A disease involving a defect in cell mediated immunity that has a long incubation period follows a protracted and debilitating course, is manifested by various opportunistic infections and has a poor prognosis.

The disorder is found primarily in homosexual men and intravenous drug users and to a lessor degree in female sex partners of bisexual men and children of those with the disease. The causative agent is believed to be retrovirus, identified as HTLV 3 (Human T cells lymphotropi virus transmitted through sexual contact or exposures to contaminated blood or possibly close personal contact Initial symptoms include extreme fatigue, intermittent fevers night sweats, chills, Lymphadenopathy, enlarged spleen, anorexia, consequent weight loss, severe diarrhea, apathy and depression.

As the disease progresses, there is a general failure to thrive, energy and any no. and kind of infections most commonly Pneunocystis, casim Pneumoia, menengitis or encephalitis caused by asperogillosis, candidia Cystococcosis, Cytomegalo virus, texoplasmosis or herpes simplex. Treatment consists primarily of combined chemotherapy to counteract the opportunistic disease.

Interferon and other immunomodelators have been used, with little success, to correct the underlying immune defect. The fatuity rate is 90% in those diagnosed more than 2 years.

How should a Condom be used?

Though seemingly simple, a certain protocol needs to be followed when using a condom for contraception

1. A new condom should be used for every act of coitus.
2. Condoms are available in pre-tested, pre-sterilized packs and need not be tested prior to use.
3. It is to be rolled onto the erect penis just prior to insertion. Practice of delaying and putting it on just before ejaculation should be avoided.
4. It should be removed immediately after ejaculation otherwise the penis becomes flaccid and the semen is likely to spill into the vagina.
5. For removal, it is to be held on to the base of the penis, and should be withdrawn along with the penis.
6. It may be used with some spermicidal jelly to maximize its contraceptive effect.

What is the ideal thing to prevent AIDS (through sexual transmission)?

In a like India, it would be ideal to use barrier contraceptive devices like the condom, which may offer protection against infection as well as conception.

How can parents help their children in avoid AIDS?

Parents should educate their children about AIDS so that when they become sexually active they know exactly what risks they are taking. Just moralizing does not help to persuade people in changing their behavior. It must be emphasized that there is no cure for AIDS; at the same time one should also emphasize that it is not transmitted via casual contacts, like serving meals, giving hair cuts, shaking hands, using public toilets or swimming pools. Early and accurate information is absolutely essential in the prevention of AIDS, as well as, unnecessary panic and anxiety.

Why is anal sex more risky than vaginal sex?

The rectal mucosa is more prone to abrasions and tears as compared to the vaginal mucosa. Thus, a discontinuity of the lining mucosa creates a direct portal of entry into the blood stream. Thus, AIDS virus from an infected partner will be transmitted more easily during anal sex.

What precautions should a homosexual take?

If possible, avoid. If not, then while indulging in oral sex, avoid taking the partner’s semen in your mouth. While having anal sex insist on the partner wearing a condom.

Can one tell by inspecting a potential partner if he/she is infected?

No. One cannot definitely say whether an individual harbors the virus by mere inspection, as the vast majority of individuals who have been infected are Symptom less carriers’ and show no evidence whatsoever, of the infection. They may themselves be unaware that they are infected. The best method of finding out whether an individual is infected is to undergo a blood test.

What is AIDS?

It is an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a viral disease in which the immune system becomes so weak that the individual becomes susceptible to any infection or disease that an otherwise healthy person would be able to resist easily. AIDS victims can be devastated by the common cold or by a simple attack of diarrhea.

Do you need to worry about AIDS?

Yes. AIDS can spread easily through any infected secretion of an AIDS patient. So far no cure has been discovered for this eventually fatal disease that cripples the immune system making the body increasingly prone to infections. Once contracted the prognosis is usually poor, and the motto one must follow is “Prevention is the only Cure.”

Is AIDS contagious?

Yes. The AIDS virus has been transmitted between male homosexuals, heterosexuals, intravenous drug users sharing contaminated needles, from blood transfusions, contaminated blood products, contaminated secretions like saliva, semen, tears, urine of an infected person, as well as vertical transmission from mother to infant. Tattooing, shaving, dental work, acupuncture, electrolysis needle, can also infect one; surgical procedures etc. if sterile aseptic probations are not used.