AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, results from infection with HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 56,000 persons contracted HIV in 2006. The condition was first recognized in 1981. Understanding the facts about HIV and AIDS helps in the prevention of this deadly disease.
History
According to the CDC, scientists believe that HIV originated in West Africa in chimpanzees that were hunted and eaten as food. The infected blood of these exposed humans to this virus.
Contamination
HIV is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, through use of infected needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Before there was universal testing of blood donations, blood transfusions in the United States were sometimes infected.
Myths
HIV and AIDS cannot be spread through kissing, hugging, insect bites or from touching someone with HIV. The blood or bodily fluid needs to enter the body for infection to occur. Some persons believe the disease only affects homosexuals; however, since it can be transmitted through sexual contact, all sexually active individuals are at risk.
Recognition
HIV attacks the CD4 and T cells in the blood that fight off infection. This results in compromising the immune system, which can lead to "opportunistic infections," according to the CDC. These infections are usually not a problem in individuals with a normal immune system. According to the Mayo Clinic, the presence of certain opportunistic infections is an indicator of AIDS. They include pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, cytomegalovirus, tuberculosis and toxoplasmosiryptosporidiosis. Another indication that HIV has progressed to AIDS is a CD4 count that is lower than 200.
Precautions
Using condoms during all forms of sexual activity helps prevent HIV transmission. Being abstinent or having only one partner can help eliminate or reduce risk. Stopping illicit drug use or using clean needles helps prevent HIV infection as well as infection with other diseases. Women planning on getting pregnant should be tested for HIV.
