The Causes And Treatments Of Aids Essay — страница 2

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against HIV and build up a resistance. Doctors are understandably reluctant to inject anyone with HIV, however, fearing that even a weakened virus might cause AIDS. In related work, a team of researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectiou Diseases has developed a vaccine with a “suicide gene” that makes itself be killed off once its job is done. The weakened HIV carries an extra gene taken from the herpes virus. Cells that become infected with HIV then can be selectively destroyed with ganciclovir, a herpes medicine. So far the vaccine has been examined only in the test tube. Animal and human trials are being planned. Conventional Medicine The current treatment of choice for AIDS patients is the use of powerful antiviral drugs. These include zidovudine,

didanosine , dideoxycytidine , lamivudine , stuvadine , nevirapine, and a group of drugs called protease inhibitors, which incllude nelfinavir, ritonavir, indinavir and saquinavir. These drugs are used in combination – usually a protease inhibitor plus two other drugs. None of these cures AIDS, but they clearly have a major effect on the disease. Zidovudine was the first HIV antiviral drug developed. AZT is often used with lamivudine and actually comes in a pill combined with lamivudine for simplicity. Zidovudine’s side effects include nausea, headaches, muscle aches and weakness. It can also cause a low blood count (anemia). Didanosine, dideoxycytidine and stuvadine all can cause a burning pain in the legs (neuropathy) or an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis, see

Pancreatic Problems). Protease inhibitors include nelfinavir, ritonavir, indinavir and saquinavir. All these drugs are very active and effective. They all can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as occasionally raise blood sugar levels. Indinavir can cause kidney stones. All these medications can cause diarrhea, but it is most severe when taking nelfinavir. Prevention Use a condom for all kinds of sex, including oral, anal and vaginal. Don’t use oil-based lubricants, which can eat through condoms. Learn you partners past sexual activities and ask about HIV test results. Don’t have sex with hookers or prostitutes. Don’t share a needle if you use drugs; you should bleach needles to clean them. Get tested every six months if you’re in a high-risk group; your

partner should be tested as well. In Conclusion, the best way to protect yourself from AIDs or any type STD’s in general is to have abstinence. If that is not preferred you should always have safe sex and to always use condoms, that is not 100% protection but that reduces your chances of getting AIDS. The common symptoms of AIDs are long term fatigueness, swollen lymph nodes, a fever that lasts longer than 10 days. night sweats, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, persistent severe diarrhea, or yeast infections, and more. If you think you have AIDS, seek help immediatley and dont fail to notify your partners if you test positive for HIV. They too will require testing and possibly treatment. In some states the health department will require that sexual partners be

notified. Ask your doctor for advice.