What is AIDS?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome


First recognized case of AIDS diagnosed in the United States in 1981.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS, discovered in 1983. After HIV infection, the body`s immune system is severely weakened and becomes vulnerable to various kinds of opportunistic infections and malignant cancers.

Stages and Symptoms

HIV Infection
6 to 8 weeks after infection, HIV antibodies appear in the blood stream.

Asymptomatic Carrier (AC)
The appearance of symptoms depends on the individual: they may appear within a few months, but the average is 10 years.

AIDS Related Complex (ARC)
Continuous swelling of the lymph nodes, persistent fever, diarrhea, rapid weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, etc.

AIDS
As the body`s immune system fails to resist even simple infections, more serious diseases often appear, like opportunistic infections, secondary cancers and nerve damage.

AIDS Today

The Situation in Japan
Reported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare at the end of December, 2000: 5,818 people (most of them japanese males)

World Situation
The number of AIDS patients in the world officially reported to WHO (World Health Organization) so far is 2,7784,317. However, the actual number of AIDS patients and HIV carriers (those living with HIV) at the end of 2001 is estimated to be 49 million. And it is said that in the year 2001, 5 million people became infected with HIV and 3 million people died of AIDS.

Further expansion of HIV contamination, especially in Asia, is strongly feared.

AIDS Transmission and Prevention

Methods of transmission are limited to:
Sexual intercourse; it is also possible to become infected through oral sex. Use a condom.

Transmission from HIV infected mother to child; the HIV virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, delivery and by breast-feeding.

Transmission from HIV infected blood; avoid contact with which may have been exposed to other people`s blood. Do not share syringes and needles.

HIV cannot be transmitted by normal, everyday activities.
They include food, tableware, coughs, sneezes, shaking hands, pools and baths,straps and handrails, mosquitoes and flies, pets, donating blood, etc.

Educate yourself and overcome misunderstanding and prejudice against AIDS.
People infected with AIDS need the understanding of those around them; family, friends, colleagues, etc.

Testing AIDS

After a body is infected with HIV, it produces antibodies in the blood. An AIDS test detects these. In order to obtain precise results, it is recommended that you take the test more than 3 months after possible exposure to the HIV virus.

AIDS tests are available free of charge at the Public Health Center.

Cure for AIDS

Although a complete cure has yet to be discovered, a number of treatments and medicines have been developed to retard the progress of AIDS by preventing the HIV virus from multiplying, and to protect against opportunistic infections caused by a damaged immune system. Early treatment is critically important.

In Japan, AZT, d4T, IDV, NFV and other drugs are currently in use to inhibit the spread of HIV.

AIDS Testing at Public Health Centers in Nagoya

If you need advice regarding AIDS, please contact any of the Public Health Center offices mentioned bellow: