Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a deadly disease, which kills by first destroying the immune system in the body. Immune system is a system in the body which produces substances that help the body to resist disease. Once the system is weak, the disease gains control of the body and, through a gradual process, destroys every vital organ in the body system.
According to Dr. Sani Umar, a medical doctor at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), it is possible to be infected with HIV virus without developing AIDS. But if there is no treatment, the HIV infection can progress and develop into AIDS in most cases. Once someone has received an AIDS diagnosis, it will always carry on with them in their medical history, he added.
Research shows that HIV originated from West-Central Africa during the early 20th century. AIDS was first recognized by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in1981and its cause, HIV infection, was identified in the early part of the decade. Although, there are controversies over the origin and causes of the disease, many, especially religious leaders have argued that AIDS is a consequence of too many sins committed by human.
Others are, however, of the view that the disease was contacted from dogs that have been trained to behave and have sex with human beings. Other ways of contacting the disease include vaccine program such as polio, small pox vaccine, hepatitis B, having unprotected sex with an infected person, etc.
“Some patients develop HIV symptoms shortly after being infected. But in most cases, it usually takes more than 10 years.
The first symptoms of HIV infection include swollen glands in the throat, slight fever, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, etc. These symptoms may last for only two weeks. There are usually no symptoms for many years which is why it is hard to know if you have HIV,” said Abdulkareem Ahmad, a lecturer of Department of Anatomy, North West University, Kano.
The (CDC) estimates that about 1 in every 8 HIV positive Americans are unaware of their HIV status. Therefore it is important for people to know their HIV status. Diagnosis is free and is done through a blood that screens specifically for the virus.
Presently, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. But early treatment can make a patient to live a long and a relatively healthy life. The government has spent millions of dollars on the procurement of drugs from abroad to treat infected patients and also to orientate the general public through public enlightenment campaign on the existence and danger of the disease. Abstinence rather than the use of condom is the best way to prevent AIDS.
Ahmed Oyiza Juwaretu,
Bayero University,
Kano
