Imunodeficiency

HUMAN 

IMMUNODEFICIENCY 

VIRUS/ACQUIRED 

IMMUNE DEFICIENCY 

SYNDROME(HIV/AIDS) 

Human - Immune Deficiency Virus is a microorganism that causes HIV infection. It attacks the white blood cell, which is responsible for the body defence mechanism and multiply in those cells eventually destroying them. 

AIDS is the terminal stage of HIV infection and is a collection of signs and symptoms of different diseases. The individual's immune system is weakened and therefore vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as candidiasis, tuberculosis, etc. 

HOW PEOPLE GET HIV/AIDS 

1. Unprotected sex with an infected person. 

2. Through contact with the blood of an infected person; e.g sharing used razor blade, circumcision knives, ear-piercing needle, syringes and needles. 

3. Blood transfusion from an infected person. 

3. From an infected mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOM 

¤ Rapid weight loss. 

¤ Chronic diarrhoea for more than one month that does not respond to treatment. 

¤ Prolonged fever for more than one month. 

¤ Persistent dry cough for more than one month. 

¤ Generalized itchy skin. 

¤ Chronic white coating of the mouth, tongue and throat. 

¤ Generalized swollen glands that are painless. 

¤ Signs of opportunistic infections e.g tuberculosis, etc. 

¤ Repeated ear and throat infections in children. 

Know your HIV status today.