December 1st is World AIDs Day

tavishi
Dec 1, 2024
2 min read

By: Tavishi Gupta

December 1st marks World AIDs Day, a time to honor those impacted by HIV/AIDs, raise awareness and promote understanding.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells). Without treatment, HIV weakens the body’s defenses, progressing to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the final and most severe stage.

How Does HIV Affect the Body?

HIV disrupts the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and diseases. Over time, untreated HIV reduces CD4 counts, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain cancers.

Common Triggers and Risk Factors

HIV is transmitted through:

Unprotected sex.
Sharing needles or syringes.
Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Blood transfusions (though this is rare in countries with rigorous blood screening).

Symptoms

HIV symptoms vary by stage:

Acute stage (2-4 weeks after infection): Flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
Chronic stage: Often asymptomatic but the virus remains active.
Advanced stage (AIDS): Severe weight loss, persistent infections, and extreme fatigue.

How is HIV Diagnosed?

HIV is diagnosed through blood or saliva tests that detect antibodies, antigens, or the virus itself. Early testing and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment.

How is HIV Treated?

There’s no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps manage the virus. ART reduces viral load, prevents progression to AIDS, and enables people to live long, healthy lives.

Can HIV Be Prevented?

Yes, prevention strategies include:

Practicing safe sex using condoms.
Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for those at high risk.
Regular testing for early detection.
Avoiding shared needles.

5 Random Facts About HIV/AIDS

U=U: If someone’s viral load is undetectable through ART, they cannot transmit HIV to others.
The red ribbon is the global symbol of solidarity for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Timothy Ray Brown was the first person cured of HIV through a stem cell transplant.
South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV globally, but also one of the largest ART programs.
Early HIV treatments involved dozens of pills daily, but now most regimens are as simple as one pill a day.

A Fun Story

The “L” in LGBTQ+ represents lesbians, and it’s placed first as a nod to history. During the early LGBTQ+ rights movement, gay men dominated advocacy, but during the AIDS crisis, lesbian women stepped up to care for and advocate for gay men suffering from HIV/AIDS. Their solidarity, compassion, and activism earned them a place of honor at the forefront of the acronym.