World AIDS Day: Know the History, Theme, Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment of the Disease

Every year, December 1 is observed as World AIDS Day across the globe. The day is observed to show support for people living with HIV and the ones who have lost their lives because of AIDS. The observance of this day puts a special focus on reaching people left behind. 

History of the day 

Back in 1988, the day was first observed as the international day for global health. Acquired Immuno-Deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic disease that is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The immune system of the person who is suffering from the disease gets damaged and the virus reduces the disease fighting ability of the body. 

Theme of the day 

The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 is ‘End inequalities. End AIDS’. 

Transmission and Causes of the Disease 

- It can be contracted through blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal and rectal fluids, and to a child through breast milk of an infected woman. 

- Unprotected sex practices with an infected person can also pass on the deadly virus of this disease. 

- Sharing of injection needles, razor blades, knives among other things with an infected person. 

Symptoms of the Disease 

- Fever

- Sore Throat

- Skin rashes

- Nausea

- Body aches

- Headaches

- Stomach infection among others 

Treatments of the Disease 

The disease is not totally curable but a few protective measures can be adopted by people in their everyday life to prevent the contraction of the disease. The treatments include antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV medicines to reduce risk of transmission. The other protective measures are using protection during sexual intercourse, avoid sharing needles, blades etc. with other people and building good body immunity.