What is AIDS? How Is It Treated?

AIDS is one of the diseases that most people are familiar with, but do not know the full meaning of. The HIV virus, which insidiously infects the body and progresses, can lead patients to death if the precaution is not taken in time. The fact that 40% of patients are unaware that the virus is in their bodies increases the importance of early diagnosis in AIDS.

What is AIDS? What is the Relationship Between HIV and AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by HIV virus. HIV virus is transmitted to humans from animals. HIV, which stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a dangerous virus that targets the immune system.
In cases where HIV is not controlled by treatment, AIDS occurs because it settles in people's immune system and collapses the immune system. The body begins to collapse completely, AIDS sores begin to form in various parts of the skin.

How is AIDS Transmitted?

• Sexual: The most common mode of transmission of HIV virus is sexual intercourse. Although the use of condoms is an effective solution to prevent HIV virus, it does not provide a definite protection.
• By Blood: Health personnel must use sterile materials and gloves to protect against HIV virus that can be transmitted by injectors and blood transfusions. In addition to the harm they cause, especially drugs taken intravenously with an injector can easily carry the HIV virus.
• From Mother to Baby: From mother with HIV disease to her baby; It can be transmitted before, during or after birth. Breast milk can transmit this virus to the baby.

Except in these cases, the AIDS virus does not infect the body. There is a misconception among the public that even breathing the same air as people with the disease is dangerous. Shaking hands with individuals with the disease, kissing cheek to cheek, working in the same environment and using the same items do not cause HIV transmission. However; Precautions should be taken in cases of blood contamination at the time of sexual intercourse or injury with individuals carrying the HIV virus, and a doctor should be consulted if necessary. Razor, shaving, where the blood of others can get on our body Not using personal items such as a knife and manicure set is one of the main ways to prevent AIDS.

What are the Symptoms Caused by HIV Virus?

• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Flu symptoms such as tiredness, weakness or weakness
• Muscle and sore throat
• Red rashes that are not itchy on the body
• Fever
• Sudden weakness
• Long-lasting coughing fits
• Swelling of lymph nodes in the armpit, groin and neck
• Disruption or complete cessation of the menstrual cycle
• Skin diseases and infections (fungal diseases, bacterial infections, etc.).
• Herpes that does not heal and lasts for months
• Eczema, rash, Changes in hair, nails and skin.

However, the first symptom of HIV is 5 to 10 mm swellings on the face, neck, trunk and arms. Blisters, which usually last for 5-7 days, are accompanied by sores in the genital area and mouth. Since the virus collapses the immune system and makes it difficult to fight diseases, the fact that even simple diseases cannot be healed easily may be a sign of AIDS.

What is AIDS Test and How Is It Done?

The AIDS or HIV test is a common test used to determine whether the virus is present in the body. It is necessary to wait 6 weeks after a situation that requires an HIV test occurs. During this process, a doctor should be consulted. Time is required for this test to be positive. Early testing may result in a false-negative report. Therefore, in cases of suspected HIV, p24 test should be performed first.
P24 is a protein specific to the HIV virus. As a result of all these processes, Western Blot test is applied to confirm the virus. With this test, it is determined in which region the body produces antibodies. The most practical and healthy solution used to detect the HIV virus is the PCR test. Although it is an expensive method, there is a chance to detect the virus before antibodies are formed in the body with PCR.

Can AIDS Disease Be Treated?

Unfortunately, there is a way to completely cure AIDS disease. theme does not exist yet. The AIDS vaccine is a treatment method that is still under development. The drugs used during the disease aim to increase the patient's quality of life by keeping the HIV virus under control. Patients who use their drugs regularly have a longer life expectancy and are less affected by the effects of the disease. Antiretroviral therapy is used in the treatment of
HIV virus to prevent the virus from multiplying. antiretroviral therapy; It is a lifelong treatment that prevents the spread of HIV and reduces the number of infected cells. As a result of decreasing viruses in the body, the immune system is strengthened. However, in order for the treatment to be successful, the drugs should adapt to the body, and should be used regularly and in the doses given at the specified times.

How Many AIDS Patients Are There in the World and in Turkey?

While the rate of AIDS patients in the world is decreasing every year, it tends to increase in our country. According to official figures, there are 16,644 patients in our country, where AIDS cases were first seen in 1985. The number of patients, 13,127 of whom are men, is expected to increase in the coming years. Undoubtedly, the most common method of transmission of the disease is unprotected sexual intercourse. About 3 million people around the world die from AIDS every year. Sometimes, in order to detect the HIV virus, which sneaks up on the body and goes unnoticed for a long time, it is absolutely necessary to have a check-up.
Changes in blood values ​​and disruptions in body functions can be easily determined by having regular check-ups. Thanks to the treatment that starts with early diagnosis, the disease is taken under control; so that the patient suffers as little harm as possible. With regular doctor control and drug use, patients can continue their lives by maintaining their quality of life for many years.

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