Surjit Singh Flora
With the aim of neutralizing the extremely deadly attack of AIDS at the global level and expressing the commitment to create a healthy world, the United Nations announced the celebration of ‘World AIDS Day’ on December 1, 1988. 2024 Theme: “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” Today, marking its 35th anniversary, we must assess the extent of success in preventing this epidemic and mitigating its impact.
The HIV virus causes AIDS, a condition that weakens the immune system. AIDS primarily spreads through an infected person’s bodily fluids, especially during unprotected sex, affecting all individuals regardless of boundaries, races, colors, cultures, or beliefs. Both heterosexual and gay individuals can contract it, and women may be more prone to infection than men because of their larger surface area and higher moisture content in the genital area. The AIDS bacterium struggles when exposed to the weather.
In 2023, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) estimated that 3.14 million individuals were living with HIV/AIDS in India. India has the third-largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS globally; however, its prevalence rate is lower than that of many other nations.
HIV can infect a child born to a pregnant woman, but if the child maintains constant contact with a doctor and adheres to medical advice, they can prevent infection. Now, let’s discuss this virus. When it manifests as AIDS, the human body naturally possesses the ability to combat various diseases. It’s as if the body has its own security forces, ready to defend against any disease.
The virus attacks these same security soldiers and gradually destroys them. When the security soldiers of the body are almost gone or their number decreases so much that they are not able to fight any disease, then a person becomes infected with many types of diseases. We refer to this condition as AIDS, also known as ‘Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.’
Myths about AIDS: A lack of awareness and accurate information has led to numerous misconceptions in society, making AIDS a significant social, economic, and health issue. Many individuals and families are facing this tough situation and enduring hardship. The breakdown of families and loss of jobs makes this virus particularly lethal and harmful. HIV/AIDS is a communicable disease, and there are four main reasons for its spread. Besides these, activities like cooking in the same pot, sharing a fork, living with the same utensils, kissing, shaking hands, hugging, sleeping together, sitting or reading together, using each other’s clothes, working together, and travelling together do not contribute to its transmission. HIV doesn’t spread easily; if those affected are open about it, they can live without undue stress.
The individual, unaware of the circumstances, becomes overwhelmed with self-loathing. He begins to assign blame to his fate or himself for this virus, which leads him to feel disconnected from society. Society is also aware of HIV. It perceives the individual impacted by it as a villain, a criminal, a scoundrel, a prostitute, or a person devoid of character, which is entirely unacceptable. It is important for everyone to recognize that HIV is a health issue that can impact anyone. Accurate information, along with appropriate medical guidance and treatment, is essential to avoid or prevent its spread.
The symptoms of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can differ significantly from person to person, and their appearance is influenced by various factors, including the stage of the infection. HIV advances through three primary stages: acute HIV infection, clinical latency (chronic HIV), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This provides a summary of the onset and timing of symptoms in each stage:
- Acute HIV Infection (also known as Primary HIV Infection or Acute Retroviral Syndrome)
The onset of symptoms typically occurs 2 to 4 weeks following exposure to the virus.
Symptoms frequently mimic those of the flu or other viral infections and may encompass: Elevated body temperature, Enlarged lymph nodes , Throat discomfort , Rash, Muscle and joint discomfort , Migraine , Loose stools , Shedding pounds , Night sweats and Exhaustion
The duration of these symptoms can range from a few days to several weeks, and they are frequently confused with other viral infections. This phase exhibits a significant level of infectiousness owing to the elevated concentrations of the virus present in the bloodstream. - Clinical Latency (Chronic HIV)
Timeline: This stage may persist for several years, frequently extending to 10 years or more without treatment, and potentially even longer with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Symptoms: At this stage, the virus remains active, though it reproduces at minimal levels. A significant number of individuals show no symptoms or experience only mild ones. Certain individuals might encounter:
· Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes)
· Frequent respiratory infections
· Additional mild or non-specific symptoms
If left untreated, the virus will ultimately compromise the immune system, advancing to the subsequent stage. - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Timeline: Usually happens when the CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³ or when specific opportunistic infections or cancers arise.
Symptoms: This stage is characterized by significant damage to the immune system and encompasses a variety of symptoms and conditions, including:
· Quick weight reduction
· Recurrent fever or excessive night sweats
· Intense and unaccounted fatigue
· Extended swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
· Diarrhea persisting for over a week
· Lesions in the mouth, anus, or genital area
Pneumonia
· Red, brown, pink, or purplish spots on or beneath the skin or within the mouth, nose, or eyelids
· Cognitive decline, mood disorders, and various neurological conditions
At this stage, individuals are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections and specific cancers, which significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in AIDS.
Overview
Acute HIV infection: Symptoms typically begin 2-4 weeks post-exposure and mimic those of a flu-like illness.
Clinical latency: Symptoms may be subtle or absent, persisting for several years.
AIDS: When the immune system is greatly weakened, severe symptoms and opportunistic infections can arise.
Timely identification and intervention with antiretroviral therapy (ART) play a vital role in handling HIV infection, enhancing quality of life, and minimizing the likelihood of transmission to others. Consistent testing and medical attention are crucial for individuals at risk of or living with HIV.
Treatment Centres: Both government and significant non-government hospitals have ICTC centres, where anyone can access information about viral infections. These institutes provide counseling. Additionally, all large government hospitals feature ART centres, where they periodically examine the sick individual and initiate medication if the CD4 falls below the recommended level. Other AIDS groups are also helping continue awareness efforts. Anyone may contact these groups for factual information.
Summary: We can easily combat the lethal impact of HIV/AIDS. Accurate information about the virus, ongoing medical advice, access to nutritious food, facing challenges with determination, and maintaining hope for the future are key tools to prevent the deadly impact of AIDS.
Note: This information is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you think you might have been exposed to HIV or are showing symptoms, it is crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis, testing, and treatment. Timely identification and intervention are essential for effectively managing HIV. It is essential to consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice on any medical condition or treatment.
(The author is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton)