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The "A" Threat

By: Barney Garcia Just when scientists working round the clock all over the world heave a sigh of relief at the thought of having achieved all the possible medical breakthroughs for combating most diseases, nature decides to throw yet another challenge at them- Aids, the most dreaded disease.

Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, more commonly known, as Aids may not be a disease in it self but is certainly a harbinger of loads of other diseases. Aids is the outcome of HIV virus that destroys the entire immune system in the human body. The HIV virus victimizes the "T" cells in the body, which are in fact the center of the human defense system. Once these cells are victimized the body loses its resilience to fight diseases and becomes susceptible to them. The end result is that the body is reduced to a helpless territory that can be easily invaded by infections and illnesses.

Some of the many symptoms of this disease are constant fever, weight loss, swollen glands, loss of appetite, headaches, tumors, skin rashes, vision problems and so on.

The three main modes of transmission of this disease are:
1. Having unprotected sex
2. Blood Transmission
3. By Birth

Some Safety Measures that can help to keep Aids at bay:

- The first safety measure that we can adopt is to practice safe sex. It's always advisable to use condoms so as to avoid contact with vaginal fluids or semen. In order to be in control of your senses while having sex, avoid any form of drugs or intoxication. Practice monogamy. Try to avoid having multiple partners for sex.
- During any kind of blood transfusions ensure that use of only disposable syringes and needles. If you are a blood recipient be precautious enough to get the blood screened before permitting it into your body.
- Women who are HIV positive should avoid breast- feeding their babies.

Truths and Myths
The truth is that Aids is a sexually transmitted disease. While the myth is that it spreads through kissing, hugging, or any other casual contact. Blood donations are harmless if conducted with due care and precautions. Aids virus cannot be carried by blood sucking mosquitoes because the virus can exist outside a human body for a short time only. Moreover dried blood is not infectious.

So the next time you come across somebody who is a patient of aids, remember not to avoid them like plague. Instead be friendly, kind and considerate towards them. I'm sure it won't be a threat to your existence!