What is AIDS? Is AIDS hereditary?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, damages the immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infection. This puts the infected person at risk of serious infections and certain types of cancer.[1]
If an infected person does not get the proper treatment, or fails to take care of themselves, then HIV could potentially develop into AIDS.
This virus can be spread through sexual intercourse, the sharing of needles or syringes, any infected needles used for body piercings and tattoos or getting stuck with a needle that has HIV-infected blood, as well as through open wounds or blisters that come into contact with infected blood.
By the 1980s, many people were infected due to blood transfusions, since at that time the blood did not go through the cleaning process that is currently done.
There are ways to protect yourself from HIV such as having safe sex by using condoms when having intercourse with your partner. It is the best way to protect yourself. Also avoid sharing needles and to make sure their place where you are going to get tattoos is a trusted and clean place, that follow correct cleaning protocols.[2]
AIDS is not the result of an inherited disorder, but rather the result of exposure to HIV infection. AIDS can facilitate the development of opportunistic infections, tumors, among other processes. It can also be transmitted to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, a pregnant person with HIV can take medications that make them less likely for their baby to get the infection.[3]
The important thing about this disease is knowing how to take care of ourselves. Researching new information and orienting ourselves is key in understanding and prevention.
[1] ¿Que es VIH y que es SIDA? https://www.cancer.org/es/cancer/causas-del-cancer/agentes-infecciosos/infeccion-con-vih-sida/que-es-vih-y-sida.html
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org
[3] https://www.plannedparenthood.org