AIDS is also called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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AIDS, also known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by severe immunodeficiency caused by the infection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. HIV invades the human immune system, causing a decline or even loss of immune function, ultimately leading to death due to severe infections or tumors. Therefore, its mortality rate is extremely high, and there are no effective treatments.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Does AIDS cause headaches?

People with AIDS may experience headaches. This can occur when individuals with AIDS develop fevers due to opportunistic infections, leading to an increase in body temperature which may cause cerebral blood vessel dilation and result in headaches. Additionally, some AIDS patients may also have intracranial opportunistic infections, such as infections with Toxoplasma, Cryptococcus, and Tuberculosis, which can cause serious meningitis or encephalitis, leading to severe and intense headaches accompanied by fever. These conditions are very dangerous and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is AIDS yin or yang?

If HIV is contracted, after the window period, screening through HIV antibody tests or HIV nucleic acid tests will mostly yield positive results. If the HIV antibody test is positive, an HIV infection can be diagnosed. Once an HIV infection is confirmed, systematic and standardized antiretroviral therapy should be initiated. Systematic and standardized antiretroviral therapy can effectively suppress the virus to undetectable levels, eliminate infectiousness, gradually enhance immunity, and allow one to live a normal lifespan.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Will donating blood result in contracting AIDS?

Donating blood in Chinese hospitals and official blood donation centers does not result in HIV infection because there is HIV screening before donating. During blood donation, the syringes used are disposable. However, if blood is donated at unauthorized or illegal centers, the transmission of HIV cannot be guaranteed.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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How is AIDS transmitted?

The HIV virus primarily exists in the blood, semen, vaginal secretions, ascitic fluid, and bodily fluids of infected persons. There are three main transmission pathways: sexual contact, blood products, and mother-to-child transmission, which include homosexual, heterosexual, and bisexual contact; sharing needles for intravenous drug use, invasive medical procedures, tattooing, as well as transmission from an HIV-positive mother through placental delivery and breastfeeding. Normal activities such as handshaking, hugging, polite kissing, sharing meals, and living together do not transmit the HIV virus.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What is the confirmed rate of suspected AIDS?

If you have engaged in high-risk behaviors or are experiencing symptoms similar to those of AIDS, you should not speculate about whether you have contracted HIV. The only approach is to go to the hospital for testing. Generally, after the window period has passed, you should go to the hospital for a screening test. If the screening test is positive, further tests should be conducted at the disease control center to confirm the diagnosis. Only through this process can it be determined whether you have AIDS or not.