AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Or HIV which impacts the body's immune system which helps in protecting and fighting various diseases and our society's perception of this disease for the patients. AIDS is the extreme version of HIV.
In our body, HIV attacks the CD4 cells which protects us from infections and diseases. The CD4 cells are also called T-cells Or helper cells.
It also impacts our cardiovascular and respiratory systems if contracted. It makes it difficult to fight off diseases like the common flu. Without proper treatment and care for HIV, the patient can be at a high risk for tuberculosis and pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP).
With a low and weakened immune system, HIV patients are more likely to be susceptible to A wide range of infections in the digestive system.
While HIV does not impact the central nervous system (CNS) directly, it does affect the surrounding cells of the system. CNS includes the spinal cord and brain which helps in sensation and thinking. Advanced HIV can lead to serious nerve damage called neuropathy. Neuropathy causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet.
There is a connection between neurological functions and HIV/AIDS. It can cause HIV-caused dementia, which disrupts cognitive functioning.
Since contracting this disease causes stress to the victims, it leads to other mental health issues like anxiety, and depression, and in rare cases, the person might experience hallucinations as well.
One of the most visible signs of this disease is on the skin. This makes them vulnerable to herpes which causes sores on the mouth and genitals. And makes them vulnerable to shingles as well. Shingles cause painful rashes accompanied by blisters.
HIV/ AIDS has grave impacts on our society as well which are often not discussed. Since there is a lot of prejudice surrounding it, many people sometimes remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed very late.
According to the global statistics by UNAIDS approximately 39 million people have been diagnosed of which 1.5 million patients were children under the age of 15.
It has been noted that increasing awareness and testing is the first and most crucial step in overcoming this issue. This pattern can be seen in statistics clearly, worldwide. Between the years 2000 to 2022, it has been observed that sub-saharan countries have the highest reported rates. These include Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa.
In addition to all of this, it has great socio-economic problems as well. It allows people from middle-class families, especially in third-world countries to get access to treatment. Also, most patients of HIV/ AIDS belong to the age demographic of 26-35 with about 57% of total patients. The other demographics are 16-25 and 36-r5 with 14% each.
By analysis, it can be easily concluded that a nation's youth which builds and grows the country is a patient of such disease. This has economic growth issues.
HIV/AIDS spreads by sexual contact and it can be prevented if necessary precautions are taken. Awareness and education are essential to prevent the spreading of this disease as once acquired, it stays for life.
Written By: Vinti
Sources:
HIV and AIDS Epidemic Global Overview. (n.d.). HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/pepfar-global-aids/global-hiv-aids-overview
HIV/AIDS - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2024, February 9). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524
Newly Diagnosed with HIV | Living With HIV | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/newly-diagnosed.html
Pietrangelo, A. (2023, June 30). The effects of HIV on the body. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/effects-on-body
What are HIV and AIDS? (n.d.). HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids
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