As we all know AIDS, like herpes, is one of the most common STDs. The mere mention of it can make many people hesitant. According to data from the Australian Department of Health, by the end of 2023, there were approximately 37,000 reported living HIV-positive individuals and AIDS patients in Australia, with around 2,000 new AIDS cases reported that year.
And because they are ashamed to talk about the symptoms, many AIDS patients are not checked until the condition is very serious. In fact, AIDS will have many manifestations in the early stage of the disease. It is necessary for each of us to understand and master the methods of preventing AIDS.
What are the symptoms of AIDS?

First, AIDS patients typically experience headaches and fever. Many individuals with AIDS frequently suffer from these symptoms due to the virus weakening their immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.
Second, swollen lymph nodes are common among AIDS patients. If a person is infected, they may notice swollen lymph nodes, which can increase in number as the disease progresses.
Third, rashes can develop in AIDS patients. Initially, patients may mistakenly attribute these rashes to other viral infections. However, as the disease worsens, rashes may appear in various parts of the body.
Fourth, muscle or joint pain may occur due to the AIDS virus. This pain results from the virus entering muscles or joints, causing inflammation and persistent discomfort.
Fifth, ulceration in private areas can also indicate AIDS. The virus can cause frequent herpes outbreaks in the genitals, leading to noticeable local ulceration.
Transmission of AIDS
Sexual Transmission
Unprotected sexual intercourse is the primary mode of transmission, making condom use crucial. Remember, sexual health is an important issue for everyone.
Blood Transmission
HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or shared needles. It is essential to use tested blood and disposable needles.
Mother-to-Child Transmission
Infected mothers can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Routine testing and intervention can significantly reduce this risk.
HIV is not transmitted through the following methods:
- Working or studying together
- Casual contact (such as kissing, eating together, hugging, shaking hands, swimming, handling money, etc.)
- Mosquito bites, sneezing, or coughing
- Main Preventive Measures for AIDS
Practice safe sex by using condoms correctly every time. Condoms prevent both pregnancy and STDs, including AIDS; emergency contraceptives do not protect against infections.
- Avoid all forms of drug use and stay away from drugs.
- Do not use untested blood products and minimize unnecessary blood transfusions.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, needles, syringes, gauze, or cotton.
- Refrain from visiting medical facilities or locations with poor sanitation for injections, tooth extractions, piercings, tattoos, acupuncture, or surgeries.
- Be cautious to avoid contact with the blood and bodily fluids of others in daily life.
If you experience discomfort in your lower body and suspect an STD, seek medical attention promptly.
Get tested for AIDS after engaging in sexual activity with others.
Methods to Prevent AIDS
First, it’s important to understand AIDS. Sexual activity is the most common method of transmission. To avoid contracting AIDS, always use condoms, which not only prevent pregnancy but also reduce the risk of disease.
Second, since AIDS can be transmitted through blood, ensure that sterile needles are used during blood transfusions and avoid getting tattoos or acupuncture to minimize risk.
Finally, maintain fidelity in relationships and choose a fixed partner. A chaotic personal life is a significant risk factor for contracting AIDS.
While AIDS is a serious condition, it is manageable with proper prevention. If you find yourself uncertain after high-risk sexual activity, contact a hospital or health center immediately for professional help.
AIDS patients should remain hopeful and pursue active treatment. Although AIDS cannot be cured, effective treatment can control the disease, prevent opportunistic infections, extend life, and improve quality of life.
Treatment Methods for AIDS
Immunomodulatory Therapy
Immunomodulatory drugs such as interleukin-2 and immunoglobulin G enhance immune function. Immunoglobulin G improves the nonspecific immunity of AIDS patients, while interleukin-2 boosts lymphocyte counts, enhancing overall immune response. However, immunomodulatory therapy should only be applied alongside HAART treatment to reduce the viral load; otherwise, it may increase the risk of HIV-1 attacking target cells and accelerate disease progression.
Anti-Infection Treatment
This includes medications for various opportunistic infections, such as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal drugs. Since opportunistic infections are the leading cause of death in AIDS patients, anti-infection treatment is crucial, particularly for tuberculosis and fungal infections. Controlling these infections is necessary before initiating “cocktail therapy.”
HAART Therapy
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) involves combining drugs that target different stages of retroviral replication to inhibit HIV-1 replication. This method is currently considered the most effective treatment for controlling HIV-1 and is commonly referred to as “cocktail therapy.”
The drugs include:
- Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
- Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
- Protease inhibitors (PIs)
- Fusion inhibitors
The goals of HAART are:
- Virological goal: Minimize viral load and maintain it at an undetectable level for as long as possible.
- Immunological goal: Preserve immune function and achieve immune reconstitution.
- The ultimate goal: Extend life and improve quality of life.