AIDS has become a cause of panic among many people. The most obvious reason for this is the fact that there is no specific treatment which can fully cure the disease. Once the disease is contracted, it will be a life- long issue. Moreover, it is also possible that you may not know that you are suffering from the disease as it is not necessary that it shows visible symptoms immediately after you are infected. So, there is a big question that comes to everyone’s mind- how will anyone get to know whether he is suffering from AIDS or not? Answering this question is next to impossible but the best possible way is to go for a regular check up to the doctor. AIDS DAY is celebrated all over the world for this purpose only.

HIV infection is characterized by breaking down of the immune system of the body. Since, the fighting system of the body fails, the body becomes vulnerable to many other diseases like tumors and infections.

As the HIV virus count goes on increasing the situation worsens more and more. In early stages, there might not be any symptoms but after few weeks fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and headache may turn up. A person may not show these symptoms for nine to ten years of the infection but after such a long period, the virus becomes critical and symptoms like very high fever, weight loss, acute diarrhea, distorted vision, white spots, unusual lesions on tongue and mouth can be seen.

The HIV virus is contracted through the exposure of the mucous membrane of the blood with the physical fluid infected with HIV, like the seminal fluid, the pre- seminal fluid, blood, vaginal fluid or mother’s milk. It usually happens due to unsafe sex with multiple partners or with someone infected with HIV, transfusion of infected blood in the body, use of infected syringes. So, in case you are doing any of these things, you might be susceptible to the disease. You should not shy off in going for the test as it is good for you only and in case you are tested positive, the treatment can help in controlling the disease. An early start is always good in preventing the condition to worsen quickly.