- Although infections have come down to half, there is
still a long way to go
- Strict adherence to ARTs can help slow the
progress of this disease
New Delhi, 12
September 2017: As per recent statistics, new infections from HIV
have almost halved in India over the past decade. However, this number is not
enough to achieve the target of ‘ending AIDS’ globally by the year 2030. There
were 2.1 million people living with HIV end of 2016. New infections fell to
about 80,000 in 2016 from 150,000 in 2005.[1] There are still 2
million people living with HIV/AIDS, which is still quite a high number, feels
the IMA.
HIV or the
human immunodeficiency virus damages the immune system by destroying the white
blood cells that fight infection. AIDS is the final stage of infection with
HIV. However, not everyone with HIV develops AIDS. A person with HIV-AIDs
stands the risk of acquiring serious ‘opportunistic’ infections and some
cancers.
Speaking
about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical
Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN
Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “HIV spreads
through unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing drug needles, or
through contact with the blood of an infected person. Women can transfer the
infection to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth. While there is no
cure for AIDS, strict adherence to antiretroviral treatment can dramatically
slow disease progression and prevent secondary infections and complications.
Understanding the dynamics of transmission and putting more people on
antiretroviral therapy can bring down the infection faster and help achieve the
target set for the year 2030.”
Within 2 to 4
weeks after infection with HIV, a person can develop flu-like symptoms such as
fever, chills, or rash. These last for few weeks post the infection. More
severe symptoms such as profound and unexplained fatigue, rapid weight loss,
frequent fevers, or profuse night sweats may not necessarily show up for about
10 years or more after the virus first enters the body.
Adding
further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “HIV attacks and destroys the
infection-fighting CD4 cells of the immune system and makes it difficult for
the body to fight infections or various cancers.
Without treatment, the immune system is gradually destroyed and the condition
advances to AIDS. A blood test is the most accurate way to tell if someone is
infected with HIV. Most tests for HIV/AIDS check for the presence of antibodies
to the virus. If the result of an HIV/AIDS test is negative, this means the person
tested is not infected or it is too early to detect the virus.”
The following
tips can help prevent HIV infection.
- Get tested Talk to your partner about getting tested for the infection.
- Have safe intercourse HIV primarily spreads through anal or vaginal
intercourse without a condom. Ensure you keep adequate protective measures
in place. Use a condom correctly every time you have intercourse.
- Limit the number of sexual partners The more partners you have, the more likely
you are to have a partner with HIV whose infection is not well controlled
or a partner with a sexually
transmitted disease (STD), which can increase your
chances of acquiring the infection.
- Get tested for STDs Having an STD can increase your risk of becoming
infected with HIV. Get tested and treated for any possible infections in
time.
- Don’t share needles, syringes or other injecting equipment such as
cotton, swabs. Use only sterile drug injection equipment and never share your
injecting equipment with others.
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