AIDS

Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Belinda Rowland

Prognosis after the latency period depends on the patient's specific symptoms and the organ systems affected by the disease. Patients with AIDS-related lymphomas of the central nervous system die within two to three months of diagnosis; those with systemic lymphomas may survive for eight to ten months.

As of 2000, there is no vaccine effective against AIDS. Several vaccines to prevent initial HIV infection and disease progression are being tested.

Precautions to take to prevent the spread of AIDS include:

• Monogamy and practicing safe sex. Besides avoiding the risk of HIV infection, condoms are successful in preventing other sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
• Avoiding needle sharing among intravenous drug users.
• Although blood and blood products are carefully monitored, those individuals who are planning to undergo major surgery may wish to donate blood ahead of time to prevent a risk of infection from a blood transfusion.
• Healthcare professionals should wear gloves and masks when handling body fluids and avoid needle-stick injuries.
• A person who suspects that he or she may have become infected, should get tested. If treated aggressively early on, the development of AIDS can sometimes be postponed indefinitely. If HIV infection is confirmed, it is also vital to inform sexual partners.

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• Standish, Leanna J., Roberta C.M. Wines, and Cherie Reeves. "Complementary/Alternative Therapies in Select Populations: Women with HIV and AIDS." In Complementary/Alternative Medicine: An Evidence Based Approach. edited by John W. Spencer and Joseph J. Jacobs. St. Louis: Mosby, 1999.