Discussion on AIDS
Introduction
AIDS is a disease that is caused by a virus called HIV. The virus lowers the body’s immune system, thus making it susceptible to opportunistic diseases. In essence, the disease has no cure. However, if Aids is diagnosed in its early stages, it can be dealt with, and one can live for an extended period (Aretha, pg. 90).
Immediately the virus enters the body; it alters the body immune system. The following symptoms are experienced; Coughing and breathing difficulties, Fever, Persistent headache and stiff neck, Loss of vision, Weight loss and extreme fatigue which may result as the lack of an appetite and Nausea.
Effect of AIDS
The disease has impacts on the victims, their families and the society. Usually, families are the first to experience impacts of the disease. Essentially, families are the care providers for the victims and experience Aids drug financial hardships.
The health care system demands more workers as the infected employees increase. Where the system is weak, the workers get strained in much. In addition, the expenses of treating the disease and its opportunistic diseases rise which strains the funding authorities (Healey, pg.67).
Additionally, business and agriculture have been affected. Many workers have died; number of hours is less as the victims are always in for medication and rising costs of health care benefits. The viability and ability of workers are compromised. Obviously, economic stability of the country is compromised when business and agriculture suffer. In essence, human capital is lost, and investment becomes lower. Therefore, the country’s economic performance reduces.
Transmission of Aids
The virus can pass through an opening on the skin. It can also, enter through the vagina, rectum or even through the urethra. The greater percentage of transmission is through sex. The rapture on the skin or mucous membrane can increase the risk of transmission if it gets contact with infected fluids (Johansson, pg.164).
The HIV virus can get directly into the blood stream through injections. The injections can be either subcutaneous, intravenous or intramuscular. In addition, blood-to-blood transmission can occur in vertical transfusion. Essentially, the virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to the fetus at pregnancy and birth. In addition, it can be by breastfeeding. Since the breast milk carries the virus, the risks of spreading the virus to the infant are very high. Through research findings, the virus cannot be transmitted through tattooing and piercing, biting by neither insects nor sweat, saliva and tears (Bell, pg. 34).
Treatment
Usually, there are a number of drugs used in the treatment of the disease. The drugs alter the action of the virus when it is copying itself in the cell. In addition, other drugs prevent the virus from maturing and leaving the cell. Notably, these drugs do not cure the virus, but they alter its effects.
Medical treatments of the virus by use of antiretroviral drugs have reduced the effects of the disease. The use of the antiretroviral drugs has a crucial effect on the user if well used. Sometimes, the virus develops some resistance to the drug but by use of many medical combinations can prevent the resistance (Aretha, pg. 81).
Worse, Aids drugs are very expensive and are not easily available to a large affected population. In many countries on the sub-Saharan Africa, a vast majority of the population have died because they cannot afford to buy the drugs or cannot access to the medical facilities. The disease so far does not have a vaccine. Research has been conducted to develop a vaccine to protect, but the virus is problematic. Perhaps, in the long-term the vaccine may be available (bell, pg. 35).
Prevention of AIDS
Certainly, there should be behavioral interventions that advocate sexual practices as the use of condoms among partners. These will prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, workshops that promote safe sex should be conducted periodically to sensitize people on the virus transmission.
Similarly, there should be thorough blood screening in the hospitals before it is transfused. These will help in discarding the blood that is infected instead of putting the patients at risk. In addition, blood screening will help the donor to know his status and take the necessary step.
Further, there should be massive access to comprehensive and quality health services. These include; VCT, care for the victims, integration of prevention and treatment and use of referral services.
The establishment of AIDS educational centers and information area that provide free materials on AIDS and address s human health issues help in the management of the disease. Male circumcision can also help in preventing the disease. Normally, this is demonstrated in heterosexual sex. The risk of acquiring the disease is reduced approximately up to 60% through circumcision (Healey, g.45). Most importantly, individuals should go regular checkups to know their status. Obviously, early checkups are essential for timely management of the disease.
Management
Once one has been diagnosed of the disease, it is critical to undertake management measures. Of course, this will help in the reduction of the effect of the disease and prevent opportunistic diseases take- over. In essence, the newly diagnosed individuals need a very high level of emotional support because many do not understand the risks. Others because of fear may get overwhelmed and fail to manage the disease, thus quicken their death. Victims should be provided with safe sex education. This is significant as it helps in the reduction of contracting opportunistic diseases. Provision of condoms for use will help the victim from being exposed to other sexual diseases
Medical practitioners should practice high levels of confidentiality in order to reduce trauma among the victims. They should have the appropriate attitude towards the victims that will give them hope and not discouragement (Johnson, pg.50).
Individual victims should practice eating of a well-balanced diet that will boost their immune system. The eating of vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates will increase the immune system of the body. In addition, it will help in resisting opportunistic diseases.
Conclusion
AIDS is a deadly disease that does not have a cure. Normally, the disease is transmitted by sexual contact and blood transfusion. However, the effects of the disease can be reduced by use of antiretroviral drugs that increase the immune system of the body. The disease can cause devastating effects on the victim and their families, businesses and agriculture and the wholesome economy. Mostly, the disease can be prevented by conducting civic education and provision of Aids materials to the society. Despite many shortcomings, the disease can be managed by practicing nutritional and health tips that can prolong a victim’s life.
Works Cited
Aretha, David. Magic Johnson: Athlete. New York: Chelsea House, 2010. Print.
Bell, Sigall K, Kevin Selby, and Courtney L. McMickens. Aids. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood, 2011. Print.
Healey, Justin. Hiv and Aids. Thirroul, N.S.W: Spinney Press, 2011. Print.
Johanson, Paula. Hiv Aids. United States: ReadHowYouWant.com, 2008. Print
