BASIC FACTS ABOUT AIDS

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus known as HIV (human immune deficiency virus). It was first detected in 1981 and named in 1986.

In Africa, those who die of the virus are mostly young people aged 15 to 25. Infection can result after one exposure to blood or sex. In Southern Africa we have type C which will usually kill those who contract it, and don't get treatment, within five years. Babies infected by their mothers usually die within three years. In other parts of the world the different subtypes of the virus move slower and develop fullblown AIDS within 10 years. In Europe and the USA those with the virus usually die from pneumonia or a cancer such as Kaposi's sarcoma. In Africa meningitis and tuberculosis are the most common forms of AIDS-related deaths.

The earliest symptoms are flu, swollen glands or diarrhoea within a few days or weeks of infection. However, the virus can only be detected in the blood within six to 12 weeks after infection, or may remain hidden in the body for up to a year before being detected by an HIV test.

As the disease progresses a person may experience very bad headaches, diarrhoea, mouth sores, rashes, weight loss (or weight gain once muscles disappear), itchiness, night sweats and a range of other symptoms.

There is no cure for HIV or Aids. However, anti-retroviral drugs like AZT control the spread of the virus in those with full blown AIDS and extend life expectancy. They minimise transmission between mothers and babies - especially if the mother does not breastfeed. And they can stop transmission after high risk sexual exposures such as rape.

If you have been exposed to HIV, particularly after rape, and you are HIV negative, you must be treated with an anti-retroviral drug or drugs such as Nevirapine or Combovir within 72 hours. The faster you get onto the drug, the more effective it will be. The course is 28 days and you must stick to it, then go for follow up HIV tests for a year afterward. Three day starter packs are available from most private hospitals, sometimes free, but after that the medication will cost you around R3 000 for the remaining 25 days.

Life-saving facts

  • Always use a condom
  • Go for an HIV-test once a year
  • Do not share razors or toothbrushes
  • Demand that doctors or nurses use clean injection needles on you - watch them take it out of the packet
  • Make sure that tattoo or acupuncture needles are sterilised and clean
  • Avoid touching blood unless you are wearing rubber surgical gloves. Wash your hands afterward.
  • You can't get HIV through French kissing. But don't kiss anyone with sores on or in their mouth or allow them to perform oral sex on you.
If you are HIV+
  • Drink grapefruit juice every day
  • Exercise moderately and cut down on stress
  • Eat carefully and make sure you have plenty of protein - eggs, meat, peanut butter, soy beans - and fresh vegetables in your diet
  • Eat high energy foods like pasta, mealie meal, rice, potatoes and bread
  • Take vitamins A, B, C and selenium
  • Avoid drinking, taking drugs or smoking

Rights of people with HIV or Aids
People living with HIV or Aids can live a healthy, normal lifestyle for years.
They have the right to attend school and be employed.
They do not deserve to be rejected or ostracised.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIV/AIDS
Free 24-hour National Aids Helpline: 0 800 01 23 22.
For a free test go to Aids Training, Infor-mation and Counselling Centre (ATTIC) or similar community organisations that deals with HIV/Aids.

 

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