The transmission mechanism of AIDS, high-risk groups and scientific prevention

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), like herpes, has garnered widespread medical attention in recent years. However, unlike herpes, AIDS is a fatal disease. Public health officials estimated that by 1991, the number of people living with AIDS in the United States would reach 270,000. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), also known as HTLV-3LAV. This virus destroys white blood cells that help the immune system fight infection, making AIDS patients highly susceptible to rare and fatal diseases, such as Kaposi's sarcoma (a very rare tumor) and severe brain and neurological damage. HIV infection can cause persistent fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and weight, diarrhea, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin. These AIDS-related symptoms can persist for a long time before disappearing or developing into typical AIDS. Besides those already diagnosed with AIDS, many people in the United States are newly infected with HIV. These individuals may never develop symptoms, but scientists believe they can still infect others. HIV infection can develop 5 years or more after initial infection. HIV can be transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, especially semen and blood. Men can transmit HIV to their male or female sexual partners through sexual contact. Mother-to-child transmission occurs during pregnancy and childbirth, with the infected mother infecting the infant. Some people who receive blood transfusions have contracted HIV, but blood products are now tested for HIV antibodies and are considered safe. Accidental contact with the secretions of an infected person will not transmit HIV. Accidental contact with medical instruments used by an HIV-positive person and then sterilized will not transmit HIV. HIV is not transmitted through conversation, sneezing, insect bites, tears, or through contact with an infected person's towels, cups, or swimming pools. 95% of HIV cases occur in specific high-risk groups. Homosexuals and bisexuals are considered high-risk groups for HIV infection. High-risk groups for AIDS also include the following: drug users; individuals showing signs of infection due to clinical or laboratory accidents; individuals from Haiti or the Central African Republic; male or female prostitutes and their sexual partners; sexual partners of individuals already infected with AIDS or belonging to high-risk groups; hemophiliacs who received clotting factor transfusions before May 1985; and individuals who received blood transfusions or blood products before May 1985. In the winter of 1987, the U.S. Public Health Service issued a guidance document on AIDS prevention called "Some Facts About AIDS." The Public Health Service advised people not to have sexual relations with individuals infected with AIDS, those who tested positive for HIV/AIDS antibodies, or the aforementioned high-risk groups. It also advised against having multiple sexual partners, having sexual relations with individuals who have multiple sexual partners, and against intravenous drug use or sharing needles and syringes. While not explicitly stated, public health authorities recommend following these guidelines to reduce the risk of contracting HIV: Avoid contact with bodily fluids, including blood, semen, urine, feces, saliva, vaginal secretions, and menstrual blood. Use latex condoms. Avoid behaviors that cause trauma to bodily tissues, such as sodomy. Avoid oral-genital contact. Avoid intimate kissing. In addition, public health authorities advise homosexuals, bisexuals, and high-risk individuals to get tested for HIV antibodies, prevent their sexual partners from coming into contact with their bodily fluids, and refrain from donating blood. Individuals with negative antibody tests should undergo a second antibody test six months after their last exposure to the source of infection to rule out false negatives. Experts emphasize that a positive HIV antibody test only means that the person has been infected with HIV and can transmit it to others; it does not mean that he or she will have symptoms or will definitely develop AIDS. An experimental drug called "AZT" appears to be able to stop the spread of the virus in the body, but it cannot eliminate the virus already infected cells. Until scientists discover new ways to prevent the disease, lifestyle changes are the best preventative measure.