AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a disorder that is caused by HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, that compromises the immune system and allows opportunistic neurologic disorders, malignancies, and infections. Symptoms of AIDS includes weight loss, anorexia, night sweats, fever, rashes, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, lowered immunity, and shortness of breath.
Treatment for HIV infection involves antiretrovirus therapy, including zidovudine (ZDV, formally known as azidothymidine or AZT), didanosine (ddI), d4T, and 3TC. This drug was beneficial is saving the lives of over 50,000 AIDS patients in the '90's, in the United States. Side effects of this drug are infrequent, but could include minor issues such as headaches and vomiting, and major issues such as abdominal cramping or nerve problems.
A new group of drugs for treatment of HIV are those that inhibit protease, an enzyme needed for virus reproduction. The experimental drugs ritomavir, indinavir, and saquinavir are effective at decreasing the level of the HIV virus in the blood, but are not a cure. Ritomavir's benefits include a 48% reduction in AIDS related deaths. Side effects of this drug could include severe allergic reactions, liver damage, abdominal pain and numbness. Because these drugs are new, it is not known exactly how long they will prolong the life of an individual suffering with AIDS.
Since AIDS has no cure, the only sure method of prevention is to not allow the spread of the HIV virus. Those at risk must be educated at protecting themselves and others from infection. The main concern is to prevent the spread of AIDS by sexual contact. Preventing blood transmission of HIV includes avoiding use of shared needles. Health care workers should follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the handling and disposal of sharps, blood, and body secretions.