The number of HIV-AIDS cases in Pimpri-Chinchwad in Pune has tripled (Image credit: iStock)
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, also called HIV. Research shows that HIV damages the immune system, so that the body cannot fight off infections and diseases.
According to the latest State of Environment Report, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has reported an increase in HIV-AIDS cases in a three-year span. The PCMC recorded 199 cases of HIV-AIDS in 2020-2021, which increased to 220 in 2021-2022, and to 606 in 2022-2023. However, the report shows a marked decline in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) over the same period. In 2020-2021, 1,460 cases of STDs were recorded, which increased to 1,987 in 2021-2022 and decreased to just 18 in 2022-2023.
According to health officials, the large number of immigrants of reproductive age is the reason behind the rise in the number of HIV cases. Awareness and targeted screening have helped health experts in early identification of HIV cases. So, what are the signs and symptoms of HIV-AIDS?
Symptoms of HIV-AIDS
According to experts, some people infected with HIV develop a flu-like illness between two and four weeks after the virus enters the body. This stage can last from a few days to several weeks. Meanwhile, some people do not show symptoms during this stage.
Possible symptoms include:
– Fever.
– Headache.
– Muscle and joint pain.
– Rash.
– Sore throat and painful mouth sores.
– Swollen lymph nodes, also called nodules, mainly in the neck.
– Diarrhea.
– Weight loss.
– Cough.
– Night sweats.
How is HIV-AIDS transmitted?
HIV is transmitted mainly through:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food or drinks.
Stages of HIV-AIDS
HIV infection progresses through several stages, each with distinct characteristics:
1. Acute HIV infection (acute retroviral syndrome)
– Deadline: 2 to 4 weeks after exposure.
– Symptoms: Some people may develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and night sweats.
2. Chronic HIV infection (clinical latency phase)
– Term: It can last several years.
– Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, although some may experience mild symptoms. The virus continues to multiply, but at lower levels. Without treatment, the infection will eventually progress.
3. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
– Time frame: Can develop if HIV is not treated, usually between 10 and 15 years after the initial infection.
– Symptoms: Severe damage to the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections and cancers. Symptoms may include rapid weight loss, recurrent fever, extreme fatigue, prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes, and chronic diarrhea.
Ways to reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS
Experts recommend the following measures to reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, including:
– Use latex condoms (condoms) whenever you have any type of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral).
– Do not use condoms made from animal products (such as lambskin).
– Use water-based lubricants (lotion).
– Never share needles to consume drugs.
– Get tested and treated for other STDs. Other STDs can increase your risk of getting HIV.
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