Despite advancements in medicine, doctors and researchers have been unable to alleviate or find cures for some of the most deadly illnesses. In the early to mid 1900’s, illnesses such as polio, Spanish flu, and tuberculosis plagued a large amount of the population and resulted in thousands of deaths. Years later, childhood illnesses such as chicken pox, measles, and mumps became common. However, there are few cases of these illnesses today due to vaccinations. Additionally, modern medicine has successfully found cures for many illnesses such as cancer, which once claimed the lives of more than 70% of its victims.

What is Aids?

Unfortunately, doctors and researchers who devote many years to discovering cures for illnesses are unable to find a cure for a disease that claims over 2 million lives a year in this country. AIDS, which is an acquired immune deficiency syndrome, affects 35 million globally. AIDS is a virus that attacks the immune system. The purpose of our immune system is to fight infections. When under attack, our immune systems cannot function properly which makes us more prone to illnesses and colds. Individuals who are diagnosed with AIDS must first become infected with HIV, which is the virus that causes AIDS. Those living with HIV do not have AIDS; however it is possible to spread the virus to other people. Individuals who are affected with HIV do not become sick and die immediately. The rate of progression for this disease varies. Some are unknowingly affected for several years, whereas others may show signs of HIV a few months after exposure. On average, it takes 8 to 10 years for AIDS to develop. However, there are cases when an infected person developed AIDS soon after being exposed to the HIV virus.

Origin of Aids

The origin of AIDS has been the root of much controversy in the past twenty years. The first recorded case of AIDS within the United States occurred in 1981. Scientists have determined that AIDS originated from the simian monkey. This species of monkey is common in the Sahara region of Africa. The virus that affects monkeys is referred to as SIV. This is the same virus as HIV; however, this virus does not cause deaths in monkeys. Many who have studied AIDS conclude that monkeys have been infected with this virus for centuries. Similar to how the virus is passed among humans, monkeys become infected with SIV through sexual conduct. The puzzling question is: How did humans become infected?

Many theories exist as to how HIV began to affect the human race. Years ago, one popular belief was that an African man engaged in bestiality with an infected monkey. Bestiality involves engaging in sexual activity with an animal. Massive research has since dismissed this claim. It appears that one origin of HIV and AIDS can be linked to improperly bleeding animals prior to eating. Many African lands have a diet that included monkeys. Once a human digested the blood of an infected monkey, they placed themselves at great risk of being infected. This attributed to a high number of individuals affected with AIDS in African lands. Yet, another question arises: How did HIV originate in the United States?

In the late 1970’s, doctors discovered that a new string of illnesses had surfaced. This illness was similar to cancer, however the progression rate was faster and the body did not respond well to treatment. Unexplainably, the majority of those afflicted were homosexual males. Although the exact origin of HIV in the United States cannot be proven, one theory suggests that a homosexual flight attendant engaged in sexual intercourse with an infected African. This individual’s return to the United States was the beginning of this countries fight against AIDS.

Cause of AIDS

Again, AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency syndrome that affects the body’s cells. Individuals who are exposed to the virus will gradually begin to experience an decrease in their body’s ability to fight infections. In the early years of infection, the immune system may respond normally to colds and infections. However, as the virus advances, those infected may begin to notice that it takes longer for them to recover from the common cold or flu. Our immune system is our primary weapon again illnesses. As it weakens, we lose the ability to heal and our overall health deteriorates. Those affected with HIV are twice as likely to develop pneumonia and cancer.

HIV is spread through blood, vaginal fluids transmitted through sexual intercourse, and semen. Additionally pregnant women and mothers who breastfeed may also infect their baby. Years ago, several instances of HIV occurred due to blood transfusions. This was before researchers were aware of how the virus was transmitted. Although blood is still a transmitter, there are few cases of people becoming infected with HIV after a transfusion. This is the result of enhanced screening procedures.

Symptoms of AIDS and HIV

It has been determined that those infected with HIV experience symptoms 3 to 6 weeks after exposure. However, symptoms are generally mild, and few seek medical attention. Once these symptoms pass, those infected may not experience additional symptoms for several years. Flu-like symptoms that are common after early exposure include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Headache
• Fever
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea

Symptoms of full-blown AIDS may include:

• Chronic cough
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Short of breath
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Swollen glands

Diagnosing HIV

Some who engage in unplanned sexual activity may make a bee-line to their doctor’s office after unprotected sex. However, HIV is rarely detected this early. The primary way doctors determine whether a person is infected in by examining their blood for traces of HIV antibodies. These antibodies usually remain dormant for six months after initial contact. Thus, doctors will recommend that those possibly infected return for re-testing in six months. Although HIV does not appear on test during the initial months, it is still possible to infect others with the virus.

Treatment Options

Currently, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS. Fortunately, those who are diagnosed early may receive treatment to prolong their life. Any who have ever engaged in unprotected sex should be tested for the virus. Treatment for HIV is highly effective with slowing the development of AIDS. HIV therapy includes a combination of antiretroviral medications to control viruses in the body, and medications intended to boost and strengthen the immune system.

Prevention

HIV and AIDS are preventable. Unfortunately, many think that this illness cannot happen to them, or they fall prey to myths that HIV only affects males or homosexuals. However, HIV and AIDS may affect anyone who does not take the necessary precautions. Preventative measures include:

• Practice safe sex: Use a condom during all sexual activity. This includes during anal and oral sex.
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Do not share needles
• Do not share toothbrush, razors, or any object that may transmit microscopic blood particles
• Inquire about partner’s sexual history