Bengaluru: The number of HIV positive cases in Karnataka, which has high prevalence of Aids along with Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra according to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) , has dipped to 0.63% for the current year (April-Oct 2019) from 0.73% in 2018-19, a report stated.
The Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society (KSAPS), which has been conducting studies on the prevalence of the disease since 1998, said in its report on Saturday, on the eve of the World Aids Day, that HIV-positive cases in Karnataka have fallen from 1.77% in 2013-14 to 0.73% in 2018-19 .
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious infection in the country. The virus spreads not only by unprotected sex but also with contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Without treatment, the infection might progress and result in the advanced stage called AIDS.
People transmit HIV in bodily fluids which include blood, semen, vaginal secretions, anal fluids and breast milk. The two stages of HIV are Asymptomatic HIV and Symptomatic HIV. Asymptomatic is when the patient has no other complaints except that by chance they are detected as HIV positive.
However, Symptomatic HIV includes early symptoms like unexplained fever (for a long time), joint pain, muscle aches, sweats (particularly at night), tiredness, unintentional weight loss etc.
The patient has to be under medication to lead a normal life like any other individual of society.
Dr Shylaja Shyamsunder, Consultant, Internal Medicine, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, said, “A person with HIV can survive for quite a long time. They lead almost a near-normal life like any other individual. If they are affected by HIV and are sincere with the medication, follow-up treatment and follow a disciplined lifestyle, they can continue to lead a normal and long life. In some cases, HIV viruses are undetectable. But they cannot be off medications and are suggested to continue with the medication to lead a normal life like any other individual in society."
