KARACHI, Sept 9: Persistent fever, frequent bouts of diarrhoea, constant weight loss, skin infections, opportunistic infections such as oral thrush, pneumonia and enlargement of the lymph glands could be the symptoms for a person inflicted with the Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Doctors maintain, however, that since all these symptoms are commonly seen in many other ordinary illnesses, hence when in a particular patient no other reason is seen for these symptoms, then a risk assessment of the patient for AIDS must be done.

The disease largely remains unreported in the country, owing to the associated misconceptions and fear of being ostracized by those suffering from full blown AIDS.

Since a large majority of HIV (Human Immuno Deficiency Virus) infected persons appear absolutely healthy for as long as 8 to 12 years — since the time of contracting the virus to its development into full blown AIDS — a large number of them and those around them remain unaware of the former being already exposed to the deadly disease.

When HIV enters into a healthy individual either through the syringe, blood transfusion or physical promiscuity, the person — with the exception of a self limiting mild flu-like illness for a few days — notices no complaints, and therefore remains unaware of the change.

As the defence system of the body usually produces antibodies against the virus within six to eight months, at times taking a longer duration, HIV can be detected only through specified blood tests.

The masses are warned, however, that the period between entry of HIV in the body and the appearance of antibodies, known as the window period, is critical, since the infected person in this duration is extremely susceptible to infect others through the identified routes.

The predominant mode of transmission of the virus is promiscuity — both heterosexual and homosexual — followed by sharing of infected needles and the transfusion of contaminated blood.

Also, though HIV is present in almost all body fluids of the infected persons like blood, saliva, tears, secretion and milk, its transmission occurs only through intimate proximity, use of contaminated blood, syringes and from mother to baby.

People have to realize that the ailment may be incurable, yet can be easily prevented through care. They ought to ensure safe intimation, the screening of blood and blood products before every transfusion, compulsory application of disposable syringes and avoiding pregnancies in HIV positive women.—APP