HIV Prevalence?

What is HIV prevalence? (Acheing Juliet 16 years old)

Response from Mr Munyaneza Gregory

HIV prevalence is given as a percentage of a population. If a thousand truck drivers, for example, are tested for HIV and 30 of them are found to be positive, then the results of a study might say that HIV prevalence amongst truck drivers is 3%. For the purpose of producing a national or international HIV prevalence figure, researchers include all people with HIV infection who are alive at a given point in time, whether or not they have progressed to AIDS. In most cases, HIV prevalence cannot be accurately determined from reported cases because many infections are undiagnosed or unreported. The best estimates are mainly based on the results of surveys of large groups of people.

Causes of AIDS

What really causes AIDS? I don’t understand. Please help (Namutamba Jenipher, Musita primary school)

Responses from Mr Munyaneza Gregory

AIDS is caused by infection with a virus called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Some of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.

Monkey can get AIDS from biting an infected person?

Is it possible for a monkey to get AIDS if it has bitten an AIDS infected person (malinda)

Response from Mr Munyaneza Gregory

HIV is a human virus. It is transmitted from one human being to another and never from human being to animal or vice versa. To conclude the monkey cannot get HIV therefore it cannot either get AIDS.

HIV kills the male or females faster?

What sex does HIV/AIDS kill fast, given that they get it at the same time .Is it female or male? (Ochieng Batista)

Responses from Mr Munyaneza Gregory

The gender of an infected person male or female has absolutely no role in the death of the person infected. This myth of that women are more resistant than men is not true. Good medical care, good nutrition and the individual’s attitude to his/her disease (AIDS) play a major role on the survival time of a person.

Symptoms of a person with HIV

How can I identify an HIV positive person? (Babirye Christine)

Response from Mr Munyaneza Gregory

You absolutely cannot identify an infected person by just looking! An HIV antibody test is the only way. Trained medical personnel use clinical diagnosis to determine if the person is HIV infected or not. Remember a person with HIV virus looks and can feel healthy for many years before AIDS takes over.