What does AIDS stand for? How is this disease transmitted ? Suggest two methods for its prevention. List any three high risk groups of people.

• AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a disorder of cell-mediated immune system of the body. There is a reduction in the number of helper T-cells which stimulate antibody production by B-cells. This results in the loss of natural defense against viral infection. It is caused by a virus named HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
• Infection is spread :

(a) By sexual intercourse, vaginal and anal

(b) By infected blood, blood products, donated semen and organs

(c) By contaminated needles used

(1) During the treatment of patients

(2) When drug abusers share needles

(d) From an infected mother to her child

(1) Across the placenta before birth

(2) While the baby is passing through the birth canal

(3) Possibly by breast milk

• The following behavior will help prevent the spread of AIDS
  

(1) Do not use alcohol or drugs in a way that prevents you from being in control of your behaviour. Especially, do not inject drugs into veins, but if you are an intravenous drug user and cannot stop your behaviour, always use a sterile needle for injection or one cleansed by bleach.

(2) Refrain from multiple sex partners, especially with homosexual or bisexual men or intravenous drug users of either sex. Either abstain from sexual intercourse or develop a long-term monogamous (always the same partner) sexual relationship with a partner who is free of HIV and is not an intravenous drug user.

• The following people are at a higher risk of infection :
  

1. Intravenous drug abusers.
2. Multiple sex partners.
3. Repeated blood transfusions.