HIV Full Form

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, that can be spread by contact with or the transmission of infected body fluids. Without medication, it takes its time to weaken the immune system by destroying the white blood cells that help the body fight infection. The virus has different stages, and its last and worst stage is AIDS. AIDS happens when the immune system is finally destroyed by the virus. This stage can be prevented with the proper administration of medications, in the early stage. Currently, there’s no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are medications, which can dramatically slow the progression of the disease, thereby extending the life span of the patient.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms of HIV and AIDS, based on the different phases.

Primary infection (Acute HIV)

This is the early stage and it’s characterized by flu-like symptoms. These symptoms are felt within two to four weeks, after the virus enters the body, and can last for a few more weeks. Its symptoms include: Fever Cough Rash Headache Sore throat and painful mouth sores Muscle aches and joint pain Weight loss Night sweats Diarrhea One can easily ignore these symptoms, as they can be so common that you will probably not notice them. Regardless, the percentage of virus in the bloodstream (viral load) is already high at this time, and this makes the infection spread more easily during this stage than during the other stages.

Clinical latent infection (Chronic HIV)

This stage happens if the infection is not noticed and treated in the primary stage. In this stage of the infection, there are no visible symptoms. The virus goes ahead to weaken the white blood cells, and thus, the progression of the infection. This stage can last for many years if antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not taken seriously.

Symptomatic HIV Infection

The continuous multiplication of the virus keeps destroying the immune cells ( the cells body that helps fight off diseases). This makes the body very vulnerable to various disease-causing organisms. Some infections and chronic signs and symptoms which might be developed are: Fever Swollen lymph nodes (a primary symptom of HIV infection) Fatigue Diarrhea Oral yeast infection Shingles (herpes zoster) Pneumonia Weight loss

Progression to AIDS

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. With the administration of better antiviral treatments, most people with HIV today don’t develop AIDS. Untreated, HIV naturally progresses into AIDS in about 8 to 10 years. At this stage, the immune system has been severely damaged. Due to this, diseases that won’t normally cause illness in a body with a healthy immune system, known as opportunistic infections, are most likely developed. This infection comes with signs and symptoms and they may include: Sweats Chills Swollen lymph nodes/glands Chronic diarrhea Recurring fever Weight loss White specks in the tongue or the mouth Fatigue Weakness Skin rashes or bumps

Causes of HIV/AIDS

HIV is induced by a virus. For a person to become infected, body fluids from an infected person must enter his/her body. This can happen in ways such as:

During sexual activities: Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner, is a very easy way to get infected with the virus. The virus can also enter the body through mouth sores and tears that might develop in the genital areas, during sexual activity.

Sharing sharp objects such as needles and razors: Sharing contaminated razors, clippers, needles, and syringes, puts you at the risk of contaminating HIV and other infectious diseases, such as hepatitis.

Blood Transfusions: The virus can be easily transmitted through the transmission of contaminated blood, into a healthy person. Hospitals and blood banks now screen the blood supply for HIV antibodies, so this risk is very small.

During pregnancy, delivery, or through breastfeeding. The disease can be passed from an infected mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. Getting proper treatment during pregnancy can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to the babies.

The virus can infect anyone of any age, sex, race,  or sexual orientation. Regardless, one can expose him/herself to a great risk of HIV/AIDS if one:

Has unsafe sex. During sexual intercourse, with especially a trusted partner, the use of a new latex or polyurethane condom is advised. The risk of the virus getting transmitted through anal sex is higher than that of vaginal sex. It is also advisable to stick to one sexual partner.

Has an STI. STIs produce open sores on your genitals. Sores act as doorways for HIV to enter your body, and many STIs produce sores, in the genital organs.

How HIV Cannot Be Spread

Ordinary physical contact such as dancing, shaking hands, hugging and kissing, someone who is infected, cannot get a healthy person infected.

Preventing The Spread of HIV

Currently, there’s no vaccine to prevent the infection of HIV and no cure for AIDS. But we can always protect ourselves and others from getting infected. Here are some ways to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS:

1. Have safe/healthy sex with the use of new condoms, each time.
2. Getting tested regularly to know one’s state at every point in time, can help early detection and treatment of the virus.
3. Regular testing and treatment of STIs.
4. Getting the necessary treatments if
   1. You are living with HIV: People who are already infected can use treatment as prevention(TasP), which means taking your medications exactly when you have to, as prescribed. This helps make sure the viral load stays undetectable and can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to partners.
   2. If you have been exposed to HIV:

the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), as soon as possible can reduce the risk of getting infected if one has been exposed to the virus through any of the means. This should be done within the first 72 hours.

1. If you are yet to be exposed, but at the risk of getting exposed to the virus, the use of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a combination of medications, can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sexual intercourse.

1. Always be honest with your partner, and close relatives about your health state. Tell your current and past partners if you are positive so that they can get tested as well, and commence treatments.
2. Always use new, clean, and sterilized sharp objects.
3. If pregnant, get medical care right away and receive treatment If you’re HIV-positive, to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your baby.

Conclusion

With the advancement in medical science, HIV is no longer an instant killer disease, as Antiretroviral treatments help manage the spread of the virus, and if administered early, continuously, as prescribed, by the doctors, can keep the disease from developing into AIDS.