What You Need to Know About HIV

By: James Daugherty

HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS as it is generally called, is the result of this virus. When a person has AIDS, the immune system gradually break downs. The patient then becomes highly susceptible to infections and illnesses, which could even, be fatal. History dates its origin to June 5th 1981 in Los Angeles where the virus was found in five homosexual men. It was then called GRID or Gay-Related Immune Deficiency because people thought it only affected homosexual people. This theory was soon blown to pieces when cases were reported from all over. Today, AIDS has reached epidemic proportions. It has plagued most countries around the world and is considered a highly dangerous disease.

To gain a better understanding of HIV, we must first explore how it is transmitted.

a. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. What does this mean? The mucous membrane lines different parts of the body such as the lips, genital areas, nostrils etc. When the mucous membrane comes in contact with sexual secretions of an infected HIV patient, the virus transfers from one to another. This is why the main cause for the spread of AIDS is unprotected sexual intercourse.

b. HIV is also transmitted through infected blood. Therefore, one has to take extreme precaution when undergoing blood transfusions. It is always advisable to go to a reputed hospital or clinic where infected syringes are not used. Intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs are at high risk to get HIV.

c. HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a child either in the womb, during childbirth or duing breast-feeding. The chances of this happening have been reduced with drugs and other procedures.

Some of the early symptoms include sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, pharyngitis, weight loss, dry cough, unexplained fatigue, unusual blemishes on the tongue, herpes zoster and oral ulcerations. During the more advanced stages patients may have chronic diarrhea, continuous fever, extreme weight loss, oral hairy leukoplakia and candidiasis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

It is extremely important for people to be tested for HIV. In some communities, partners are required to take the HIV test prior to marriage. This is because it not only affects the infected individual but also can spread to the spouse and the unborn child. It is difficult telling someone you love that you have AIDS. However, is very vital for their health and safety.

Doctors, nurses and Medicare professionals are also exposed to this virus as they deal with syringes and needles on a daily basis. If you have AIDS and if you are looking for a doctor, then do some preliminary research on the doctor before you meet him or her. The doctor should be reliable and must be aware of the nuances of the field. You should choose a doctor who you are comfortable with.

James Daugherty reports about the latest HIV news on his blog.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

HIV/AIDS & Other STD

By: Julia Jones

STD-Sexually Transmitted Disease – are transmitted through sexual contact. STD -are generally divided into two categories, bacterial and viral. Bacterial infections are relatively easy to cure if detected early. Viral infections are technically incurable but the symptoms are controllable if detected early. Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can increase a person's risk of becoming infected with HIV. STD treatment reduces a person to get HIV infection.

The human immunodeficiency virus HIV, Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS and sexually transmitted disease STD are one of the main concern today. The patients affected by them are quite in number and alarming as it is infectious. From one person to the other, from a mother to a baby anybody anywhere can get the virus.
It is estimated by the Joint United Nations Program that there are over 34 million people worldwide affected with HIV/AIDS. Out of them only few are aware of their being infected and spreading the virus.

To begin with HIV - the human immunodeficiency virus - is a virus that kills your body slowly and slowly. HIV attacks human cells and uses nutrients and energy provided by those cells to grow and reproduce. HIV can be passed from person to the other. If someone with HIV infection has sex with or shares drug injection needles with another person then he or she is likely to be HIV positive. It also can be passed from a mother to her baby when she is pregnant, when she delivers the baby, or if she breast-feeds her baby.

It is very important to keep yourself away from the virus getting into your body and equally important not to let others infected by it. There are different ways of getting infected by HIV as

• If you have unprotected Sex with someone who has HIV. The virus can be in an infected person's blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. It can also enter your body through tiny cuts or sores in your skin, or in the lining of your vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth.
• If you share a needle and syringe to inject drugs or share drug equipment used to prepare drugs for injection with someone who has HIV.
• If you had a blood transfusion or blood clotting factor that you got before 1985. As today all blood in the United States has been tested for HIV since 1985.

How can you protect yourself from HIV?
• Make a mature move, both the partners should not hesitate to go for HIV test
• If you are pregnant then have an HIV test
• Make sure to use condoms.


AIDS - the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - is a disease you get when HIV destroys your body's immune system. Normally, your immune system helps you fight off illness. When your immune system fails you can become very sick and can die.

An HIV-infected person receives a diagnosis of AIDS after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses, (opportunistic infection). A positive HIV test result does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician using certain clinical criteria. There is no cure for AIDS. There are anti-retroviral drugs now available that can slow down the virus, and slow down the damage to your immune system. These drugs have also helped reduce the overall rates of opportunistic infections in people with AIDS.

Find more information visit: HIV/AIDS & Other STD We at Keepcondom.com are providing you the choices you can make, to select your condom brands according to your needs. Keepcondom.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

The Origin of HIV and the Start of AIDS

By: Julia Jones

Today all of us are aware of the terms HIV and AIDS. The disease has killed millions of people worldwide and it is estimated that 40 million people are HIV infected. But we were unaware of the HIV and AIDS till early 1980. Nobody knows from where the virus came. It is all assumptions that scientists and researchers can make. Researchers have their view on the origin of HIV and start of AIDS. But how exactly one can state cannot be said. There are many theories about the origin of the HIV virus but none of them have them proved.

No record of HIV virus exists in history and it has been said that it started in central Africa and from there it started spreading slowly and slowly.

HIV was identified in 1983.Earlier the researchers found that chimps acquired the disease from eating one of their favorite preys: monkeys.

"Chimps are 98 percent genetically the same as humans, and they don't get sick from SIV. This is an especially important clue for developing an HIV vaccine, the researchers said. Understanding what prevents chimps from getting sick would help scientists duplicate resistance to AIDS symptoms in humans."


Researchers say, "Chimps likely picked up viruses from both types of monkeys, and eventually a hybrid formed, the researchers said. That probably happened tens of thousands of years ago, which may have given chimps an opportunity to evolve resistance to an AIDS-like disease."

Some researchers say that virus related to HIV is found in monkeys in Africa. Many scientists believe that the first humans got the HIV virus from monkeys by eating them as food or being scratched or bitten by them. It is possible that during preparation of the food or butchering the meat the infected blood could have entered the human body through a cut.

A Canadian flight attendant, nicknamed "patient zero" dies of AIDS he had sexual connection with several of the first victims of AIDS. It is believed that he is responsible for introducing the virus into the general population. By 1984 there are almost 8000 confirmed cases in the US, with 3700 confirmed deaths (CDC surveillance report, Dec. 1984).

It is also said that the AIDS virus was first discovered by Robert Gallo at the National Cancer Institute in April 1984. Soon after him Luc Montagnier of the Pasteur Institute in Paris claimed that he (and not Gallo) was the first to discover the AIDS virus. The two 'co-discoverers' of HIV continue to disagree about the origin of HIV and the birthplace of AIDS till date.

In the middle 1980s the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) was identified by French and American scientists as virus that leads to AIDS.

During Mid - late 1990s there was significant increase in HIV in drug users due to injection of drug, Aboriginal peoples, women, and street-involved youth.

Today, after so much of research and studies about the origin of HIV and start of AIDS the main goal of the scientists is to reduce and eradicate the HIV virus that causes the incurable AIDS.

Find more information visit: The Origin of HIV and the Start of AIDS We at Keepcondom.com are providing you the choices you can make, to select your condom brands according to your needs. Keepcondom.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Understanding HIV and AIDS

By: Julia Jones

HIV and AIDS are some of those diseases, where precaution is the best treatment. Let's go exploring.

HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus. It was first discovered in early 1980s. It affects a type of white blood cell (T Cell). Once this virus enters inside the body it completely cover the T Cell and start making a number of copies of itself. It fails the immune system of the body, which causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent HIV infection.

AIDS When HIV virus weakens the immune system of the body, the person is unable to fight the infection. This life threatening infection caused by HIV is called AIDS. It spread through human. It affects the normal functioning of immune system of the body. Currently, there is no treatment for AIDS is available. However there is significant improved HIV medications helping HIV positive people to live their life longer and healthier.

Transmission of HIV virus

• Sexual intercourse is the one of the big reasons of transmission of HIV virus. Those who practice unsafe sex, having more than one partner or involved in anal sex may be at higher risk.
• Child can get the virus from his/her HIV infected mother and as a result of breast-feeding.
• Contaminated needle is also a reason of transmission of HIV virus.

Causes and symptoms

• Other people do not see any symptoms in infected person. Even the infected person may not experience infection for many years.
• An HIV positive person may begin to feel sick. He or she can feel low-grade fever, regular cough, chronic fatigue and extreme weakness.
• Heavy sweating at night occurs
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic Diarrhea
• Trouble in remembering things However, when the doctors examine a patient, they will go through overall symptoms of AIDS instead of any one of the findings.

Prevention

• Practice only safe sex and be monogamous.
• Condoms are successful in preventing AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). So, always use latex condom for you sexual activities.
• Never share needles.
• Blood must be tested before transfusion.

Treatment If you think that you may have HIV infection, you must get it tested. An early treatment may postpone the development of AIDS. The treating specialist will examine you and do the blood tests. Depending on the tests, results may take from several hours to several days. You can also approach AIDA testing center.

Since at present there is no cure for AIDS, prevention becomes more important. However a group of antiviral drugs that pump the immune system have helped many people to resist HIV infections. They are living a healthy and happy life. But at all these drugs may not be referred as a cure.

Find more information visit: Understanding HIV and AIDS We at Keepcondom.com are providing you the choices you can make, to select your condom brands according to your needs. Keepcondom.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Living with AIDS in a new Job

By: K.p Madhusoodanan

Introduction.

One of the major health issues, that affects every section of society now is that of AIDS. There are now major developments in research that helps many people to achieve improvement in their health and physical condition, even when they continue to be HIV positive. Many such people wish to resume their life. Legislation is now in place Americans living with Disabilities Act) to help such people to come back to the mainstream of society. Thousands of such people can find new employment and want to tackle the problems related to their HIV positive status, in their new offices.

Finding new employment.

Finding a job is important for every HIV positive person like you and me. We should discuss all pros and cons about the situation with our physician. With the guidance of our doctors, a decision can be taken if we can join a new job. Legal consultations should be made so as to know about the requirements to protect our privacy and the need to divulge information.

Joining and informing the Office.

Once we have taken up a new employment, we immediately face a dilemma about whether we have to inform the new employer about our condition. If the problem of AIDS does not seriously affect our capability to carry out the functions of the job, then we need not really inform our employers about it. There is no need to worry about contaminating coworkers since AIDS can not be transmitted by external contact.

Medical Insurance through the Office .

Generally we can get expat health insurance though the employers in spite of our being HIV positive. The premium need not be different from what other employees are paying. We have to note that, that some policies have “pre-existing condition” clauses in which case, we may have to pay a surcharge for coverage related to our individual condition. Alternatively we may have to wait for some prescribed time before registering our claims connected to our pre-existing condition. Some policies may prohibit coverage of such pre-existing conditions. Prior to accepting a new job or position, we need to find about how pre-existing conditions are taken care of by the new employers in their procedures regarding staff welfare and health insurance. We need also to get all information about the coverage of prescribed drugs under the employer's health insurance schemes for employees.

http://www.expat-medical-insurance.com is a good bet to help you stay safe and under the protection of insurance. Written by Madhusoodanan.K.P E MAIL kpm1942@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Breastfeeding : is it for everyone?

By: Jean Simmer

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and healthy thing a new mother can do. Most of the times, breast milk is the ideal nutrient for newborn babies. There are rare cases where nursing a baby might not be the healthiest choice. A new mother should always check with her treating physician if breastfeeding is adequate for her newborn baby.

Some diseases may be transmitted to the baby by breast milk. In those rare cases, breastfeeding might increase the risk of the baby catching the disease. For instance, when a mother has AIDS (acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome) it is recommended she does not feed her baby as the HIV virus may be transmitted through the breast milk. Other serious diseases that can be transmitted to the nursing baby through breast milk are such as: syphilis, hepatitis B, herpes when there are lesions on the breast, etc

It is important to realize that a mother should review with her qualified physician all the necessary precautions she must take to insure that she does not transmit those diseases to her baby even if she does not breastfeed him. One has to realize that there are extra precautions to be taken by a woman who is HIV positive and taking care of a newborn baby to ensure he does not catch it.

There are numerous drugs that are passed through breast milk and can harm the baby. A woman nursing her baby should always ask if the medications she is taking can affect her baby and if she should take an alternative drug or stop breastfeeding altogether. Many women tend to forget to mention they are breastfeeding when consulting a doctor in a walk-in clinic. This is very important.

For example, sulfonamide drugs have the potential to displace bilirubin and should be avoided during the first week of life. Tetracycline can potentially cause tooth discoloration in nursing babies. Chloramphenicol is also not recommended for nursing mothers. There are numerous other drugs that should not be taken while breastfeeding such as chemotherapeutic agents or antithyroide agents.

Breastfeeding women should always check with her doctor and pharmacist to ensure that her situation does not prevent her from breastfeeding.

Certain rare conditions in a baby can be contraindications for breastfeeding. Such conditions can be inborn error of metabolism or failure to thrive or physical malformations that render breastfeeding almost impossible.

Overall, when there is no contraindication, breastfeeding is still the best nutrient for a newborn baby. Its composition is well adapted to the needs of the growing baby. It is economical and prevents many infections as it supplies valuable antibodies to the baby.

Breastfeeding is also the most economical and practical way to feed a newborn infant. Nursing a baby favors a great bonding between the mother and her baby.

For more information now go to: http://www.hypno-beginning.com/your_pregnancy.htm http://www.hypno-beginning.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Open up the Conversation about Condom Use

By: Kate Miller

Today the modern generation is facing a severe problem of sexually transmitted diseases. It has become necessary for all to be aware of the diseases and to know the methods to prevent them from such incurable diseases. All of us know about condoms but how exact is our knowledge about condoms and its use one cannot say. It becomes very important to talk about condoms. The HIV Testing Day started a very good move towards imparting knowledge on HIV/AIDS and also giving information on safe sex and use of condoms. People gain a lot of knowledge through such programs.

Generally people feel shy to talk about the use of condoms as they know that they are going to be laughed at. People should not hesitate to talk about condoms and more than that the ones who know about the use of condoms should seriously talk about it so that nobody feels shy. Off course you can have a light joke about it but never let the person questioning feel embarrassed. When you talk about the use of condoms you are giving very important information to your friend and doing good work, as the listener will be protected in some way from the knowledge you impart. Moreover the way you reply will also encourage your other friends to open up and talk frankly about the condoms. There won’t be any taboos about condoms and the use of it.

Not talking about condom use could create problems. You should be frank with your partner to talk about condoms. It could be that your partner does not want to use the condom as he or she feels that it will lower the pleasure or could be that your partner especially the male partner feels offended. You can always open up and explain your reasons. After all it is a matter of life. Both the partners could be at a risk of getting the disease much talked about. None of you would like either of the partners to be infected with the disease. Condoms protect you from becoming parents and prevent you from the infectious disease HIV/AIDS therefore there is no harm in talking about the use of condoms with your partners too.

Parents too should open up and talk to their children about sex, use of condoms and sexually transmitted diseases. There are a number of teenagers who involve in unsafe sex. If they are made aware of the causes of the HIV/AIDS and STD and how the use of condoms can protect from getting the infection then the number of HIV victims will definitely fall down. Unless the awareness is not created the children will not know the facts and dangers of unprotected sex. So parents should make it a point to talk about the condom use which is necessary for them.

Find more information visit: Open up the Conversation about Condom Use We at Keepcondom.com are providing you the choices you can make, to select your condom brands according to your needs. Keepcondom.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Safe is always better

By: Julia Jones

Prevention is better than cure. It is always better to be safe than face problems that cannot be resolved. Today the modern generation is facing a sever problem of sexually transmitted diseases. It has become necessary for all to be aware of the diseases and to know the methods to prevent them from such incurable diseases. The diseases are seen to be increasing in the adolescence in great number. The teens in the United States who are involved in sexual activity are increasing. The teen’s pregnancy rates in America are double in number compared to any other industrial nation. Not only the teens but all including serodiscordsnt couples, normal couples, people having sex with a number of partners, pregnant women and breast feeding women need to take precautions so as to protect them and people related to them from sexual infections.

HIV virus is transmitted through body fluids including blood, ejaculate (cum), pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), female genital fluids (both vaginal and cervical fluid) and breast milk. Therefore it is necessary to take precautions and keep yourself protected from the virus as well as protecting your partners. There are different alternatives to protect from the infectious diseases. Each one should go for safe sex. We ought to agree to the slogan “No condom no sex”.

How to be safe?

To be safe is a matter of contemplation. You have to see to all your aspects and desires. There is your partner and children to think about. You want to enjoy the pleasures of life yet have to play safe so as not to harm you, your partner and the child if you have any. There are a number of points to think about when you have sex such as do I want to become pregnant, do I or my partner has an HIV infection or any other sexually transmitted disease. The important question that comes after such thinking is how can I protect myself and my partner from these? Well you have birth controls methods to prevent you and your partner from these problems.

There are a number of birth control alternatives approved by the FDA such as males and females condoms available over the counter, vaginal spermidices, birth control pills, diaphragms and intrauterine (IUDs) prescribed by the doctor and injectable hormones and hormonal implants.

Birth control is now not only a matter of prevention of pregnancy but also protecting from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. More than one method may be needed to protect from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Gaining knowledge about birth control methods is important because all the methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Moreover there is no best method of birth control as no method prevents pregnancy all the time. There are always chances of getting pregnant.

Before you plan to take birth control methods there are things to be taken into account such as your overall health, the number of sexual partners you have, how often you have sex, if you want to have children and your comfort level with using the method. Insisting on safe sex and practicing safe sex should be the concern of all as we all want to live in a better and healthier world.

We at Keepcondom.com are providing you the choices you can make, to select your condom brands according to your needs. Keepcondom.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Safe sex is important

By: Emily Miller

Safe sex also known as safer sex is a way to protect and prevent you from the possibility of catching HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Safe sex means not allowing body fluids- blood, semen, vaginal fluids- into your body from one partner to the other. Although safe sex doesn't guarantee that you will not catch HIV, but it reduces the risk enormously.

The only way for not getting the sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is abstinence that is having no sex at all. But this is not possible and you cannot refrain from involving into sexual activity therefore safe sex becomes important. Some STDs can be treated but there is no cure for many of them. HIV and Hepatitis B have serious effects on the people affected by it. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by HIV infection (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). A person who has been infected with HIV is an HIV positive (HIV+) otherwise he or she is known as being HIV negative (HIV-). AIDS and HIV are incurable. Safe sex is the only way to protect from such incurable diseases. HIV virus is transmitted through body fluids including blood, ejaculate (cum), pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) and female genital fluids (both vaginal and cervical fluid). Therefore it is necessary to take precautions and keep yourself protected from the virus as well as protecting your partners. Going for sex without the use of condom carries the highest risk of getting the sex diseases.

Safe sex also means avoiding contact with your partner’s infected body parts such as herpes sores or warts. Although oral sex is considered safe yet there is risk involved if one of the partner’s has gum problems. Bleeding gums and other teeth diseases can get you close to STDs. Herpes has been said to be transmitted from genitals to mouth and mouth to genitals. You may also have cut or sores in your mouth that could cause harm. Oral sex is much less risky than anal or vaginal sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be caused if a person has multiple sex partners. If a person has sex with an STD or HIV infected person or has sex with a person who has multiple sex partners.

To protect you from sexually transmitted diseases you should have safe sex. For that the use of condoms is the safest method. Condoms guarantees 90% safety if used properly. Whatever type of sexual activity you are involved in it is important to play safe and prevent yourself from unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Find more information visit: Safe sex is important http://www.keepcondom.com/articles/safersex/safe-sex-important.htm

We at Keepcondom.com are providing you the choices you can make, to select your condom brands according to your needs. http://www.keepcondom.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Signs and Symptoms of HIV and AIDS

By: Christy Berger

The major problem with relying on symptoms to detect HIV or AIDS is that sometimes these conditions show no sign of their presence at all. You may feel and look great and still be HIV positive. Now that is a scary fact. And the reality is, you may be passing on the disease to others without even realizing it.

Now to avoid the guilt of this and to take action on your own condition, if you have even the smallest suspicion that you are suffering from HIV, get a test done to confirm it. That is the only way you will ever know.

However, some people do exhibit various symptoms and it is important to note them as well. Perhaps you do not suspect that you have contracted HIV at all and are not even thinking about that possibility. That is when being aware of the symptoms to look out for can come in handy.

Now, without further adieu, here are the major symptoms those with HIV complain of:

- A fever that you cannot seem to get rid of - Persistent diarrhea - Headache - Swollen glands in the neck, groin and/or armpits - White spots on the tongue, throat or in the mouth - Night sweats - Dry cough - Fatigue - Blotches on the skin or under it. Can also appear in the mouth, nose or on the eyelids. They are usually purple, brown or red in color.

And some of the more serious symptoms include:

- Depression - Pneumonia - Weight loss - Memory loss

As the HIV virus takes over the white blood cells, the virus then causes AIDS. AIDS occurs when the immune system has been severely weakened by the HIV virus and you either develop something called an opportunistic infection, or an infection that occurs because your immune system is so “down,” or your lymphocyte count is below 200.

Some symptoms associated with an opportunistic infection caused by the progression of the HIV virus include:

- Severe chills - Severe night sweats - Persistent fever of over 100 F - Blurred vision - Rapid weight loss - Shortness of breath - Severe diarrhea - Lesions in the mouth, on the tongue or in the throat that will not go away.

The development of cancer is also more likely in those with advanced HIV disease.

The most common killer of those with advanced HIV or AIDS is Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia or PCP—an opportunistic infection and type of pneumonia that develops exclusively in AIDS patients.

Contracting HIV or AIDS used to be a death sentence. And while there is still no cure, treatments have improved vastly. The AIDS drug “cocktail” has helped many people live longer and happier lives than ever thought possible with the disease. Plus, new medical treatments are helpful prolong the period of time before HIV turns into AIDS. These are all great developments and who knows what the future will bring?

This article is written by Brenda Stokes. A longer version of this Cholesterol related article is at TestCountry Health Guide Signs & Symptoms of HIV & AIDS and main source of this article is taken from related Cholesterol pages at Home Access HIV Express Test.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

A possible HIV herbal cure

By: Patricia Mcdougall

HIV is still sweeping the planet and a new cost effective treatment may have emerged from the Peruvian jungle. Jergon sacha, a tuber plant that is known to contain an enzyme that helps in the treatment of HIV and AIDS when used with another plant from Peru, Cat's claw, show dramatic results with HIV patients.

After using the combined powers of these two herbs to help treat AIDS and HIV in some patients for a span of six months, the people who were tested with this kind of treatment were said to have tested negative for the deadly virus. This new advancement originates with a Peruvian doctor known as Dr. Roberto Gonzales. This amazing doctor has reported to the media in Peru that the combination of these herbs are a new possible cure for HIV.

The plant known as Jergon Sahca is said to possess something called protease inhibitors which is the main ingredient needed to treat snake bites. This protease inhibitor, that is found in this herb, is known as a cure for viral infections and since HIV is a virus, HIV meaning Human Immuno-deficiency Virus, then it stands to reason that the herb known as Jergon Sacha will indeed have an effect on the people who are infected with HIV and AIDS. This kind of an extract that is taken from the root of the plant is prepared in numerous ways, aside from the cat's claw combination that is specifically prepared for HIV and AIDS. The herb is also prepared as a cure for other viral infections and may come in capsules or as a tincture.

The other diseases that are said to be effectively cured by this herb include other viral infections like influenza, hepatitis, and a whole lot more. The plant is also known to have some anti-inflammatory qualities and have a cough suppressant quality, which is why it is also known to be effective against whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma and other upper respiratory problems. This herb is also known to treat bee stings, scorpion stings and other venomous stings that plague man.

This wonder herb may indeed help people find cures for many of the ailments that afflict them. As for this herb, known as Jergon Sacha, being the hope of HIV infected people of the world, the results may seem to be in on the initial testing stage but substantial proof still needs to be presented before we can truly say that the world is on the way to getting rid of this killer disease known as AIDS.

Patricia McDougall B.Sc. is a Chartered Herbalist and graduate of the Dominion Herbal College, in Canada. Patricia is the Director of Research and Development for Amazon Botanicals a leading manufacturer of Amazon Botanical herbal supplements. http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Jergon_sacha_s/88.htm

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Information about HIV/AIDS

By: Mary Rose

It is three decades since the discovery of the HIV virus but we are still lacking information about HIV / AIDS. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. Although there is no foolproof cure or vaccine for HIV virus, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) will ensure that medicines are available at an affordable cost even in third world countries. The search for the vaccine for AIDS remains the challenge for the world today.

Let us delve into some more information about HIV /AIDS. What is causing the spread of the infection? Ignorance. One in three youngsters in the world are still ignorant about how the infection spreads. We have to wake up to the harsh reality of the epidemic and the world's leaders must demonstrate real commitment to keep their promise. We cannot wait another quarter of a century for a vaccine. The need of the hour is the four Ms-motivation, money, medicines and manpower.

Let me burst the bubble on some common myths about HIV /AIDS. Blood donation can cause HIV infection. People today are afraid of donating blood. HIV does not spread through donation of blood, as hospitals and blood banks use disposable syringes. Another myth is that HIV / AIDS spreads through mosquito and bug bites, air, saliva and touch. It is a very important piece of information about HIV / AIDS that it is not spread through mosquito and bug bites, air, saliva and touch.

Promiscuous men and women have largely been held responsible for fuelling the HIV /AIDS epidemic in the world. Stigma towards HIV-positive people needs to be countered if the threat of HIV /AIDS is to be overcome. Stigma is hard to track and its impact even harder to measure. Those vulnerable to and experiencing social stigma and discrimination will be puzzled if they were told that awareness and knowledge about HIV/AIDS is higher than before.Awareness is not translating into tolerance or a shedding of stigma. The good information about HIV / AIDS is that the number of people contracting HIV infection is dropping worldwide.

Protection against HIV/AIDS and preventing its spread is certainly a key message, but protection using stigma and alienation will go nowhere. It is always challenging to fight for legislation and better policy outcomes. Certain states have law against discrimination of HIV-positive children in schools. But laws and policies cannot be substitutes for a humane approach.

The Author, Mary Rose has authored several books including books related to health and fitness. For more information log on to http://www.casanads.com/bm/hf.htm

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Aids Information

By: Juliet Cohen

Aids is a very serious illness. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS may also spread by sharing drug needles or through contact with the blood of an infected person. Women can give it to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth. The first signs of HIV infection may be swollen glands and flu-like symptoms. These may come and go a month or two after infection. Severe symptoms may not appear until months or years later. HIV is genetically variable and exists as different strains, which cause different rates of clinical disease progression. HIV/AIDS stigma is more severe than that associated with other life-threatening conditions and extends beyond the disease.

The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of conditions that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. Most of these conditions are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that are normally controlled by the elements of the immune system that HIV damages. Opportunistic infections are common in people with AIDS. HIV affects nearly every organ system. People with AIDS also have an increased risk of developing various cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical cancer and cancers of the immune system known as lymphomas. Sexually transmitted infections (STI) increase the risk of HIV transmission and infection because they cause the disruption of the normal epithelial barrier by genital ulceration and/or microulceration.

There is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS. Current treatment for HIV infection include of highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART. Daily multivitamin and mineral supplements have been found to decrease HIV disease sequence among men and women. Various forms of alternative medicine have been tried to treat symptoms or alter the course of the disease. Reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors medicines interfere with a critical step during the HIV life cycle and keep the virus from reproducing. Protease inhibitors medicines interfere with a protein that HIV uses to produce infectious viral particles. Other drugs can prevent or treat opportunistic infections (OIs). In most cases, these drugs work very well. The newer, stronger ARVs have also helped reduce the rates of most OIs.

Aids Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Clean the needle before using.

2. Don't have sex with prostitutes.

3. Do not share needles or syringes.

4. Get professional help for terminating the drug habit.

5. Antiretroviral treatment for HIV infection consists of drugs

6. Fusion Inhibitors, such as enfuvirtide are blocking HIV entry into cells.

7. Don't have sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of AIDS.

8. Avoid having sex with anyone who has multiple and/or anonymous sexual partners.

9. Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has had sex with people at risk of getting AIDS.

10. Avoid oral, genital and anal contact with partner's blood, semen, vaginal secretions, feces or urine.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for Women Health. She also writes articles for Early Pregnancy and Pregnancy Calendar.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Relationship Between Vaginal Diseases And HIV/ AIDS

By: Wangeci Kinyanjui

Every time a woman is under tension mounting due to pain, embarrassments, itching, name them all, she first blames the yeast fungi Candida or the overgrowth of bacterium to have hitched her vaginal diseases. No single woman ever tries to reflect on her youth times and the rebelliousness that left her mum in bad temper. Many girls start sexual activity at a very tender age and this exposes them to sexually transmitted diseases as well as AIDS. Because their reproductive system is not yet mature, the girls become vulnerable to vaginal diseases then and even in their late womanhood.

As such it is very imperative for women and doctors to stop linking the vaginal diseases to yeast infections and over multiplication of vaginal bacteria, instead they must always consider the possibility of the vaginal diseases being a result of other infections. This is especially so if the woman is the kind whose sexual passion is nowhere near the rekindling type. Such a woman could grab some of the serious sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea unawares and this instead progress into a more persistent disgusting vaginal discharge, burning, irritation, itching and/or pain when passing urine.

Gonorrhea and the rest of sexually transmitted diseases if not treated fast,make mucosa covering of reproductive system unhealthy. This in turn facilitates the easy entry of any type of virus being benefited by this created environment. Remember it’s difficult to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases in women. The possibility of you living with it several months without noticing anything is high. The most important thing to do is frequent your gynecologist instead of treating wrong vaginal diseases such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis among others.

The first thing one must examine is the severity and frequency of vaginal diseases and if this rate is high, then your doctor must think of a possibility of there being a more grave disease that could be lowering your body immunity hence persistence of vaginal diseases.By being diagnosed with a different infection in the body such as HIV infection then you should commence anti-retro viral therapy right away as well discarding poor eating habits that aren’t fit, relative to your body strength. If the vaginal diseases still persist even after progressive therapy, then probably the yeast infections are also at hand and this should be treated too.

At a personal level it is important to evaluate our living habits that could instigate these vaginal diseases. For instance, if you are the type who can’t sleep well in your own bed without seeing the nakedness of a different man from the one you saw yesterday then the vaginal diseases can’t get tired of showing up around your private section particularly if safe sex is a vocabulary to your sex life. A person who is ignorant about the smell of the discharge and entire welfare of the vaginal parts cannot also stay away from vaginal diseases. One must ensure they shower as much as is necessary and wear clean, absorbent and loose underwear to stop the fungi, bacterial to multiply.

Wangeci Kinyanjui has been researching and reporting on Health Matters for years. For more information on Vaginal Diseases visit her site at VAGINAL DISEASES

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Herbal Medicines For AIDS

By: Ricky Hussey

Hiv is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which damages the immune system to the extent that it can no longer fight off infection. Most experts believe that HIV is responsible for Aids, but there is some evidence that not all people who contract HIV go on to have full-blown Aids (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Infection by the HIV is followed two to six weeks later by the development of antibodies to the virus. This process may be accompanied by one or more systemic illnesses. Symptoms include

heavy night sweats and fevers

lethargy, fatigue, and exhaustion

weight loss

diarrhea, thrush, and herpes infections

mouth ulcers and bleeding gums.

Complete recovery is the norm immediately after this illness, but thereafter the person will test positive for antibodies to HIV (they will be HIV positive) but otherwise appear healthy. Several years typically elapse between the acquisition of the virus and development of full-blown Aids.

Aids is generally believed to be caused by HIV. It is suggested that Aids may be an autoimmune disease (where the immune system turns against itself), but it is now clear that the immune system itself is attacked, especially the "helper" T-cells, so that the body cannot fight infection.

There is, at present, no known cure for the disease, which, once it develops, is usually fatal. However a wide range of "natural" therapies have been, be effective in treating symptoms of the disease, successfully slowing its progress in many case, and sometimes even reversing it.

Aids can appear in many forms, but around sufferers experience pneumonia (pneumocystis carinii) and a third Kaposi sarcoma, a form of skin cancer. Others suffer from a range of secondary infections as a result of their weakened immune system. Most suffer from fatigue and malaise, as well as stress and anxiety.

Treatment

The alternative treatment for Aids depends on individual symptoms, put is based on four main aims.

to inhibit the virus

to prevent and treat secondary infections

to boost the immune system

to treat the patient holistically.

Many patients benefit from a combination of several of the following approaches, with or without conventional medicine. Emotional support is essential since. Aids is a disease in which physical and mental integration is particularly necessary for good results in treatment.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Counseling And Hypnotherrapy These are valuable for helping to deal with stress and depression. The power of the mind over the body is particularly evident in Aids sufferers. Considerable research has shown that a positive state of mind toward the disease and survival has actually helped to raise the T-cell count in some patients and reduced their symptoms.

Visualization And Meditation These can be used to encourage the body to heal itself.

Traditional Chinese Medicine A variety of Chinese treatments has been found extremely effective, including chi kung and the use of Chinese herbs, particularly astragalus, which inhibits the spread of the virus. Chinese dietary therapy is based on the idea that foods are hot or cold, dry or lubricating (by nature, not literally). Those with skin problems are advised to avoid "hot" and spicy foods, while those with diarrhea, for example, should not eat cucumbers or dairy products, which are" cold."

Acupuncture This has been found to be beneficial.

Aromatherapy Oils to use for massage and in baths include tea tree (which is antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial), eucalyptus, lavender, juniper, myrrh, fennel, and sage. Oils can be taken by mouth, but only under the supervision of a therapist qualified in clinical or medical aromatherapy.

Herbal Medicine Remedies believed to be of value include golden seal and garlic. Golden seal contains berberine, another anti­bacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent. It is particularly effective against diarrhea. Garlic increases "killer" T-cells.

Homeopathy

Some patients may find homeopathy beneficial.

Massage and Reflexology These can provide stress relief and relaxation. Lymphatic drainage massage ­which stimulates the flow of the lymph carrying waste products away from the blood - may also help.

Yoga, T'ai Chi, and Chi Kung These movement therapies are said to be beneficial.

Read out for home remedies. Check out pregnancy and homeopathic remedies

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

The Cause of Aids

by: Padrone Desusid

AIDS is acquired immuno deficiency syndrome. It is a fatal disease caused by a rapidly mutate retrovirus which attacks the immune system and leaves the patient susceptible to infections, malignancies, and neurological disorders. It was first recognized as a disease in 1981. The virus was isolated in 1983 and was ultimately named the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There are two forms of the HIV virus, HIV-1 and HIV-2. The majority of cases worldwide are caused by HIV-1.

It is transmitted primarily by exposure to contaminated body fluids, especially blood and semen. In 1999 an international team of genetic scientists reported that HIV-1 can be traced to a closely related strain of virus, called simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), that infects a subspecies of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in Africa. Chimpanzees are hunted for meat in this region, and it is believed the virus may have passed from the blood of chimpanzees into humans through superficial wounds, probably in the early 1930s.

In a process, HIV infects the CD4 cells of the body's immune system, cells that are necessary to activate B- lymphocytes and induce the production of antibodies. This is still imperfectly understood. The body fights back producing billions of lymphocytes daily to fight the billions of copies of the virus. The immune system is eventually plagued and the body is left vulnerable to opportunistic infections and malignancy.

Some people develop flu like symptoms shortly after infection, but many have no symptoms. It may be a few months or many years before serious symptoms develop in adults; symptoms usually develop within the first two years of life in infants infected in the womb or at birth. Before serious symptoms occur, an infected person may experience fever, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, skin rashes, shingles thrush, or memory problems. Infants may fail to develop normally.

The definition of AIDS has been refined, as more knowledge has become available. In general it refers to that period in the infection when the CD4 count goes below 200 from a normal count of 1,000 or when the characteristic opportunistic infections and cancers appear. The conditions associated with AIDS include malignancies such as Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, primary lymphoma of the brain, and invasive carcinoma of the cervix.

Opportunistic infections characteristic of or more virulent in AIDS include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, herpes simplex, cytomegalo virus, and diarrhea diseases caused by cryptosporidium or isospora. In addition, hepatitis C is prevalent in intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs with AIDS, and an estimated 4 to 5 million people who have tuberculosis are coinfected with HIV, each disease hastening the progression of the other.

Children may experience more serious forms of common childhood ailments such as tonsillitis and conjunctivitis. These infections conspire to cause a wide range of symptoms like coughing, diarrhea, fever and night sweats, and headaches and may lead to extreme weight loss, blindness, hallucinations, and dementia before death occurs.

HIV is not transmitted by casual contact. Transmission requires a direct exchange of body fluids, such as blood or blood products, breast milk, semen, or vaginal secretions, most commonly as a result of sexual activity or the sharing of needles among drug users. Such a transmission may also occur from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth. Saliva, tears, urine, feces, and sweat do not appear to transmit the virus.

About The Author

Padrone Desusid is the owner of FY Aids which is a premier resource for aids information. for more information, go to http://www.fyaids.com.

HIV / AIDS Complementary Treatment

by: Jan Greeff

HIV/AIDS: COMPLEMENTARY MANAGEMENT VIA IMMUNE-ENHANCEMENT

Latest technology complementary and supportive products are achieving remarkable results.

A leading firm of clinical consultants who have been contracting to Medical Aid Funds to manage approximately 6 500 persons living with HIV/AIDS on an ongoing basis for many years, reports as follows:

"We are contracted to render HIV disease management services to numerous patients of several medical schemes. We have been using Phytogard as an immune booster for the past 4 years with exceptional results.

Some patients are currently controlled on Phytogard alone and maintain or improve their CD4 counts while reducing Viral Loads.

Five of our contracted medical schemes are funding the inclusion of Phytogard in our disease management protocols."

The success of Phytogard is mainly due to Foodstate*tm technology. For the first time in history specialised vitamin and mineral combinations are presented to the body as food. Utility is improved by up to 15 times compared to chelated chemical isolates and inorganics.

The unique, synergistic and cost-efficient combination of ingredients in Phytogard has been developed in collaboration with leading laboratories from all over the world. They consist of vitamins A and B12, Selenium and Zinc, all in Foodstate*tm form, n-Acetyl Cysteine, Betasitosterols and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

These products can add significant value to complementary health services worldwide.

For more information, please contact Jan Greeff in Barberton, South Africa

Tel. +2713 712 2436 e-mail to grewe@absamail.co.za. SMS only to +278 454 838 90 or visit http://wellness.oppiweb.com.

About The Author

I’m Jan Greeff, married to Juanita since 1973. We have four children, four grandchildren, and are known as the wellness family.

I have been a Lifestyle Consultant for more than twelve years. It has been my privilege to be instrumental in safe, natural intervention to improve the quality of life of countless persons.

My intervention strategy is aimed at achieving optimum wellness via balanced nutrition, moderate exercise and fulfilling relationships.

AIDS/HIV Information

by: Melissa Albright

AIDS is an acronym for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome it causes a destruction of the immune system. It is the most advanced stage of the HIV virus (HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus). AIDS is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the presence of a positive HIV antibody test and one or more of the illnesses known as opportunistic infections.

The HIV virus, type 1 or 2 is widely known to be the cause of AIDS. HIV breaks down and attacks your T cells so your body is unable to defend itself against different infections. The HIV virus also attacks your peripheral nervous system, this causes nerve and muscle pain, especially in the feet, legs, and hands.

HIV is spread through direct contact with semen or blood of an individual that is infected. This can be transferred in many ways the most common is unprotected sexual intercourse. Other means of infection are infected blood transfusions, mother to infant (at time of birth, or through breast milk), sharing needles with an infected person, and rarely a healthcare worker that gets pricked with an infected needle.

Often people who are infected with HIV have few symptoms and in some cases there are none. Other times, symptoms of HIV are confused with other illnesses such as the flu. This may be severe, with swollen glands in the neck and armpits, tiredness, fever and night sweats. This is where as much as 9 out of 10 of the infected individuals will develop AIDS. At this point the person may feel completely healthy and not even know that he/she has the virus. The next stage begins when the immune system starts to break down and the virus becomes more aggressive in damaging white cells. Several glands in the neck and armpits may swell and stay swollen for an extended period of time without any explanation. As this disease progresses boils or warts may spread over the body. They may also feel tremendously tired, night sweats, high fevers, chronic diarrhea, and they may lose a considerable amount of their body weight. Most cases have shown thrush as a symptom as well. At this point the person is in the final stages of HIV--AIDS. Severe chest infections with high fever are common and survival rate is above 70% but decrease with each recurrence.

A person is diagnosed with AIDS when he/she has one or more positive HIV screening and the presence of an AIDS defining condition. Some of the common conditions include but are not limited to: Meningitis, Encephalitis, Dementia, Pneumonia, Kaposi sarcoma, and Lymphoma. There is also a blood test called an Immune Profile that can be done. This test is used to measure the loss of immunity and help decide on the best treatment. There is a test that is rarely used due to its high cost, it is known as a Viral Load: This test detects the virus itself, and also measures the amount of HIV in the blood. It shows how quickly the HIV infection is likely to advance. A high viral load suggests that the person may progress rapidly to AIDS.

Although there is no cure for AIDS there are medical treatments that aide in prolonging, and maintaining the best quality of life possible. These include two nucleoside inhibitors, lamivudine and zidovudine. Actual treatment plans will vary with each patient, along with the physical aspect of this disease. The psychological side has to be addressed in order for a treatment plan to be effective.

The easiest way to escape contracting this disease is to avoid the risk factors that you are in control of. Such as: unprotected sex, not sharing a needle, and if you are in the healthcare field be sure to use all precautions necessary to avoid an accidental prick from a possible infected needle (remember that in this diseases early stages it is common for the person not to even know they are infected). Today AIDS is the fifth leading cause of death among all adults aged 25 to 44 in the United States. Among African-Americans in the 25 to 44 age group, AIDS is the leading cause of death for men and the second leading cause of death for women. Our society needs to become aware that by not protecting ourselves we are killing ourselves and that this has to stop.

About The Author

Melissa Albright is the webmaster for the website Know More Get More http://www.knowmoregetmore.com/healthyliving Giving you the information you need.