HIV is a virus which affects the immune system, simultaneously increases the risk and impact of other infections and diseases. Without treatment, the infection might progress to an advanced disease stage called AIDS. It is quite a concern and questionable that how AIDS/HIV is transmitted!

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However, The life expectancy of a person who carries the HIV virus is now approaching that of a person that tests negative for the virus, as long as they adhere to a combination of medications called antiretroviral therapy (ART) on an ongoing basis. Let’s look into what is AIDS/HIV first.

What is AIDS/HIV?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks immune cells called CD4 cells, which are a type of T cell. These are white blood cells that move around the body, detecting faults and anomalies in cells as well as infections. When HIV targets and infiltrates these cells, it reduces the body’s ability to combat other diseases.

HIV is a lifelong infection. However, receiving treatment and managing the disease effectively can prevent HIV from reaching a severe level and reduce the risk of a person passing on the virus. Over time, as HIV kills more CD4 cells, the body is more likely to get various types of infections and cancers. HIV/AIDS is transmitted majorly through blood, semen and other internal elements of the body.

World Aids Day 2018:

World Aids Day is celebrated every year on 1st December in order to spread awareness against this chronic disease and help the patients of HIV/AIDS to tackle this fatal disease. Moreover, World AIDS/HIV day concentrates towards helping people who are suffering from this chronic condition and instructing them to practice safe and secure intercourse.

As of the facts, sexual relationships are the most prime reason behind the spread of HIV/AIDS as teenagers as well as adults are barely aware of the phenomenon called safe intercourse. Safe intercourse means using birth control, avoiding sexual relationships with multiple partners and having physical relationships with an infected person.

However, World Aids Day is all about aborting such practices among the sexually active partners. The theme for World Aids Day 2018 is “Know Your Status” which implements the idea among the people to realize the chronicity of HIV/AIDS.

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How HIV/AIDS is Transmitted?

HIV spreads when infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids enter the body. Because symptoms can be mild at first, people with HIV might not know they’re infected. They can spread HIV to others without knowing it.

HIV can spread:

1. During intercourse.

2. Through sharing needles for injecting drugs or tattooing.

3. Getting stuck with a needle with an infected person’s blood on it.

4. HIV also can pass from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

HIV does not spread through:

1. Stool, urine, spit, throw-up, or sweat (as long as no blood is present)

2. Coughing or sneezing

3. Holding hands

4. Sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses

Some Facts about HIV/AIDS:

1. HIV/AIDS is entirely curable and treatable with the help of professionals

2. AIDS can be prevented by avoiding sharing used needles and syringes

3. The practice of safe sex can ideally help in reducing risks of HIV/AIDS

4. AIDS is not transmitted by non-physical communication

5. There is vaccination available to tackle the HIV/AIDS

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