AIDS, an ailment, that has become a social evil nowadays, was initially identified in the year 1981, huddled in male homosexuals, intravenous drug abusers, and hemophiliacs in USA and among sexually dynamic heterosexuals in some parts of Africa.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus infection) is a Virus that leads to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV assaults the body's immune system. A healthy immune system helps in combating various diseases in the body. So if your immune system is affected or is dysfunctional, it would naturally pave way for various other diseases which are hard to cure.

When anyone is detected of AIDS, his/her body can't combat with the disease. She/he will get sick easily and have problem in recovering. AIDS patients generally pass away of an infection or cancer.

Causes of HIV Infection

HIV is there in the blood and genital discharge of almost all persons contaminated with HIV, irrespective of whether or not they have indications. The multiplication of HIV can happen when these discharges come in contact with tissues such as those coating the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes or with a rupture in the skin, such as from a cut or prick by a needle. There are 3 primary causes of HIV, which are as follows:

Sexual transmission

Through an intimate sexual contact i.e. vaginal, anal or oral sex with an HIV contaminated sex partner. Other than through straight contact, there is also a possibility to get infected by sharing sexual equipments. Sexual diffusion of HIV has been explained from men to men, men to women, women to men, and women to women in the course of vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The most suitable method to evade sexual transmission is self-restraint from sex until it is definite that both partners in a monogamous affiliation are not HIV-infected. For the reason that the HIV antibody examination can take up to 6 months to become positive, both partners would need to test negative 6 months after their last prospective contact to HIV. If self-restraint is not possible, the next most suitable way is the usage of latex barricades. This implies using a condom to evade contact to pre-ejaculatory and ejaculatory fluids that include transmittable HIV.

Transmission through blood

The most frequent cases of HIV are by sharing syringes and needles or blood transfusion actions. The increase of HIV by contact with contaminated blood generally results from sharing needles, especially those used for prohibited drugs. HIV also can also be increased by sharing needles for anabolic steroids to boost muscle, body piercing and tattooing. To avert the spread of HIV, in addition to other aliments including hepatitis, needles should never be shared as a thumb rule. At the commencement of the HIV pandemic, many people got hold of HIV infection from blood transfusions or blood products, for example those used for hemophiliacs. Presently, though, since blood is examined for antibodies to HIV before transfusion, the hazard of acquiring HIV from a blood transfusion in the USA is tremendously low and is considered inconsequential.

Transmission through pregnancy

HIV infection can easily pass from mother to the unborn child. Reports have revealed that more than 500 thousands of infants were contaminated with HIV infection during pregnancy or breast feeding. Transmission from HIV contaminated mothers to their fetus during pregnancy, labor (the delivery procedure), or breast-feeding is very rampant.

You will not get infected with HIV by touching, hugging, handshakes, sharing cups, sneezing etc. HIV doesn't extend though air.

Summary

After so many years, there isn't any lucrative long lasting treatment for HIV infection. However the paramount way to lessen the virus of HIV is to shield yourself from multiple sexual intercourse and by the usage of condoms. Additionally keep yourself far away from illicit drug use i.e. sharing needles.

Contact your doctor if you have had a probable or definite exposure to AIDS or HIV infection. Be healthy; be safe!