WORLD AIDS VACCINE DAY/ HIV VACCINE AWARENESS DAY- 18th May
A vaccine is a substance that teaches your body’s immune system to recognise and defend against harmful viruses or bacteria. Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV infects cells of the immune system in the body which leads to a fatal condition called AIDS. As we are all well aware of the fact that till date any known vaccine to stem the flow of this dreadful and deadly infection has not yet been found. This day has its own relevance since it’s essential to spread awareness of the continual need for a vaccine and to acknowledge the efforts of those who are striving hard to achieve this goal. Misconceptions should be cleared and preventive measures should be suggested to people in order to prevent this disease from spreading.
Table of Contents
When did it start?
It started in the year 1998, to commemorate the anniversary of Bill Clinton’s speech. In 1997, in his speech, he challenged the world to develop an AIDS vaccine within the next decade.
What is AIDS? When was the first case reported?
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, is the advanced stage of HIV infection when a person becomes infected with virus and his/her immune system weakens which eventually makes the person weak. HIV is an infection that leads to AIDS. Untreated HIV infects and kills CD4 cells and the body becomes more prone to various types of infections and cancers.
The first case was reported in the year 1981, since then it became a worldwide epidemic.
How many people are suffering from HIV?
Globally, around 38 million people are suffering from HIV.
Is it a curable disease?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can prevent or reverse the damage to your immune system. Drugs may help in reducing the infection but currently, there is no safe cure for HIV. People living with HIV generally take a combination of medications called highly active antiretroviral therapy or antiretroviral therapy.
What are some suggestive measures to prevent the spread of infection?
-Timely blood tests.
-Never share needles or other injecting devices to prevent transmission of AIDS virus.
-Use disposable gloves when at risk of direct contact with blood.
In our next blog, we will be discussing other current issues of national and international importance. If you don’t want to miss out on the next important blog, click here!
