Basic information and background about AIDS

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS for short, develops as a result of becoming infected with the Human Immunodeficency Virus (HIV). This viral infection drastically reduces the body's defences against attack by infections from other viruses, bacteria and fungi, as well as certain cancers. AIDS patients, therefore, are vulnerable to a large number of infections.

AIDS was first recognised in 1981. Following infection by the HIV virus, further testing of the blood can reveal if the patient has become HIV positive. However, not every HIV positive patient progresses onto developing full blown AIDS.

The virus enters the body either via blood containing the virus (from a blood donor who has already become infected with HIV) following a blood transfusion, or during unprotected sexual intercourse where the virus is usually transmitted in seminal fluid from the infected partner.

Even a fetus may be infected with the virus via the blood from an infected mother passing on the disease through the placenta. About 1,000,000 babies have been infected by mother to child transmission.

Years ago, hemophiliacs who received human blood products which had not been screened for the presence of the HIV virus, became infected and as a result, also became victims of AIDS.

Worldwide, more than 13 million people are believed to have become infected with HIV. With over 80,000 Europeans already diagnosed with AIDS, the condition is, in fact, very rare here. As a GP in a Manchester practice with approximately 17,000 patients, I have only seen one case of AIDS in the past 13 years.

It's vital to recognise that AIDS is not a highly infectious disease. Those who have AIDS present no threat to those who are in normal contact with them. Those who are at risk, are sexual contacts and addicts using intravenous drugs and sharing needles.

It is believed that 75% of all HIV infections result from unprotected sexual intercourse so always use a condom, with everyone, every time!!


IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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