There are only a few terms in the world, whose very sound can run a chill down our spines and make us flinch - AIDS is definitely a disease which falls under this category!
Even with all the technological advancements in the medical field, AIDS is still one of the most dangerous diseases that a human can get and a cure has not been found yet!
With AIDS, we know that death is a sure-fire end result and the symptoms of this disease that lead up to the death of a person are rather devastating.
Every year thousands of people become victims of AIDS and lose their lives, including children, whose parents have transmitted this disease to the children, even before they are born!
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the HIV virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which can completely destroy the body's ability to fight diseases rapidly, by affecting the immune system.
The HIV virus is usually transmitted through semen, vaginal fluids or blood, while indulging in unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.
AIDS can also spread by sharing razors, needles, etc., which have infected blood on them.
Although AIDS can affect every aspect of our well-being, since it weakens the immune system, making way for a number of diseases to affect the victims, there are a few common symptoms of AIDS that are unique to it.
They are abdominal pain, throat pain, constant flu, appetite loss, ulcers in the tongue, swelling in the genital area, constant diarrhoea, etc.
There are treatments that can reduce the symptoms for a while, however, ultimately, the entire immune system is destroyed and treatments stop working, which is why AIDS is such a dangerous disease!
So, here are 9 scary facts on AIDS that everyone must become aware of!
Fact #1: No Cure For AIDS
There is no known cure for AIDS currently, although, medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies are constantly working on finding a cure. It is said that over a 100 drugs are being tested on AIDS right now, which aim at attacking the infected cells in the body.
Fact #2: Unprotected Sex
Some of the earliest cases of AIDS are said to have originated from Kinshasa, in Congo (Africa), during 1959. Later on, by the 1960s, AIDS spread to the United States and Europe and then the Asian counties. In those days, apart from unprotected sex, sharing needles by people who used illegal drugs was a major factor.
Fact #3: Creating Awareness
According to statistics and research studies, it is said that over 40% of the people all over the globe, are unaware that they have AIDS, until it is too late. These people usually pass of the symptoms as common flu or other minor ailments and do not seek treatments. So, creating awareness, especially in the rural areas is very important.
Fact #4: Bad Hygiene Practice
AIDS can also be spread through contaminated surgical instruments in unhygienic hospitals, especially in rural areas, where the surgical instruments have been used on AIDS patients and not cleaned. So, hospitals have to be very careful when it comes to hygiene and safety.
Fact #5: Infected Mother
AIDS can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy, through the blood. It can also be spread while she breastfeeds her child. So, if a woman has AIDS, then she must refrain from getting pregnant!
Fact #6: Common In Third World Countries
According to the latest surveys, over 36.7 million people are living with AIDS in the world! And among them, over 1.8 million are children, whose parents transmitted the disease to them. AIDS is more common in the third world countries and developing countries.
Fact #7: Safe Sex
Practicing safe sex, having a single sexual partner who is tested for sexually transmitted diseases, not sharing needles and razors, getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly, etc., are some of the simplest ways to ensure that you prevent AIDS.
Fact #8: Anal Sex
Although AIDS can affect people of any age, gender, race or sexual preference, studies have proven that people who indulge in anal sex often are more at the risk of developing AIDS. So, a condom must always be worn while indulging in anal intercourse.
Fact #9: Blood Transfusion
AIDS can also be transmitted through blood transfusions in hospitals, if an infected person has donated blood. So, every person who donates blood must be tested for HIV.
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