AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening disease caused by HIV (Human Deficiency Virus). 

AIDS is considered a long-term disease with complications that reduce immunity and make it difficult to cure. At this Juncture of World AIDS Day, it is important for the patient suffering from this deadly disease to know the consequences to defeat AIDS and conquer a healthy body. 

The United Nations started working on communication, prevention, and education under the World AIDS Campaign since its inception in 1988 at the global level. Since then, World AIDS Day has been celebrated all over the world.

Let us not forget the people who are prone to this AIDS disease and also those suffering from it. Battling AIDS is not easy. We understand that treatment and technology are advanced. Let us come together with experts and doctors to help you battle and defeat AIDS Forever. Let us the theme for World AIDS Day 2021. 

The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is 'Ending inequalities and ending AIDS. 

In this initiative, We, at Medicircle, are conducting an awareness series at the onset of World AIDS Day to educate people about AIDS and its preventive measures from eminent Expert Doctors and Medical professionals. 

Dr. Payal Sharma has experience of 7 years in the mental health field. Dr. Payal Sharma Kamath working as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Mumbai & Sexologist in Mumbai. She is the Director of Rekindle Mind Clinic. She is attached to several multispeciality hospitals. She is an expert columnist in various newspapers like Times of India and Midday and Mumbai Mirror and also shows up on various channels. 

All you need to know about AIDS 

Dr. Payal Sharma says, “AIDS is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS has many symptoms and can spread through the HIV virus through various modes which are through - 

Blood  Sexual contact  Organ surgeries  Infected needles 

The HIV virus enters through this mode and starts attacking the immune system. Our body cells get infected while fighting against HIV and this leads to AIDS. As immunity system is involved it leads to weakening the immune system causing - 

Stomachache   Skin rashes  High-grade fever  Nausea  Vomiting  Weight loss  Weakness  Lethargy 

AIDS can be confirmed with certain tests. Every person infected with HIV will not have AIDS. When you have the above-mentioned symptoms then it is termed HIV.”

Importance of CD4 count 

Dr. Payal informs, “Any virus causes immunity to activate especially T cells who fight against bacteria, virus, and fungi. There are two types of T cells mainly - 

CD8 - is very important to fight against viruses by forming antibodies. However, sometimes the virus overpowers these CD8 cells and causes infection. These viruses enter the T cells and multiply at a faster rate causing infection. The normal range of T cells is 8000- 1300 however when you are infected with HIV, the CD4 cells start destroying the virus and multiply at a faster rate. Hence CD4 cells start reducing in the body. Hence, this CD4 count is important as your immunity is low and a person cannot fight any infection. There are many infections you can be attacked by bacteria and fungi.”

Effect of medicines on CD4 cells

Dr. Sharma states, “Medicines help in boosting CD4 cells by stopping the multiplication of the virus and thereby boosting immunity. This repair and rebuild CD4 to fight infection through medicines.”

AIDS and other infections

Dr. Sharma informs, As your immune system is weak, there are many viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can cause infections in the body. The infections are - 

Meningitis causes brain fever and infection  Skin cancer and sarcoma Bacterial infection  Candidiasis and fungal infection.  Toxoplasmosis 

These are called opportunistic infections. People with good immunity can fight these infections and avoid them as compared to HIV-positive patients.”

AIDS treatment 

Dr. Sharma informs, “AIDS is not curable but with medications, it can be controlled to - 

Improve immunity  Improve CD4 Count  Control viral load 

To control the symptoms of HIV, ART (Anti Retro Viral Therapy) is given to patients which helps to stop the multiplication of virus and cell. There are various types of ART medicines with combinations and regular monitoring of CD4 counts. Patients should be given healthy lifestyle with treatment to survive for long years to have a comfortable life.”

(Edited by Dr. Rati Parwani)