(a) Explain HIV/AIDS (b) List nine symptoms of AIDS

Answer Details

(a) Explanation of HIV/AIDS

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks and gradually destroys the white blood cells (specifically the CD4 cells) of the human immune system, which are the body's natural defence against diseases. Once a person is infected, the virus multiplies and progressively weakens the immune system.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is the advanced or final stage of HIV infection. At this stage the immune system has been so weakened that the body can no longer fight off ordinary infections and diseases, and the person becomes vulnerable to a range of opportunistic infections. HIV is transmitted mainly through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person, transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of unsterilised sharp objects such as needles, blades and syringes, and from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. AIDS currently has no cure, but it can be managed with antiretroviral drugs.

(b) Nine symptoms of AIDS

1. Rapid and drastic loss of body weight.
2. Persistent fever that lasts for weeks.
3. Chronic diarrhoea lasting more than a month.
4. Prolonged dry cough and difficulty in breathing.
5. Continuous night sweats.
6. General body weakness and constant fatigue.
7. Swelling of the lymph glands in the neck, armpit and groin.
8. Skin rashes, sores and persistent itching.
9. Recurrent infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and oral thrush.