Thursday, 16 April 2015

WHAT IS HIV/AIDS?

About HIV/AIDS

Image of red blood cells
HIV/AIDS
 HIV is a virus spread through body fluids that affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS. Learn more about the stages of HIV and how to tell whether you’re infected.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus which attacks the T-cells in the immune system.

AIDS is the syndrome which appears in advanced stages of HIV infection. 

HIV is a virus. 

AIDS is a medical condition. 

HIV infection causes AIDS to develop. However, it is possible to be infected with HIV without developing AIDS. Without treatment, the HIV infection is allowed to progress and eventually it will develop into AIDS in the vast majority of cases. 

HIV testing can identify infection in the early stages. This allows the patient to use prophylactic (preventive) drugs which will slow the rate at which the virus replicates, delaying the onset of AIDS. 

AIDS patients still have the HIV virus and are still infectious. Someone with AIDS can pass HIV to someone else.

What are the signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

What is the difference between a sign and a symptom? A sign is something other people, apart from the patient can detect, such as a swelling, rash, or change in skin color. A symptom is something only the patient feels and describes, such as a headachefatigue, or dizziness.


Symptoms of AIDS


For the most part, the symptoms of HIV are the result of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. These conditions do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems, which protect the body against infection.

Signs and symptoms of early HIV infection

Many people with HIV have no symptoms for several years. Others may develop symptoms similar to flu, usually two to six weeks after catching the virus. The symptoms can last up to four weeks.

Symptoms of early HIV infection may include:
  • fever
  • chills
  • joint pain
  • muscle ache
  • sore throat
  • sweats (particularly at night)
  • enlarged glands
  • a red rash
  • tiredness
  • weakness
  • weight loss

What causes HIV/AIDS?

HIV is a retrovirus that infects the vital organs of the human immune system. The virus progresses in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. The rate of virus progression varies widely between individuals and depends on many factors (age of the patient, body's ability to defend against HIV, access to health care, existence of coexisting infections, the infected person's genetic inheritance, resistance to certain strains of HIV).

HIV can be transmitted through:
  • Sexual transmission. It can happen when there is contact with infected sexual secretions (rectal, genital or oral mucous membranes). This can happen while having unprotected sex, including vaginal, oral and anal sex or sharing sex toys with someone infected with HIV.

  • Perinatal transmission. The mother can pass the infection on to her child during childbirth, pregnancy, and also through breastfeeding.

  • Blood transmission. The risk of transmitting HIV through blood transfusion is nowadays extremely low in developed countries, thanks to meticulous screening and precautions. Among drug users, sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood is extremely hazardous.

    Thanks to strict protection procedures the risk of accidental infection for healthcare workers is low.

    Individuals who give and receive tattoos and piercings are also at risk and should be very careful.
Myths: There are many misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. The virus CANNOT be transmitted from:
    • shaking hands
    • hugging
    • casual kissing
    • sneezing
    • touching unbroken skin
    • using the same toilet
    • sharing towels
    • sharing cutlery
    • mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
    • or other forms of "casual contact"

What are the treatment options for HIV/AIDS?
Emergency HIV pills.Antiretroviral drugs.Complementary or alternative medicine.


Thursday, 9 April 2015

H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Flu)

H1N1 flu is also known as a swine flu. It's called swine flu because in the past, the people who get it had direct contact with pigs. That changed various years ago, when a new virus egress that circulate among people who hadn't been near pigs.

H1N1 FLU

In 2009, H1N1 was circulating fast around the world, so the World Health Organization(WHO) called it a pand-emic. Since then, people have continued to get disgorge from swine flu, but not as many..
While swine flu isn't as shivery as it seemed a few years ago, it's too still important to protect yourself from getting it. Like a seasonal flu, it can cause many types of serious health problems for some people. The best protection is to get a flu shot or swine-flu vaccine, every year. Swine flu is one of the viruses enclosed in the vaccine.

Causes of Swine Flu

Swine flu is infectious, and it spread out in the same way as a seasonal flu. When people who have it sneeze or cough, they spray small drops of the virus over the air. If you come in contact with these  tiny drops or touch a surface (such as a doorknob or sink) that an infected person has recently touched, you can also catch H1N1 swine flu.
Despite the name, you can't catch swine flu by eating ham, bacon, or any other pork product.

Swine Flu Symptoms

People who have swine flu can be infectious one day before they have any symptoms, and only 7 days after they get sick. Kids can be contagious for only 10 days.
Most symptoms are the same as seasonal swine-flu. They can include:
  • cough
  • fever
  • sore throat
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • body aches
  • headache
  • chills
  • fatigue
Like seasonal flu, swine flu can lead to more dangerous complications, including respiratory failure and pneumonia. And it can make conditions like asthma worse or diabetes. If you have symptoms like severe vomiting, shortness of breath, abdominal pain,confusion or dizziness, call your doctor or 911 right away.

Tests for Swine Flu

It's hard to tell whether you have seasonal flu or swine flu , because many symptoms are the same. People with swine flu may be more probable to feel nauseous and throw up than people who have seasonal flu. But a lab test is the only way to know about surety. Even a rapid flu test you can get in your doctor's office won't tell you for sure.

5 Things to Do Before You Get Swine Flu



The H1N1 flu, ordinarily called swine flu, is expected to make many people ill  this flu season. And if you are one of them, you are in for some serious at-home time, recovering and stinting other people from your dangerous germs. To make that time a little easier thing on yourself, consider taking these 5 steps now, before you come down with swine flu.
1. Make a backup plan. Let's say you get sick, or you need to take care of someone with swine flu. What's your plan for missing school, work or college? Do you know your company's flu leave policy? If you're in school, how will you keep up with class work? Ask now, so you're not surprised later. 
2. Butter up your friends. You might need them as a "flu buddy" to help out while you're get down with swine flu, particularly if you live alone. If your social network has weakened, bolster it now.
3. Bolster your flu supply stockpile. How are you set for tissues and fever-reducing medicines? Do you have a thermometer to check your temperature? Don't forget about liquids so that you stay hydrated. And if you choose to use face masks if you get sick and can't avoid close contact with other people, remember that each face mask should only be used once, not over and over again.


4. Stock up on comfort foods. Check the pantry, fridge, and stack of order-in menus. Stock up on those special foods that make comfort you when you're not feeling well -- tea, crackers, chicken noodle soup -- whatever works for you. The last thing you're going to feel like doing when you get swine flu is grocery shopping.
5. Be good to your hands. Even if you don't get swine flu, you'll be washing your hands with anti-bacterial hand-wash or shop to help prevent catching it. Treat yourself to a really lotion, and nice soap or gel too. You'll be trounce up a lot, so leave your hands feeling good, not raw, subsequently.

10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu

POPSICLES


1. Popsicle

An icy Popsicle can soothe a sore, swollen,dry, or prickly  throat. It can also help keep you hydrated, which is key when battle with the flu. Getting enough fluids can keep mucus very thin and help lessen congestion.. Look for Popsicle made from 100% fruit juice to make sure you're getting vital nutrients and not sugar water. Some flavors to try: strawberry , grape, or apple.

TURKEY SANDWICH


2.Turkey Sandwich

Turkey is a good, lean protein, essential to solid nutrition. And although you may not feel better, eating can help give your body energy to fight your illness. Try to adding cranberry sauce for a spike of flavor and comfort-food taste.

VEGETABLE JUICE


3.Vegetable Juice

Making and eating a green salad is probably one of the last things you'll feel up to while recovering from the swine-flu. Down a glass of low-sodium vegetable juice instead. You will load up on immune-boosting antioxidants and keep yourself more hydrated. Craving a sweet taste? Go with 100% fruit juice.

CHICKEN SOUP


4.Chicken Soup

 hydrating and Nourishing, there's also some scientific evidence that chicken soup may help with healing and have soft anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have found that hot chicken soup can improve the cilia's ability, the tiny hair,like parts of the nasal passages, to protect the body from virus and bacteria.

GARLIC

5.Garlic

If you feel up to it, a small bites of garlic can be a good choice to spice up foods like soup. It appears to have antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties and may give you smooth relief from congestion.

GINGER

6.Ginger

Nausea? Stomachache? Ginger is a home remedy often used to soothe these symptoms. Some studies suggest it may help to fight inflammation. Try adding it freshly nettle or in powdered form to other foods, or drinking flat ginger ale.

HOT TEA


7.Hot Tea

Black, oolong and green tea offer disease-fighting antioxidants. And breathing in the steam can help to relieve from congestion. Add squeeze of lemon  and a spoonful of honey to help soothe a sore throat. If caffeine agitate you, opt for decaf or herbal versions.

BANANA


8.Banana

whole, mashed, or Sliced, bananas are easy on the stomach. They can be a go-to food if you've been hit with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea , which often occur in kids with the flu along with rice, .Bananas,toast, and applesauce, make up the BRAT diet -- often the first foods doctors inspire people to try when they’re almost recovering from stomach flu and ready to use solid foods.

TOAST

9.Toast

Although it brings up the rear of the BRAT diet, toast is nothing to ignore. If you can manage food, try toast or crackers. They can be convenient foods when you're fighting illness. Plus, they pair well with chicken noodle soup and their satisfying crunch can take the edge off hunger when your stomach can't handle much.

MEAL REPLACEMENT DRINKS


10.Meal Replacement Drinks

If your appetite has returned, try one of these to make sure you're getting proper nutrients and calories. Look for lactose-free drinks with at least 6 grams of protein and that are low in sugar. Flavors like strawberry and chocolate may make getting essential vitamins, nutrients, and calories more attractive.