AIDS: Cause, Care, and Caution

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=1_12_2006&ItemID=2&cat=12
Besides organizing seminars and debates on this subject, measures are to be taken on ground to save humankind from something deadlier than death itself, writes
DR. IRSHAD WANI

Today is December 1st. Yet another AIDS day observed globally. World AIDS day has a special place in history of the AIDS pandemic. Since 1988 December it has been a day bringing messages of compassion, hope, solidarity and understanding about AIDS to every country in the world. World AIDS day emerged from the call by the world Summit of ministers of Health on programmes for AIDS prevention in Jan-1988 to open channels of communication, strengthen the exchange of information and experience, and forge a spirit of social tolerance. Since then, world AIDS day has received the support of the world health assembly, the United Nations system, and governments, communities and individuals around the world. Each year, it is the only international day of co-coordinated action against AIDS.

What is AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the world’s most terrible disease because there is no cure. It is caused by virus which destroys the natural resistance or defence mechanism of the body, the only path that is left is “DEATH”. AIDS is not a single disease but a syndrome; it is a set of diseases which results from the destruction of body defense by human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS was first identified in Los Angeles in 1981.The causative agent (HIV) was discovered at the Pasteur Institute in Paris in 1983. Thus far, all available evidences indicate that AIDS Virus is spreading world wide in human for the first time. Speculation on the age of HIV varies from as few as fifty years to many thousands of years. The AIDS Virus is now known to occur as two strains, HIV- I and HIV-II. HIV-I cause AIDS throughout the world, whereas, HIV-II occurs principally in western Africa, the sooty mangabey monkey (cercocebusatys), is naturally infected with the strain of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) that is 75percent genetically identified to HIV-II. making it the closest known relative to this human aids virus. It is believed that African monkey transmitted HIV to human beings living their, then spread to USA, EUROPE, ASIA and etc. International committee on taxonomy of virus adopted the name HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in 1986. A virus of Lent vines sub family was isolated later by different research groups under three separate names;
1) LAV (lymph adenopathy associated virus)
2) HTLV-III ( human T cells leukemia virus type III)
3) ARV ( aids associated retro- virus)

Signs and symptoms
The initial symptom of the infection resembles with influenza or mononucleiosis and appears a few days or weeks after exposure. The symptoms usually disappear after several weeks. A prolonged disease free period may last ten or more years after initial infection. Persistent swelling of lymphnodes may be the only sign of infection during this period. Other major signs of infection are loss of more than l0 percent of body weight in one month, chronic diarrhea for more than one month, prolonged fever for more than one month other minor signs include generalized itching, skin diseases, recurrent Herpszooster, thrush in the mouth and throat. HIV primarily targets T-helperlymphocyte populations CD4 within body’s immune system thereby shaking the citadels of immune system. The infected person becomes most susceptible to all kinds of opportunistic infections. The infected persons may show sign of illness any time in the period of ten years. This is termed as window phase and during this time a person will be test negative for HIV. The body defence is exposed to invasion by pathogenic bacteria causing TB, candidiasis, pneumonia, Gl infections, and certain type of cancers like Kaposi’s sarcoma or lymphoma. Kaposi’s sarcoma is common in homo sexual men and heterosexual acquired case of HIV. Another kind of cancer called Hodgkin’s lymphoma or myeloid leukemia have also been observed in HIV infected cases.

Prevention and Control:
The treatment of Aids are still in the initial trial stage and are prohibitively expensive therefore once a person gets Aids he sure to die in a short spane o time. That is why it is labeled as another name of death. Until a vaccine or cure is found the best is to adopt the measures by which Aids can be prevented. The following preventive measures should be adopted:
> Restrict your self to the moral code of life as devised by Islam.
> Avoid going to prostitutes.
> Don’t indulge in oral/anal sex.
> Use proper sterilized needles and syringes.
> Blood and blood products should be thoroughly investigated.
> Imparting health education to the public to enable them to make life saving choices.

Role of Natural Herbs in AIDS:
Even as modern medicine is yet to produce a cure for the virus. Scientists at the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, USA, are hopeful to transform HIV from an inexorably fatal condition to a chronic, manageable viral infection especially in the case of children born to HIV positive women, thus actually preventing many new HIV infections. Doctors are also looking at traditional system of medicine the world over for a cure for HIV; particularly after traditional medicine in East and Southern Africa has shown positive results. Although one can be gifted genetically with a powerful immune system, nutrients from food ensure the full development of it. In treating HIV, the medication should be capable of eliminating diarrhea, increasing absorption activities in the GI region and improving immunity. Acquired immunity from drug prophylaxis is not a long term effective solution unless circumstances warrant it. But, a good natural immune system is the key to why some HIV positive outlived others of particular note. Medication used on long term basis should be natural so that our body can assimilate with no side and toxic effects. Herbs have been used extensively in hopes of improving immune response and reducing symptoms, e.g. Aloe Vera, St. Johnswort, Echinacea, licorice and ginseng are just a few herbs used to treat HIV Aids. Taking immunity-boosting herbs (such as astragalus, Echinacea, and ginkgo) may revive an ailing immune system. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice can soothe the mouth and throat ulcers that often accompany full-blown AIDS. A woody vine that grows in the rainforests of Peru was used by centuries by the Ashanics Indians for treating a wide range of illnesses. It effectively reduces the side effects of treatments such as AZT and radiation therapy.
An ancient Graeco-Arab system of medicine, not much is known about Unani’s efforts in developing an AIDS cure. Clinical trials of nigella sativa are however, on amongst unani medical researchers in Florida. They say the herb is effective in boosting the immune function and should help in the search for an AIDS antidote.
The Role of good nutrition in the management of HIV/AIDS has assumed increasing importance over the past decade. Good nutrition means getting enough Macronutrients and Micronutrients. Macronutrients contain calories, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. They help to maintain your body weight. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. They keep your cells working properly, but will not prevent their weight loss. The benefits of good nutrition and exercise are well worth the effort especially for people living with HIV. At July community forum, John Zimmerman a nutrientionist explains the general principles of nutritional healing in HIV/AIDS upon which she basis her practice:
1- Maintain normal body weight. Be aware of the caloric intake you need to achieve and maintain a normal weight.
2- Build muscles/maintain lean body mass (avoid wasting).
3- Optimize digestion (eating 4-6 small meals is more efficient than eating 1-3 large meals).
4- Eat more “Healing foods”, fewer processed foods.
5- Drinks 6-10 cups of non-caffeinated fluids daily.
6- Use supplements rationally and consistently.
7- Address social and emotional isolation, as these factors can negatively influence food choices.
Dietary supplements are commonly used in an effort to boost the immune system. Foods or substances derived from foods (garlic, Chinese bitter melon, and turmeric) are used, as well as nonfood dietary supplement such as, shark cartilage or blue-green algae (spirulina). Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are also used in an attempt to boost the immune system.