Fridays are FABULOUS....and so is good health! Because knowledge is power.
During the month of December, World AIDS Days is recognized on December 1st. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is recognized in healthcare with an effort to increase awareness about AIDS, provide education on prevention and improve care and services to those infected. AIDS is a chronic health condition that may develop subsequently in individuals with HIV who have a weakened immune system and difficult for the body to fight diseases and infections (CD4 count less than 200cm). Those with AIDS may have an increased chance of developing opportunistic infections, illnesses or cancers that aren’t usually developed in persons with a healthy immune system.
Possible symptoms exhibited with AIDS include weakness, reduced appetite and unexplained weight loss, chills, night sweats, recurrent fevers, chronic diarrhea, swollen lymph glands, chronic unexplained fatigue, white spots or lesions on tongue or in mouth, and skin rashes or bumps.
The most common strategies to prevent AIDS are associated with preventing HIV, which includes being abstinent (not having sex) or wearing a condom if you’re sexually active; not sharing needles; and not breastfeeding your infant. Likewise, an important strategy to augment living a better quality of life for those who are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS include taking prescribed antiretroviral (ARV) medications as directed which slows the progression of the disease; and following the recommendations and/or guidelines of one’s medical provider.
Although the death toll of individuals due to AIDS is more than 30 million, the incidence of death by AIDS continues to decrease as a result of advanced technology and pharmaceutical treatments. Hats off to our scientists, doctors, nurses, pharmaceutical researchers, patients and their families, philanthropists, and all those who support the cause to reduce and/or eliminate AIDS.
One final note, it’s always important to be supportive and encourage those who are affected with AIDS with a good dose of scripture and continued prayer…
Contributor: Dr. Karen-Jackson DNP, MSN, NEA-BC