by Bisheba Gaines

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 09, 2008

Living with HIV/AIDS

AIDS(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome),is an illness caused by HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
It is one of the deadliest diseases on the planet. There is no known cure. Everyone should know the basic facts.

When infected with HIV,the virus makes multiple copies of itself inside your body. As it does this,its killing your germ fighting white-blood cells. After years and years of this, the body weakens and can no longer protect itself from the virus or any other germs it may encounter. If untreated,the virus will eventually develop into AIDS.

Since the 1980s, this disease has spread throughout the continents affecting Africa the worst. In the past two years,over 15 million people have died from Aids there. More than 2 million have died from this deadly disease here in the United States. Anyone can contract HIV/AIDS, no one is immune.

The best way to know if you have it is to get tested. Many people can live more than 10 years without any symptoms.
Infection with HIV occurs by the transfer of blood,semen,vaginal fluids, pre-ejaculate,or breast milk.
Unprotected sex and the sharing of needle syringes,are two of the most common ways to contract HIV.

The following may be warning signs of the HIV infection:

.quick weight loss
.dry cough
.recurring fever or profuse night sweats
.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

There are several drugs on the market to help treat HIV/AIDS.
They are used to help decrease the multiplying process of the virus.
Some are stronger than others, depending on the stage you are in.
Statistics for the end of 2007 indicate that around 33.2 million people are living with HIV, with the use of these drugs.
Here are the most common:
.Nevirapine
.Zidovudine
.Efavirenz
.Atripla
.Ritonavir
.Viread

There are free rapid testing sites available at your local community health care clinics.
They offer provisions of antiretroviral drug(ARV)treatments,voluntary counseling for the whole family,support groups,nutritional care,information on prevention of onward HIV transmission,as well as follow-up counseling.

There are many benefits,to the relationship you'll have with your community health care clinic.You,as well as, your family can expect an enormous amount of support and knowledge from this experience.
My advice to you:
Stay Informed
Stay Smart
Stay Ahead

Learn more about this author, Bisheba Gaines.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.