Discuss the causes, symptoms, preventive measures and treatment of AIDS.
Answer:
AIDS is caused by a retrovirus, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It is transmitted from an infected to a healthy person through sexual contact, blood transfusion, use of infected needle or blade. Also, it may get transmitted from infected mother to her foetus.
Symptoms:
- Inflammation in lymph glands.
- Loss of weight and sweating during night.
- Bleeding and fever.
- Severe damage to the brain which may even lead to loss of memory. In some cases, the person may cease to speak and even think.
- Above all, the possibility of other diseases also increases because of the damage caused to the immune system.
Prevention:
- By avoiding sexual contact with unknown persons.
- By using sterilised needles, blades, etc.
- By ensuring that the blood to be transfused is free from HIV.