What do you know about AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is a life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks and destroys the body's immune system, specifically targeting CD4+ T-cells (white blood cells crucial for fighting infections). When HIV infection progresses to AIDS, the immune system becomes so severely damaged that the body cannot defend itself against opportunistic infections and certain cancers that would normally be controlled by a healthy immune system. A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter (normal is 500-1500) or when they develop specific AIDS-defining illnesses.

HIV transmission occurs through specific routes: unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood (common among intravenous drug users), from infected mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and through transfusion of infected blood products (now rare due to screening). Importantly, HIV is NOT transmitted through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or utensils, mosquito bites, or being near someone who coughs or sneezes. Common symptoms of AIDS include persistent fever, chronic diarrhea, rapid weight loss, extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, recurring infections, pneumonia, skin rashes, and memory loss. Without treatment, AIDS progressively weakens the body until opportunistic infections prove fatal.

While AIDS has no cure, modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed it from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition. When taken consistently, ART suppresses HIV viral load to undetectable levels, allowing immune system recovery and preventing AIDS development. People living with HIV who maintain undetectable viral loads can live near-normal lifespans and cannot sexually transmit the virus (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). Prevention strategies include practicing safe sex with condoms, avoiding needle sharing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals, screening blood donations, and antiretroviral treatment for pregnant women with HIV to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Education, reducing stigma, encouraging testing, and ensuring treatment access remain critical for controlling this pandemic. Globally, tens of millions have died from AIDS-related illnesses, but with proper medication and care, people with HIV today can maintain good health and quality of life.