December 1 World AIDS Day: Early diagnosis saves lives

Dr. Hüseyin Sarıkaya made statements on the occasion of World AIDS Day. Providing information on protection from AIDS and early diagnosis, Sarıkaya stated that early diagnosis of AIDS eliminates fatal health problems.

Stating that fatigue, weakness, intermittent diarrhea, the presence of white patches in the mouth, and frequent illness can be symptoms of AIDS, Sarıkaya expressed that starting treatment in the early stages and preventing transmission through regular follow-up can ensure the extension of a person's lifespan and increase their quality of life.

'CAN LIVE FOR MANY YEARS'

Touching upon the importance of early diagnosis, Dr. Sarıkaya said, "It is a condition where opportunistic infections progress and create serious disease profiles as a result of high-level destruction of immune cells. With early diagnosis and developing treatment conditions, HIV-positive individuals can live for many years without progressing to the AIDS stage. It occurs through unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive person, shared syringes or non-sterilized surgical equipment infected with HIV, and infected blood and blood products," he said.

'STARTING TREATMENT EARLY EXTENDS A PERSON'S LIFE'

Noting that it is possible to prevent transmission and ensure a high quality of life with the right treatment, Sarıkaya said, "Starting treatment in the early stages, preventing transmission through regular follow-up and treatment, extending a person's lifespan, increasing quality of life, and reducing HIV-related illnesses and deaths can be achieved.

Furthermore, with preventive treatment applied to the mother before birth and to the baby after birth, HIV transmission from mother to baby can be largely prevented," he added.