AIDS

Syndrome (a variety of symptoms and manifestations) caused by chronic infection of the human HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
The virus affects the functioning of the human immune system, preventing him from performing his task properly, which is to protect it against external aggressions (bacteria, other viruses, parasites and even cancerous cells).
With the progressive injury of the human body immune system becomes more susceptible to infections and certain tumors, known as opportunistic diseases that eventually lead to patient death.

The acute phase (after 1-4 weeks of exposure and contamination) infection manifests as a general flu picture (fever, malaise, and body aches) which can be accompanied by red spots and adenopathy body (íngua) generalized (at different body sites). The acute phase lasts generally 1-2 weeks and can be confused with other viruses (influenza, mononucleosis etc.) and may also pass unnoticed.
Symptoms of acute non-specific and are thus common to several diseases, not allowing itself diagnosing HIV infection, which can only be confirmed by anti-HIV test, which shall be done after 30 to 90 days (1 to 3 months) from the date of exposure or possible contamination.
Treatment
There are drugs that inhibit HIV replication, which should be used in conjunction, but still can not talk about a cure for AIDS.
The opportunistic diseases are mostly treatable, but there is need for continued use of medications to control these events.

Prevention
In sexual transmission is recommended safer sex: monogamous relationship with proven HIV negative partner, condom use.
In transmission by blood caution is recommended in the management of blood (use of disposable syringes, require that all blood is to be transfused previously tested for the presence of HIV, use of gloves when handling potentially contaminated wounds or liquids). There is, at present, effective vaccine for the prevention of HIV infection.
It should be noted that the use of condoms, while providing excellent protection, does not provide absolute protection (rupture, perforation, misuse etc.). Again, the safest way to avoid infection with HIV are monogamous sex with partner (a) examinations and did you know that is not infected (a).
Control
Program objectives for prevention and control of AIDS are: (a) prevent the transmission and spread of HIV and (b) reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection.
Prevention is, so far, the most effective weapon in the fight against AIDS. The prevention and control strategies to be adopted must be appropriate to the reality of each region.
Preventing sexual transmission: sexual route is the most common form of HIV transmission. The prevention of sexual transmission is based on information and education in order to practice safe sex, by reducing the number of partners and condom use.
Preventing transmission blood:
• Blood transfusion: whole blood to be transfused should be compulsorily tested for antibodies to HIV. The exclusion of donors at risk increases the safety of blood transfusion, mainly because of the "window period";
• blood products: products derived from blood, which can transmit HIV, must go through the treatment process to inactivate the virus;
• injections and needlestick instruments: syringes, needles and other instruments needlestick used in medical procedures or outside the health system - eg needles and syringes used by injecting drug users - should be disinfected and sterilized. Disposables, after use, should be packed in boxes with appropriate boxes with hard walls, so that accidents are avoided. The instruments and disposable glass syringes should be thoroughly cleaned before being sterilized. HIV is very sensitive to standard methods of sterilization and disinfection (high efficiency). HIV is inactivated by specific chemicals and heat, but is not inactivated by irradiation or gamma rays;
• donation of organs and semen: HIV transmission through organ donation or semen can be prevented by screening donors, and
• perinatal transmission: the case of women infected with HIV, there is evidence that cesarean delivery offers lower risk of perinatal transmission of the virus. Early diagnosis associated with the use of zudovidina (AZT) from the 14th week of pregnancy, at childbirth and child until the 6th week of life, reduces by 70% the risk of perinatal transmission of HIV. However, the prevention of infection in woman is still the best approach to prevent transmission from the mother to the child.