aids

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus called HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The disease alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. This susceptibility worsens as the AIDS progresses. It is a sexually transmitted disease that can enter through cuts, mouth, anus, vagina and penis. It is carried in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk and rectal fluids. 
I have asked a community of peers to give me their questions about this topic, and here are my answers. 

Q: Can you get aids by kissing someone with it? 
A: Absolutely not! It is only transferable if you got their blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk or rectal fluids in your mouth or other openings.

Q: Is aids treatable? 
A: Yes. Aids can be inhibited by takin medicines that help stabilize your T cell counts. T cells help your immune system fight disease. However, there isn't a full cure for aids. We only have things to help with side effects.

Q: If a mom has aids, can she give it to her unborn child? 
A: Yes. However, if the mother takes certain medicines early enough during the pregnancy, she can prevent passing it on to her child.

Q: Does aids have symptoms?
A: It depends on the person. Some have felt nausea, diarrhea, increased susceptibility to disease and fevers while others had no symptoms at all. 

Q: How do I find out if I have aids? 
A: If you go to a planned parenthood or a doctor, they can give you a test for aids and all sorts of STDs. 

Q: I have aids. What's next? 
Don't panic. Talk to your doctor about different courses of treatment. Therapy may be helpful to deal with emotions during this troubling time. 

I hope these helped. Stay safe, readers! 

Sophia