HIV/AIDS (Precaution is better than Cure) 
                                                                                

With each passing day the treat of HIV/Aids looms larger than ever. As early HIV infection causes no symptoms it is primarily detected by testing a person's blood for presence of antibodies to HIV. Early testing is very important as it will enable an HIV-infected person to receive appropriate treatment at a time when one is most able to combat HIV and prevent the emergence of opportunistic infections.

The role of Blood in Aids

Transfusion & Transmission of blood has become the core of modern medical science. It is found that HIV positive or unsafe blood transmission cause AIDS. To totally restrain & stop this blood- caused HIV positive AIDS blood safety measures are being adopted in along way. NACO is assisting the state blood transfusion council in a big way. A national blood policy has been formulated. Better blood -bank management techniques and good quality blood and blood products are ensured keeping in mind the use of most healthy & AIDS-proof apparatus. Blood - donations is decommercialised & voluntary blood donation scheme are encouraged all the way, Maharashtra &   west Bengal shown best result in voluntary blood donation programmes. But various measures  are needed to be taken to ensure 100% pure and safe blood.

Do you know what is HIV ?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a health condition where a person is not capable of fighting with other diseases because of poor Immunity. HIV by itself is not a illness and dose not instantly lead to AIDS. An HIV infected Patient can live healthy live for years before he develops AIDS in his body. So in short HIV is beginning of AIDS, but it is curable.

Do you Know What is AIDS ?

As the name, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, indicates, AIDS is a healthy condition that results from the deficiency in the human body's Immunity following HIV infection. HIV attacks the human body by breaking down its immune System that is meant to fight diseases. After a period of some time, the immune system weakens and the body losses its strength to fight diseases. At this stage, various diseases affect the infected person and make him weak.

Some little precautions in your life can save your life , Give 5 minutes of your time and live happily ever after ?Get your blood tested ?

What is HIV Testing ?

HIV testing usually means the tests that determine whether or not you are affected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS. These test look for "antibodies" to HIV. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight a specific germ. You can arrange for HIV testing through your doctor. The most common HIV test is a spot test that produces results within 5 minutes.

How do these tests work ?

HIV testing looks for antibodies in the blood. The immune system produces these antibodies to fight HIV, but it can take up to them to show up. During this "window period" you will not test positive for HIV even if you are infected. Once you test positive, consult your doctor for more information on healthcare & medications.

What does it Mean if the test is positive ?

A positive test results means that you have HIV antibodies, and are infected with HIV. Testing positive does not mean that you have AIDS. Many people who test positive stay healthy for several years. If you test negative & you have not been exposed to HIV for least three months, you are not infected with HIV. Continue to take care and protect yourself from HIV infection.