1. The difference between HIV and AIDS is that HIV is a virus, while AIDS is a medical condition caused by the HIV virus. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which attacks the immune system and weakens it. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the advanced stage of HIV infection and involves severe damage to the immune system.
2. Effects of HIV/AIDS include:
- Weakened immune system: HIV specifically targets and attacks the immune system, leading to a weakened ability to fight off infections and diseases.
- Opportunistic infections: With a weakened immune system, individuals with HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and certain types of cancers.
- Physical symptoms: HIV/AIDS can cause various physical symptoms, including chronic fatigue, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and frequent fevers.
- Psychological and social impact: Living with HIV/AIDS can have significant psychological and social effects, including stigma, discrimination, and anxiety/depression.
3. Discrimination against someone who is HIV positive can occur due to several reasons. Some common factors include:
- Fear and misinformation: Lack of knowledge about transmission modes and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS can lead to fear and discrimination towards individuals who are HIV positive.
- Stigma and prejudice: There is still a significant social stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. People may discriminate against someone who is HIV positive due to stereotypes, prejudice, or the perception that it is a result of immoral behavior.
- Violation of rights: Discrimination can occur when individuals are denied access to healthcare, employment, education, or housing solely based on their HIV status.
4. Three preventive methods for HIV/AIDS include:
- Safe sex practices: Practicing safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly, and reducing the number of sexual partners, can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
- HIV testing and counseling: Regular HIV testing allows individuals to know their status and seek appropriate medical care. Counseling provides education on prevention and helps individuals make informed decisions to protect themselves and others.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a medication that can be taken by individuals at high risk of HIV transmission to significantly lower their chances of acquiring the virus.
5. HIV weakens the immune system. AIDS, on the other hand, is the advanced stage of HIV infection where the immune system is severely compromised. While HIV progressively damages the immune system over time, AIDS indicates a critical stage where the immune system is significantly weakened, making individuals more susceptible to life-threatening infections and diseases.
Answers to the following
1.WhatisthedifferencebetweenHIVandAIDS?
2.Explainfour(4)effectsofHIV/AIDS.
3.DiscusshowindiscriminationcouldoccurbecausesomeoneisHIVpositive.
4.Explainthree(3)preventivemethodsofHIV/AIDS.
5.WhichweakenstheimmunesystembetweenH.I.VandAIDS?
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