AIDS


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

AIDS

AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS or aids) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. This virus belongs to a group of viruses called retroviruses. HIV gradually reduces the efficiency of the human immune system, i.e., it destroys the body’s ability to fight diseases. This makes the body vulnerable to other life-threatening diseases that finally cause the patient’s death. This virus is transmitted through blood, semen and breast milk. Thus, a person can get HIV by transfusion of infected blood, sharing of needle with an infected person or having sexual intercourse with an infected person. An unborn child can get the infection from the mother. Mother’s milk can infect an infant.

Signs and Symptoms: The common symptoms of AIDS are swollen lymph glands, weight loss, frequent fever, night sweats and diarrhoea. The disease may affect the central nervous system, which may cause memory loss and difficulty in speaking.

Control: No drug has yet been developed to cure AIDS. A patient is usually given a combination of drugs that manage to slow down the progress of the disease. Scientists are working on drugs that promise to cure this disease in the near future.

Prevention:

  • We should make sure that the blood used in transfusion for our family members or us has been screened for HIV. Blood banks and hospitals should test potential blood donors for HIV. 
  • Disposable needles and syringes should be used. 
  • We should not share shaving blades or razors. 
  • We should not have multiple sex partners. Condoms can be used to prevent the transmission of HIV through sexual fluids.
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    AIDS virus contains  ________________.

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    A disease transmitted by sexual contact is __________________.

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    AIDS virus has____________________

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
     
     
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