Question

1. What question would you ask the doctor who visited your school on world AIDS day?
2. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

Answer 1

Hint: A virus is a biological agent that lives within the host organism for its survival. It can infect any type of living matter ranging from microorganisms like archaea and bacteria to plants and animals as well.

Complete step by step answer: Some of the questions I would like to ask are as follows:
i. What is HIV and AIDS?
ii. What causes AIDS?
iii. What are the symptoms of infected individuals?
iv. Is there any cure available for this disease?
v. What are the safety measures one should take to prevent HIV infection?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that attacks the immune system. It attacks a particular white blood cell (T-helper cell). It uses the cell to make more and more copies of itself. It gradually weakens the immune system. If a person doesn’t take treatment, the immune system will be severely damaged over a span of 10-15 years. People with HIV can enjoy a long and healthy life by taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) which is effective and available to all. Using condoms while intercourse and clean needles and syringes while injecting drugs is proven the best to prevent its transfer.
AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It’s also called advanced HIV infection or late-stage HIV. It is the set of symptoms that occur when attacked by the HIV virus. A person is said to have AIDS when their immune system is very fragile to fight off infection, and they develop certain symptoms and illnesses. This is the last stage of HIV, where the infection is very advanced, and if left untreated will lead to death. Although there is no cure for HIV, with the right treatment and support, people living with HIV can enjoy long and healthy lives. HIV may not always convert to AIDS. It may remain inactive for years in the system.

Note: In an HIV infected pregnant woman, the virus could pass into the baby’s body during pregnancy, birth or through breastfeeding. Taking HIV treatment correctly during pregnancy and breastfeeding can virtually eliminate this risk.