Make sure you keep yourself and your community safe by spreading the awareness of HIV/AIDS. ayuhealth will give you the information you need to be informed and protect yourself with education and preventative measures. With ayuhealth, you can learn the basics and get answers to questions about HIV/AIDS from our certified health experts. Don't wait, take action now and join us in fighting against this global pandemic!

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Dr. S. Goel Arvind has been writing health information for the past 8 years. He has extensive experience writing about
health issues like sepsis, cancer, mental health issues, and women’s health.
AIDS awareness and its importance
ayu.health/blog/world-aids-vaccine-day/
On May 18 every year, World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Knowledge
Day, is observed globally. This event aims to increase public awareness about the
significance of receiving an HIV vaccine in avoiding both infection and AIDS. The idea for
observing World AIDS Vaccine Day came from a commencement address given by
former U.S. President Bill Clinton at Morgan State University in 1997. World AIDS
Vaccine Day was first observed on May 18 in the year 1998.
Since 1998, World AIDS Vaccine Day has been celebrated by various organizations
worldwide with the aim of educating people about the importance of taking the right
preventive measures, creating AIDS awareness, supporting researchers and motivating
people to participate in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
What are the goals of World AIDS Vaccine Day?
The initiative of World AIDS Vaccine Day serves two goals. They are,
1. It aims to honour the committed medical experts, researchers, and supporters who
have dedicated their lives to the development of an effective and safe AIDS vaccine.

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2. It highlights how important vaccinations are in preventing and providing protection
against this deadly virus.
What is HIV?
HIV, which is also known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a type of virus that
affects the immune system in the body and attacks the cells responsible for fighting
infections in the body. As a result of this, the human body becomes vulnerable and
susceptible to catching various diseases and infections. HIV, when left untreated,
eventually leads to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
What is AIDS?
AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a chronic and deadly disease. Human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to the development of AIDS. This stage of
HIV infection is the most advanced and dangerous. Patients with AIDS experience
significantly reduced levels of specific white blood cells, and their immune systems are
severely compromised. Additionally, they could exhibit other conditions that indicate the
development of AIDS.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
Where HIV is a virus that affects and impairs the immune system, AIDS, on the other
hand, is a condition that occurs when a person’s immune system is severely
compromised due to an HIV infection. AIDS can happen only when HIV infects the
person. Without HIV infection AIDS cannot occur.
Symptoms of HIV
HIV infection is a condition that can exist without any obvious symptoms. Occasionally,
people may get flu-like symptoms soon after acquiring HIV. Hence, it is essential to get
tested for HIV. Some of the HIV symptoms may include the following,
Fever
Loss of weight
Headache
Sore throat and cough
Night sweats
Mouth sores
Muscle and joint pain
Rashes
What are the causes of HIV/AIDS?
The transmission of the virus occurs from one person to another through some of the
body fluids. These body fluids include the following,

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Semen
Blood
Breast milk
Vaginal and rectal fluids
HIV infection usually spreads when these HIV-infected bodily fluids come in contact with a
healthy person through,
Mucous membranes are found inside the penis, vagina, mouth and rectum. The
virus may spread during unprotected vaginal or anal sex.
Through cuts, wounds or broken skin
Through sharing used needles
From a pregnant mother to the unborn baby
Through the breastmilk of an infected mother
Through blood transfusions
How does HIV not spread?
It is important to spread awareness about the ways through which HIV cannot spread.
This is because there is still some stigma around the disease and misconceptions about
how it may spread. The following are the ways through which HIV cannot spread to
another person,
Normal contact, such as hugging or kissing
Through touching the personal items of an infected person
Eating food that was prepared by an infected person
Doing everyday activities with an infected person, such as playing sports
Through the air, water, pets or insects
How can you prevent HIV infection?
To prevent your risk of contracting HIV infection, it is essential to follow these preventive
measures,
Use protection while having anal or vaginal sex
Don’t inject needles used by others
Avoid injecting drugs
If you think you may have a high risk of contracting HIV infection, then get tested to
start early treatment.
Inform your sexual partner if you have HIV
Seek medical help if you are pregnant and HIV positive
How can HIV be treated?
Currently, HIV/AIDS does not have a cure. Once a person is infected by HIV, this virus
doesn’t leave the body. Although it cannot be eliminated, there are various medications
that can help in controlling HIV and preventing any complications. This is known as

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antiretroviral therapy (ART). The objective of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is to reduce the
levels of HIV (viral load) in the bloodstream and slow down the impact of HIV on the
immune system weakening.
Conclusion
This World AIDS Vaccine Day 2023, it is essential to spread awareness about HIV and
AIDS symptoms to help people with early testing and treatment. It is also essential to
create awareness about the various ways through which HIV can spread. To create
awareness among people on this World AIDS Vaccine Day 2023, educate them about the
various HIV preventive methods. The stigma around HIV and AIDS must also be broken,
and people having them must be treated normally. Hence, to observe World AIDS
Vaccine Day 2023, it is crucial to inform people about the various ways through which HIV
cannot spread.
At Ayu Health Hospitals, we provide the best care to our patients that is affordable and
highly patient-centric. Our team of exceptional specialists provide nothing but the best to
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About the Author
Dr goel
Dr. S. Goel
MBBS PGDCM FID MBAHHM at Ayu Health | Website | + posts
Dr. S. Goel is a renowned Internal Medicine Specialist currently practicing at Ayu Health,
Bangalore. He is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, Diabetes HTN, Paediatric Care, and
Family Medicine.