understood that HIV cannot be spread by casual contact, the specific and individual instance of an HIV infected child or an adult can still provoke unwarranted but substantial anxiety and can unveil deep seated prejudges.
In the year 1998, World Health Organization stated “to protect the human rights and dignity of HIV infected people and people with AIDS and to ensure the confidentiality of HIV testing and to promote the availability of confidential counseling and other support services to HIV infected people and people with AIDS.
The prevention and control of AIDS ultimately relies on the responsibility of individuals not to put themselves or others at risk of HIV infection. This cannot be advised in a situation where lack of confidentiality may expose individuals to stigmatization and discrimination.
A cure for AIDS is not in hand, but many new approaches look promising.