Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of individuals globally. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
What Is HIV Infection?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS, an immune system condition that develops over time. HIV impairs the immune system, increasing a person's susceptibility to other diseases and infections. HIV can be transmitted by coming into contact with infected blood, sperm, or vaginal fluids. This condition cannot be cured, however, treatment can slow the spread of the virus and prevent the disease from getting worse.
How People Acquire HIV
HIV is commonly spread by primary body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Understanding the modes of transmission is crucial for prevention.
Unprotected sexual contact: Unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner is the most typical method of transmission.
Sharing syringes: Injecting drugs using shared needles or syringes can expose individuals to HIV if an infected person's blood is present on the needle.
Mother-to-child: HIV can be passed from an HIV-positive mother to her unborn child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Blood transfusion and organ transplant: HIV transmission can occur through contaminated blood or organ donations. However, in many nations, rigorous testing and screening techniques have greatly decreased this risk.
Occupational exposure: Healthcare professionals may be at risk of HIV transmission if they unintentionally come into contact with contaminated blood due to needlestick wounds or open wounds.
Signs and Symptoms of HIV
Symptoms of HIV may vary from person to person, but most commonly they may include:
Acute HIV Infection: A few days or weeks after contracting HIV, some people develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and rash. However, many HIV-positive individuals may not exhibit symptoms at an early stage.
Chronic HIV Infection: HIV enters a dormant stage after the initial acute phase, which can linger for years. This is known as a chronic HIV infection. HIV infection may go unnoticed at this time, yet the virus continues to damage the immune system.
Symptoms of AIDS
If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS. AIDS is characterized by a severely weakened immune system, leading to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Common symptoms of AIDS include:
- Frequent fevers and sweating
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Shortness of breath and a persistent cough
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Rash and sores on the skin
- An oral fungus infection known as thrush
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- A form of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
- Toxoplasmosis
- Cryptococcal meningitis
- Unexpected weight loss
It's important to remember that not all people with HIV will develop AIDS, especially if they receive prompt diagnosis and treatment. Effective HIV treatment can help people live long and healthy lives.
Diagnosis of HIV
HIV test is an essential step in preventing the virus's spread and guaranteeing early identification and treatment. There are several testing techniques available:
Antibodies tests: These tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection. They are typically done using blood samples, but can also use oral fluid or urine. Results could appear right away or in a few days.
Nucleic acid tests (NATs): NATs identify the HIV virus' biology. They are extremely sensitive and often used in the initial stages of infection or to check the viral load in HIV-positive people.
Home-testing kits: Self-testing at home is possible with home-testing kits. Typically, a blood sample via a fingerstick or mouth swab is required. But it's crucial to follow the guidelines precisely and get a doctor's approval for any promising outcomes.
Also Read: The Basics of the Immune System: How It Works and Why It's Important
HIV Treatment
The treatment for HIV focuses on managing the complications and opportunistic infections that can arise due to a severely compromised immune system. Treatment measures may include:
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is an essential part of treatment even for people with advanced HIV infection (AIDS). It can aid in strengthening the immune system and lower the danger of developing new issues.
Treatment of Opportunistic Infections: Depending on the infection, particular drugs may be used to treat opportunistic infections. For instance, fungal infections might be treated with antifungal medications, and bacterial infections might be treated with antibiotics.
Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used to treat a person with AIDS who develops disorders like Kaposi's sarcoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Nutritional Support: Maintaining good nutrition is crucial for people with AIDS. To control weight reduction and support general health, nutritional supplements, and dietary counselling may be advised.
With the right medical attention, compliance with therapy, and preventative measures, HIV and AIDS are treatable illnesses. The health of those living with HIV depends on early diagnosis, the start of antiretroviral medication, and ongoing medical monitoring.
Continued efforts in research, education, and prevention are vital in the global fight against HIV and AIDS.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
