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 Which category of people are suffering from? Why has the disease attracted so much attention in all

countries of the world? The disease infects and affects people of all countries, cultures and different economic status. The disease is mainly associated with sexual activity (80%) Sexual activity is the means by which human being come into existence. Any disease that is associated with sexual activity implies a threat to the future survival of the human species.
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 There are other infections that are also connected with

the genitals which sometimes can interfere with the genitals and therefore sexual activity. We differentiate between these infections 1.The first group of infections are termed Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs). These infections are not spread through sex. 2.The second group are infections spread through sex and are therefore termed sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HIV is one of such infections.
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 HIV is found in blood, sexual fluids. (semen in men,

vaginal secretions and breast milk from women). This means that HIV is mainly spread in three ways: 1.Sexual transmission - HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to his/her sexual partner man to woman, woman to man, man to man, woman to woman. In this case, sexual intercourse refers to penetrative vaginal, penile-genital contact. In Ghana, heterosexual activity accounts for 80% of all infections
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2.Mother-to-child transmission (MTC) -HIV can be passed from mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. MTC accounts for 15% of infections in Ghana. 3.Exposure to infected blood or blood products -sharing sharp instruments that cut or pierce the skin (e.g. tattooing, blood transfusion, injection, drug abuse, using unsterilized needles and syringes for injections) -this mode accounts for 5% of infections in the country.
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 Behaviour that puts an individual at risk of the disease

include the following: -Having unprotected sex. -Having more than one sexual partner. -Prostitution. -Multiple sexual relationships. -Alcohol and injection drug abuse. -Experimenting with sex. -Sharing skin cutting or piercing instruments. -Childbearing while HIV infected (including breastfeeding). -Repeated acquisition of STIs.
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 HIV is the germ that causes AIDS. When a person has been

infected with HIV, the germ weakens the bodys defense against illnesses. The body then is unable to fight off illnesses. It is when these illnesses have occurred that we say that a person has AIDS. AIDS is therefore an outcome of HIV infection. In some cases, a person with HIV infection has the virus in his/her body but remains strong and healthy for years. This person though not sick, can still pass the HIV infection to others.
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 Infections that develop as the immune system

deteriorates. Some common opportunistic infections are: Tuberculosis, candidiasis, Various forms of diarrhoea, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia Herpes and Severe malaria
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 This is the time period between the point of infection

and the development of antibodies to fight the virus. During this time, a person can have an HIV test and it may not be positive. This is because standard HIV tests measure antibodies to the virus and during the window period these have not yet been developed. Nevertheless, a person in the window period can infect others with HIV. The window period usually lasts from 6 weeks to 3 months.
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 Occurs when sufficient antibodies are produced in the

persons blood. The HIV antibody test results will now be positive. This usually occurs within 3 months of exposure. AIDS is not a disease in itself. It is a condition that occurs when a persons immune system weakens, and the body can no longer protect itself from diseases. A person with AIDS will eventually die because the immune system is too weak to fight other diseases. However, with good medication, nutrition and positive lifestyle, an infected person can live for many years.
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 A type of T cell involved in protecting against viral, fungal, and

protozoa infections. A T-cell is a type of blood cell. T-cells belong to a group of white blood cells (WBCs) called lymphocytes. WBCs protect the body from infection. The main job of T-cells is to fight infection. These cells have molecules called CD4 on its surface. These cells normally orchestrate the immune response, signaling other cells in the immune system to perform their special functions. Also known as T helper cells. HIVs preferred targets. Destruction of CD4+ cells is the major cause of the immunodeficiency observed in AIDS. Lab work is done at specific intervals to measure the number of CD4 cells in circulation.

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 HIV is retrovirus, meaning it needs cells from a host in

order to make more copies of itself (replication). In the case of HIV, CD4 cells are the host cells that aid HIV in replication. HIV attaches to the CD4 cells, allowing the virus to enter and infect the CD4 cells, damaging them in the process. The fewer functioning CD4 cells, the weaker the immune system and therefore the more vulnerable a person is to infections and illnesses. A simple blood test called the CD4 count measures the number of functioning CD4 cells in the body and therefore measures the health of the immune system.
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 Normal Values- In a healthy adult, a normal CD4 count can vary

a great deal but is typically 600 to 1200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Between 600 and 350- In an HIV+ person, this range is considered very good. HIV medications are typically not be indicated. Between 350 and 200- The immune system is weakened and therefore the HIV+ person may be at increased risk for infection and illness. -Your doctor may consider starting HIV medications. Less than 200 The immune system is severely weakened and the HIV+ person is at a much greater risk of opportunistic infections. HIV medications and prophylactic antibiotics will be prescribed to help prevent illnesses and infections.
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 Hugging, touching or shaking hands

Being bitten by mosquitoes or other insect

Sharing eating utensils or other objects Using the same toilets, latrines or showers.

Coughing or sneezing
Using public phones Sharing food or drinks

Etc

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