2. Collect newspaper cuttings and information in magazines about HIV/ AIDS. Write a one page article of 15 to 20 sentences on HIV/AIDS.
Answer:
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, gradually weakening it. The weakened immune system puts the person at risk of catching various types of diseases and infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is an advanced stage of the disease.
HIV does not get transmitted through casual contact, it spreads via contact with bodily fluids of a person infected with HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. This commonly occurs during unprotected sex and when people share drug injection equipment.
The symptoms of HIV start with the person getting fever and body aches, sore throats, night sweats, mouth sores, diarrhoea etc. In the initial stages, the symptoms are not chronic and person might not even realise that they are infected. Therefore, they can unknowingly pass the virus on to other people.
There is no cure for HIV and once a person gets infected with it, it is a lifetime struggle. So, there is need for awareness programs that educate people on how to prevent HIV. Practising safer sex such as use of condoms, reducing the number of sexual partners and saying no to drug use can go a long way in preventing HIV transmission.
Some treatments for HIV exist such as Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a combination of HIV medications. ART cannot cure HIV, but it works by preventing the virus from reproducing and thereby reduces its impact on the immune system. This treatment also reduces the risk of the virus spreading to other people.
Social stigma regarding HIV is a much-debated issue because it discourages individuals from speaking up and seeking testing and treatment. Creating non-judgemental environments for open dialogue and fostering community support will go on a long way in fighting this non-curable disease. With timely treatment, most people infected with HIV can leave healthy lives.
“Collect newspaper cuttings and information in magazines about HIV/ AIDS. Write a one page article of 15 to 20 sentences on HIV/AIDS.” – Solved.
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