AIDS

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What is AIDS?

AIDS is a life threatening disease of the immune system that is not fully understood. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which is spread through sexual or blood to blood contact infects the body and copies its genetic material onto human cells. HIV infects and alters the cells that responsible for coordinating the immune functions of the body leaving the body vulnerable to infections, cancer and other serious medical conditions. Normally the immune system functions to protect us against foreign intruders such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. When this system is damaged, one becomes vulnerable to becoming ill from common infectious agents the body would have normally fought off.

Symptoms

Most people dismiss the early symptoms of HIV such as fever, rashes, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes and general discomfort and in time most symptoms diappear. Further symptoms may not be prevelaent until years later, even though the virus has been circulating in the body for some time. The symptoms which trigger further investigation are recurrent opportunistic infections or tumors that result due to an impaired immune system. Pneumonia, thrush, candidiasis, tuberculosis, herpes, kaposi sarcoma are some of the medical conditions that arise from the HIV virus.

Testing positive for HIV does not mean that one has AIDS although it is thought that fifty percent of those exposed to HIV develop AIDS.

There is no pattern consistent for everyone. Once diagnosed with HIV, individuals may follow through the stages progressively while others can go into remission for an extended period of time. If the immune system is functioning at an optimum the risk of developing AIDS is reduced.

Think About It...

According to Health Canada, it is estimated that 45,000 Canadians have HIV and there have been 16,913 reported cases of AIDS in Canada.
Many people who are infected with HIV are not aware they have it
There is no cure for AIDS
It is estimated that three quarters of the people living with HIV have tried some form of alternative treatments. There have been successes and failures with complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of AIDS but there is little scientific data to support or disclaim the therapies.

The Best Combination

The best treatment for AIDS has been combining the best of both conventional medicine and complementary medicine. We strongly recommend that you do not abandon conventional medicine in favor of an unproven complementary or alternative health practice.

CAM Therapies That May Be Helpful for AIDS

Acupressure Acupuncture Aromather apy Art Therapy Ayurveda Biofeedback Bowen Technique Counselling/Psychotherapy Exercise Guided Imagery Healing Touch Herbal Therapy Homeopathy Humor Therapy Hypnotherapy Journal Therapy Magnet Therapy Massage Therapy Meditation Music Therapy Naturopathy Nutrition Qi Gong Reiki Relaxation Therapy Shiatsu Spiritual Support Support Groups Tai Chi Therapeutic Touch Traditional Chinese Medicine Vitamins/Supplements Yoga

Disclaimer: The resources and links provided are for information purposes only and one should discuss treatment options with their physician.

Important: Whatever CAM treatment you opt for, it is important that you share the information with your physician. It is important that we begin to start talking about the many therapies available and begin to determine which practices are the most helpful.