The presence of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) leads to Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is a dangerous condition when the immune system gradually begins to fail.
Many people who have been infected have few or no symptoms of hiv initially and hence testing is the only definite way to know if a person is infected with HIV. It is advisable the people suffering from certain vague and indistinct symptoms of HIV - like chronic fever, persistent headache, and acute diarrhea – undergo the test to know their HIV status instead of unknowingly living with hiv.
There is a widely held belief among many lay people that oral sex is a safer sex alternative. But the truth is, like any other sexual activity, hiv oral sex carries a risk of transmitting HIV if one of the partners is HIV positive.
There are network organizations for people with
hiv where members overcome their social stigma and are eager to make a positive contribution to society and strive to lead a dignified life.
South Africa is currently experiencing one of the most severe
AIDS epidemics in the world. At the end of 2007, there were approximately 5.7 million people living with hiv in south africa, and there is an alarming rate of AIDS deaths occurring every day.
The extent of hiv aids in africa is only now becoming clearer and in the absence of prevention measures, treatment and medical care, it is expected that the AIDS death toll in Africa will continue to rise unchecked.
