Few words strike fear in the hearts of men and women more than HIV or AIDS. Unfortunately, many people are ill informed as to what HIV or AIDS is.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is short for: Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome. This is a serious condition in which the body's defence mechanism. against illnesses are broken down. If you remember what you learned about the LYMPHATIC SYSTEM, then you will understand that the lymphatic system in most animal species is the most important physiological system of combating foreign bodies such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. AIDS attacks a very important part of this particular system. Hence, diseases that the body easily gets rid of cause havoc in the body.
What is HIV?
There is clear
evidence that
AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV. HIV is short for: Human
Immunodeficiency Virus. If a person
becomes infected with HIV, does that mean they have AIDS? No. HIV is an unusual
virus because a person can be infected with it for many years and yet appear to
be perfectly healthy. But the virus gradually multiplies inside the body and
eventually destroys the body's ability to fight off illnesses. A person is said
to have AIDS when, usually several years after first becoming infected with HIV,
they have developed one of a number of particularly severe illnesses.
It is still not certain that everyone with HIV infection will get AIDS. It seems likely that most people with HIV will develop serious problems with their health. But this may be after many years. A person with HIV may not know they are infected and can pass the virus on to other people.
How Could I Get Infected With HIV?
There are several ways one can acquire HIV.
Through sexual Intercourse.
By injecting drugs using a needle or syringe that has already been used by someone else who was infected.
HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy.
Some people think that AIDS is something that other people
need to worry about - gays, drug users, people who sleep around. These ideas are
mistaken. All people, whoever they are, wherever they live need to take the
threat of HIV seriously. Your chance of becoming infected depends entirely on
how you behave.
You can only become infected with HIV if you engage in risky activities. If you
have sex without a condom with one or a
number of different sexual partners, or share
needles or syringes with several other drug users, you increase your chances of
coming into contact with someone already infected.
Condoms can only
be effective if used correctly.
What Can I Do About Aids In My Community
Young people are especially vulnerable to HIV & AIDS in your community. They are also vulnerable as regards drug use (and not just injected drugs). Even if they are not engaging in risk behaviours today, they may soon be exposed to situations that put them at risk. In many countries 60% of all new HIV infections are among 15-24 year-olds. Also the highest rates of STDs are usually found in the age range 20-24 years, followed by 15-19 years.
It is commonly supposed that talking to young people about sex will make them do it. Such anxieties prevent many teachers, youth workers and parents from talking about sexual matters. Indeed, several studies from different countries show that good quality sex education can actually decrease the likelihood that young people will have sex, and increases condom use among those who are already sexually active. The key to prevention of AIDS is communication and education. Parents, teachers, pastors and even the local council should take responsibility and discuss sex matters with teenagers.