HIV Awareness on World AIDS Day 2024: Early Detection Saves Lives. World AIDS Day, celebrated every year on 1 December, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, remembering the victims and supporting those infected. The main objective of this year is to understand the early signs and symptoms of HIV infection so that they can be treated on time.
Education, awareness and cooperation are very important in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This day reminds us that early diagnosis and proper treatment of HIV can prevent it from turning into AIDS. If AIDS is not treated and diagnosed, people can definitely die.
What is AIDS? AIDS i.e. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a serious disease. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. This condition occurs when the HIV virus damages the body’s immune system to such an extent that the body is no longer able to fight normal infections and diseases.
Treatment of HIV infection can prevent it from turning into AIDS if it is started early. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the early symptoms and contact a doctor on time.
Early signs and symptoms of HIV infection
1. Persistent fever:
- Symptom: Persistently high temperature (more than 38°C) that does not respond to normal medicines.
- Cause: It reflects the immune system’s response to the infection in the body.
2. Chronic fatigue:
- Symptom: Feeling extremely tired despite adequate rest. May be a symptom of AIDS disease
- Cause: It is caused by the HIV virus weakening the body’s energy.
3. Unexplained weight loss:
- Symptom: Rapid weight loss for no apparent reason.
- Cause: This is called “wasting syndrome,” where the body spends too much energy fighting infections.
4. Frequent infections:
- Symptom: Frequent infections like pneumonia, oral thrush, or skin infections.
- Cause: Weakened immune system.
5. Difficulty breathing:
- Symptom: Shortness of breath, persistent cough, or respiratory infections.
- Cause: Increased risk of lung infections due to weakened immunity.
6. Swollen lymph nodes:
- Symptom: Prolonged swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Cause: Lymph nodes work to prevent infection in the body, but they can be affected due to HIV infection.
7. Neurological symptoms:
- Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and confusion.
- Cause: HIV has a direct effect on the nervous system.
Risk factors and solutions for HIV infection
If a person shows the above symptoms and has HIV infection risk factors (such as unprotected sex, use of contaminated needles, etc.) in their life, they should consult a doctor immediately.
Importance of early diagnosis:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART): ART drugs stop the growth of the virus and also prevent HIV from turning into AIDS.
- Testing and awareness: It is important to get HIV tested on time and start treatment.
Importance of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS
- Education: Dispelling misconceptions about HIV and spreading accurate information.
- Support: Social and emotional support for people living with HIV.
- Preventive measures: Safe sex, use of clean needles, and regular health checkups.
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