Overiew on AIDS

Abstract

The worldwide epidemic of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ( AIDS ) is an international health problem. From the early to mid-1970s, when the global spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus   ( HIV) appears to have started, untill the early 1980s, when HIV was first identified , the pandermic was silent. During the mid-1980s, the international health dimension of the HIV problem became abruptly evident. There is now wide spread realization that the implications of AIDS in terms of human suffering, costs for health services and social impact are devastating.

As of June 1, 1987. 51,535 AIDS cases were officially reported in 113 countries to World Health Organization, WHO officials acknowledge that because of lack of reporting or poor reporting procedures-the actual number of AIDS cases is much higher. Globally, 5-10 million persons are currently infected and, conservatively estimating 10-30 % progression to AIDS within five years a half million to 3 million new cases will appear from this already infected mass. In the United state, there were 37,019 AIDS cases reported to the CDC as of June 15, 1987. An estimated 1.5 million people who are infected but show no symptoms.

AIDS is a fatal disease that cannot now be curred. A person can look and feet healthy and still be able to spread the infection that causes AIDS.

AIDS is not spread by casual contact but transmission is mainly spread by sexual intercourse, contaminated blood, and by contaminated hypodermic needles. Moreover, an infected woman can give AIDS to her child during pregnancy. A stable, faithful relationship with another uninfected person is safest. In any case, reducing the number of sexual partners reduces the chances of getting AIDS. For the sexually active, always using condom is good protection against AIDS.