10 Facts on HIV/AIDS

1. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infects cells of the immune system

Infection results in the progressive deterioration of the immune system, breaking down the body's ability to fend off infections and diseases. AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refers to the most advanced stages of HIV infection, defined by the occurrence of any of more than 20 opportunistic infections or related cancers.

2. HIV can be transmitted in several ways

HIV can be transmitted through:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) or oral sex with an infected person;
• Transfusions of contaminated blood;
• The sharing of contaminated needles, syringes or other sharp instruments;
• The transmission between a mother and her baby during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

3. 34 million people live with HIV/AIDS worldwide

The vast majority are in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 2.7 million people were newly infected with the virus in 2010.

4. HIV/AIDS is the world’s leading infectious killer

About 30 million people have died to date. An estimated 1.8 million people die every year from HIV/AIDS.

5. Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents the HIV virus from multiplying in the body

If the reproduction of the HIV virus stops, then the body's immune cells are able to live longer and provide the body with protection from infections.

6. About 6.65 million HIV-positive people had access to ART in low- and middle-income countries at the end of 2010

This represents a 16-fold increase since 2003. Overall, the coverage of ART in low- and middle-income countries continued to increase and was 47% of the 14.2 million people eligible for treatment at the end of 2010.

7. An estimated 3.4 million children are living with HIV/AIDS

According to 2010 figures most of the children live in sub-Saharan Africa and were infected by their HIV-positive mothers during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Almost 1100 children become newly infected with HIV each day. The number of children receiving ART increased from about 75 000 in 2005 to 456 000 in 2010.

8. Mother-to-child-transmission is almost entirely avoidable

However access to preventive interventions remains low in most low- and middle-income countries. But, progress has been made. In 2010, 48% of pregnant women living with HIV received the most effective regimens (as recommended by WHO) to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus.

9. HIV is the strongest risk factor for developing active TB disease

In 2010, more than 350 000 deaths from tuberculosis occurred among people living with HIV. That is one fifth of the estimated 1.8 million deaths from HIV in that year. The majority of people living with both HIV and TB reside in sub-Saharan Africa (about 82% of cases worldwide).

10. There are several ways to prevent HIV transmission

Key ways to prevent HIV transmission:

• Practice safe sexual behaviors such as using condoms;
• Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV;
• Avoid injecting drugs, or if you do, always use new and disposable needles and syringes;
• Ensure that any blood or blood products that you might need are tested for HIV.

Source : http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/hiv/facts/en/index.html

What Are Some Provigil Side Effects?

Whether you've recently been prescribed Provigil for the treatment of your narcolepsy or hypersomnia, or you are just looking for more information on the drug before pursuing it as a means to treat what ails you, it's important to consider what effects it can have on your body before you start taking it.

What is Provigil?

Provigil is commonly prescribed for patients who suffer from a wide variety of ailments relating to hypersomnia. These ailments include narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. It treats these illnesses by providing a stimulant to the patient that increases alertness and enhances the mood. Unlike other types of stimulants, like amphetamines, Provigil will not cause anxiety, irritability or moodiness.

Provigil has also been prescribed more recently in the treatment of ADD/ADHD and severe depression. These uses are not yet FDA approved and the relationship between depression and Provigil use in the long term is not yet known.

Is Provigil Right for You?

If you suffer from one of the illnesses that Provigil treats, it's important to consider the side effects of the drug before taking it, just like with any other type of medication. Provigil side effects vary from person-to-person, but a few appear regularly in a wide variety of patients. Common Provigil side effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea and insomnia.

Provigil side effects increase when the drug is taken before, during or after alcohol consumption. Like with any potent medicine, doctors will advise you to stay away from alcohol while on this medication. Other lesser known Provigil side effects include the inability to reason or control reaction time and motor skills. This is why doctors also recommend that patients avoid this drug while driving or operating heavy machinery.

For women, Provigil side effects can prove to be very problematic if sexually active. Provigil can alter the effectiveness of some forms of birth control. Women are advised to use a second, non-hormonal, method of birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Women who use Provigil and are trying to get pregnant should stop using the medication and still use a second form of birth control for a month after stopping. This allows the medicine to completely work its way out of the body and will avoid any effects on the developing fetus.

Where to Turn for Answers

If you still think this medication is right for you after seeing potential Provigil side effects, it's important to visit with your doctor to discuss your treatment options. Your doctor understands this drug better than anyone and can advise you whether it's a good option for your ailment. Your pharmacist will also be able to answer questions pertaining to potential (and possibly) serious drug interactions.

Seeking treatment for your illness, whatever it may be, is a great step toward your overall health. Visit your doctor as soon as possible to discover your options with Provigil. Don't let your illness keep you from enjoying the life you deserve.

Don’t stay in the dark when it comes to your health! Our website is a great way to learn more about depression and Provigil Visit today to learn more about Provigil side effects and a variety of other health issues like idiopathic hypersomnia.

Article by : Rory Herts, Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rory_Herts

Skin Allergic Reaction

Skin Allergic Reaction

Allergies are a source of millions of people's pain and suffering. Seasonal allergies may cause chronic sinus problems and result in long term illnesses. Other allergies can cause serious skin conditions. These conditions may simply be uncomfortable, or they may be the source of a great deal of pain. There are thousands of allergens that cause skin problems. One simple way to avoid these conditions is to avoid the allergens. Learning to identify plants or the composition of materials is important to avoiding a reaction.

Informing doctors of all allergies is essential. It may change the treatment they choose to prescribe. Many people are allergic to the substances used to prescription medications. Keeping track of adverse reactions to medications is essential to informing a doctor of possible irritants. Over time, a long list of allergens may be drawn up.

Allergic Reaction of the Skin

Common irritants that cause allergic reactions include exposure to drugs, especially sulfa or penicillin. Foods such as dairy or wheat have caused many people to suffer from hives. Metals such as nickel can also cause problems. Other products and materials may cause an adverse reaction as well, including latex.

There are several common skin conditions that may result from allergens. The first is hives. These occur outside the skin and cause large, red, swollen bumps. Symptoms include itching and burning. Just as with hives, the condition angioedema is caused by food or drug allergies. However, angioedema occurs due to swelling under the skin.

Allergic Reaction Bumps on Skin

Contact dermatitis implies the reaction occurred because of direct exposure of an allergen to the skin. Eczema is another extremely common problem that is commonly associated with drug and food allergies.

For more information on allergic reactions and medical malpractice, visit the website of the Pennsylvania medical injury claim attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. http://www.pennsylvaniamalpractice.com/practice-areas/medical-injury-claims/

Article by : Karen Whitehurs
Article Source : Skin Allergic Reaction

Baby Room Decor

News and Pictures about Baby Room Decor

Baby Room Decorating Ideas, Baby Room Ideas, Baby Room, Nursery

Baby room decorating ideas should be fun, classy and colorful. Safety is also important in baby's room. Find a great nursery room decorating idea.

Decorating Baby Room

Tips and accessories for decorating a baby room. Find the best here!

Baby Nursery Room Design & Decorating

Baby Room Furniture

Firm wood furniture always brings to the character of any room, specially a baby nursery ideas with its elegance, sophism and reliableness.

Nursery Designs Furniture Sets

Looking on the space you have and your budget, you are able to pick out from a crib, rocker, dresser, and changing table.