HIV/AIDS AND SOCIAL STIGMA!!

OVERVIEW

This chapter is based on the critical discussion of the human immune deficiency virus spread throughout the UK. The reason behind disease continuation and contingency reasons along with its severe impacts on the mental health of the public having fear of getting a virus. HIV/AIDS

The theory of social action is proposed by Max Weber a sociologist who belongs to Germany. It describes a detailed framework of health-related issues. The health effects of HIV are also a very important factor in this theory. According to the theory, the risky behaviors of sexual contacts are the main basic cause of the spreading of HIV/AIDS specifically in certain areas of the world. The theoretical framework is based on four main consequences that affect HIV overspread pathological and psychological effects, environmental pressures, lack of knowledge about related precautions, and associated factors.

WHY AIDS IS CONSIDERED AN UNTREATABLE DISEASE???

AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a condition caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks and weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and certain types of cancers. AIDS is considered untreatable because there is currently no cure for HIV infection, and people with AIDS have severely damaged immune systems. HIV can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is a combination of medications that can slow down the progression of HIV and help people with the virus live longer healthier lives. While ART is not a cure, it can suppress the virus to the point where it is undetectable in the blood, which is known as viral suppression. This means that HIV-positive individuals who are on ART and have an undetectable viral load are at very low risk of transmitting HIV to their sexual partners.

So it is established that HIV is incurable due to the presence of a latent viral reservoir. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. A subset of integrated HIV provirus remains transcriptionally silent. In this way producing neither viral proteins nor viral progeny, until reactivation by various physiologic stimuli.

This latency of HIV allows some infected cells to escape immune detection and elimination. And these latently infected cells constitute the viral reservoir. While viral eradication would be ideal. Achieving a “functional cure” is considered more realistic. Wherein altering host susceptibility to infection. OR boosting immune control of viral replication, a new homeostasis is achieved between virus and host, and progression to AIDS is prevented without the need for antiretroviral therapy. A small percentage of HIV-infected persons already control the disease. As natural variants to the expected clinical course of the disease.

REASONS HIV SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HIV/AIDS

From the earlier 1980s, HIV was considered a threatening health entity that come up with a diagnosis of a severe immune disorder known as Acquired Immune defiance syndrome (AIDS). The connecting epidemic of HIV is approximately 35 years old in the health sector history of the United Kingdom. The diagnosis via antibody detection becomes possible in early 1985 when the diagnostic approach was considered. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was initiated in 1996 onwards.

ATR therapy

This ATR therapy against immune disorders is the best achievement in the resistive control of the HIV epidemic. Most counts of death cases from AIDS were reported before 1996. After that certain declines are observed steadily below 500 cases per year. There are several reasons why HIV has spread throughout the world. One reason is the lack of education about how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent it. In some parts of the world, there may be a lack of accurate information about HIV. And how it is spread, which can lead to risky behaviors that increase the risk of transmission.

Another reason is the lack of access to HIV prevention and treatment services. In some parts of the world, HIV prevention and treatment services may be scarce or unavailable. Which can make it more difficult to control the spread of HIV.

Additionally, social and cultural factors can contribute to the spread of HIV. For example, stigma and discrimination against certain groups. Such as gay men or sex workers, can make it more difficult for these groups to access. HIV prevention and treatment services and can increase the risk of HIV transmission. HIV/AIDS

Finally, HIV has spread throughout the world. Because it is a highly infectious virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact. The sharing of needles and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions. Although this is now rare in developed countries due to blood screening processes.

HOW CAN WE OVERCOME THE TRANSMISSION OF AIDS

There are several ways to help reduce the transmission of HIV and AIDS:

Practice safe sex: HIV/AIDS

Using condoms consistently and correctly can greatly reduce the risk of HIV transmission during sexual activity.

Get tested:

Regular testing is important to ensure that people who are HIV-positive are aware of their status. And can take steps to prevent transmission to others.

Get treatment:

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress HIV to the point where it is undetectable in the blood. Which greatly reduces the risk of transmission.

Don’t share needles:

Sharing needles or other injection equipment can greatly increase the risk of HIV transmission. Using new, clean needles can help prevent this.

Get vaccinated: HIV/AIDS

There are now vaccines available to prevent HIV transmission. For example, the HPV vaccine can prevent certain types of HPV that can cause HIV transmission.

Educate others:

Educating others about HIV and AIDS and how it is transmitted can help reduce stigma and increase understanding about how to prevent transmission.

Support and advocate for policies that promote HIV prevention and treatment: HIV/AIDS

Supporting organizations that work to improve access to HIV prevention and treatment can help reduce the transmission of HIV.

CORRELATION OF HIV WITH MENTAL HEALTH

Now, this is the third decade of this deadly pandemic of HIV and now it is very well-established risk factors, behaviors, and precautions against the disease. Population-specific control includes unsafe sex habits and other intercourse issues that lead to severe contingencies. Other health problems that can be observed simultaneously like anxiety, abusive case outcomes, etc. As HIV prevention and cure strategies are established as a main social cause globally so this turns into hype or social stigma among common people as a matter of concern.

stigma

This stigma had badly affected the mental health of the common public to a large extent. The fear of getting the virus and being a patient of AIDS cracks them mentally depressed and challenged by other severe mental or physical upsets other than HIV. Living with HIV can have significant effects on a person’s mental health. HIV-positive individuals may experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and depression, as they cope with the challenges of living with a chronic illness. They may also face stigma and discrimination, which can further affect their mental health.

Research has shown that people with HIV are at an increased risk for mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. HIV-positive individuals may also be more likely to experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the challenges and stigma associated with the virus.

It is important for people living with HIV to seek support and care for their mental health. This may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Many HIV clinics and organizations offer support groups and other resources to help people with HIV manage their mental health. It is also important for friends and family members to be supportive and understanding and to encourage the person with HIV to seek help if they are struggling with their mental health.

SOCIAL STIGMA ATTACHED TO HIV/AIDS

There is often a significant amount of social stigma attached to HIV and AIDS. This stigma can come in the form of discrimination, prejudice, and negative attitudes toward people with HIV or AIDS.

One reason for this stigma is a lack of understanding about how HIV is transmitted. Many people may not know that HIV is primarily spread through sexual contact or the sharing of needles, and may believe that it is transmitted through casual contact or through the air. This can lead to fear and avoidance of people with HIV or AIDS.

Stigma can also be fueled by misinformation and stereotypes about people with HIV or AIDS. For example, some people may believe that only certain groups of people, such as gay men or intravenous drug users, are at risk for HIV. This can lead to discrimination against these groups and can make it difficult for people with HIV to disclose their status or seek treatment.

The social stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS can have serious consequences, including discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare. It can also make it difficult for people with HIV to form relationships and can contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. It is important to educate oneself about HIV and AIDS and to work to combat stigma and discrimination in order to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

CHARACTER ASSASSINATION OF AIDS PATIENTS IN SOCIETY

It is unfortunately common for people with HIV or AIDS to face character assassination and defamation in society. This can take many forms, including gossip, slurs, and negative stereotypes that are used to vilify or discredit a person with HIV or AIDS.

Character assassination can have serious consequences for people with HIV or AIDS. It can damage their reputation. Relationships, and ability to live a normal life. It can also make it more difficult for them to access healthcare, housing, and employment, and can contribute to feelings of isolation and stigma.

It is important to recognize that character assassination of people with HIV or AIDS is wrong and to speak out against it. Educating oneself about HIV and AIDS and challenging negative stereotypes and misinformation can also help to combat this form of discrimination. It is also important to support and stand up for people with HIV or AIDS who may be facing character assassination, and to create a more inclusive and accepting society for all.

KEYWORDS: Opportunistic Infections (OI), CD４, Antiretroviral Drugs (ARV), Generic Drugs, Drug-Resistant Strains, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM), HIV, HIV-positive, STD, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, sexually transmitted disease, virus. HIV/AIDS