HIV / Aids

( Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome )
If HIV left untreated then it can lead to the disease AIDS.

The problem whith HIV is that once you have HIV, you have it for life. Actually HIV attacts directly the body's immune system specifically the CD4 cells ( T- cells ), which helps the immune system to fight from infections. If left untreated then HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells ( T- cells ) in the body,it makes person very weak and person more likely to get infections or infection-related cancers. Slowly HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can't fight off infections and diseases. Due to very weak immune system, these infections or cancers take advantage of it and signal that the person has AIDS, this is the last stage of HIV infection. when the number of CD4 cells fall below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood ( 200 cells/mm3). This means you are progressed with AIDS . Normally CD4 counts all between 500 and 1,600 cells/mm3. People who are diagnosed with AIDS without treatment survive about 3 years and if someone has a dangerous illness then life expectancy falls to about 1 year. People with the disease AIDS need proper medical treatment to prevent death.

we can only controll HIV with proper treatment and medical care. No effective cure for HIV currently exists. Today's medical treatment is far advanced and with proper treatment care and love a person can live a nearly as long as someone who does not have HIV. The medicine used to treat HIV is called ANTIRETROVIAL THERAPY or ART.

Where did HIV come from?

It is said that some scientists identified a type of Chimpanzee in central Africa as the source of HIV infection in humans.They believe the immunedeficiency virus ( called simian immunedeficiency virus or SIV ) most likely was transmitted to humans when hunted these chimpanzee

for meat and came into contact with their infected blood. Studies also show that HIV have come from Apes to human at late 1800s. Over decades the virus slowly spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world.

It can be transmitted through specific activities, Most commonly through sexual behaviours and needle or syringe use. HIV is never spread easily ,only certain body fluids from a person who has HIV can transmit HIV.

How is HIV spread?

Blood: sharing needle and syringe or ther equipment used for injection with someone who has HIV. HIV can live in a used needle up to 42 days depending on temperature and some other factors. Receiving blood transfusions, blood products,organ/tissue transplants that are contaminated with HIV. Less commonly HIv may be spread from mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Risk can be high if a mother is living with HIV.

In extremely rare cases , HIV has been transmitted by:

someone eating food that has been pre-chewed by an HIV infected person.
Being bitten by a person with HIV , there is no risk if the skin is not broken.
Contact between broken skin, wounds, mucous membranes and HIV infected blood.
Oral sex: Putting penis in the mouth ( fellatio) , vagina ( cunnilingus ) or anus ( rimming ).
Deep open-mouth kissing if the person with HIV has sores or bleeding gums.

HIV IS NOT SPREAD BY

IT DOES NOT SURVIVE LONG OUTSIDE THE HUMAN BODY.
IT IS NOT SPREAD BY AIR OR WATER,
DRINKING FOUNTAINS, MOSQUOTOES,
TICKS OR OTHER INSECTS.
SALIVA, TEARS OR SWEAT THAT IS NOT MIXED WITH THE BLOOD OF AN
HIV-POSTIVE PERSON.
SHAKING HANDS, HUGGING, SHARING TOILETS, SHARING DISHES/DRINKING GLASSES OR CLOSED-MOUTH OR SOCIAL KISSING WITH SOMEONE WHO IS HIV-POSITIVE.
OTHER SEXUAL ACTIVITIES THAT DO NOT INVOLVE THE EXCHANGE OF BLOOD FLUIDS.

  • Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART): Regular use of ART helps suppress the virus, reduces viral load, and maintains a strong immune system.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment: Prompt diagnosis allows for early initiation of treatment, which improves overall health outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
  • Adherence to treatment: Consistently taking prescribed medications as directed ensures the effectiveness of ART and prevents the development of drug resistance.
  • Regular medical care: Frequent visits to healthcare professionals allow for monitoring of HIV progression, managing side effects, and addressing any other health concerns.
  • Healthy lifestyle: Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to better overall health.
  • Mental and emotional support: Seeking counseling, joining support groups, and having a strong support network can help manage the emotional challenges of living with HIV and promote overall well-being.
  • Safer sex practices: Practicing safe sex, including using condoms and disclosing HIV status to sexual partners, reduces the risk of transmitting the virus and protects both individuals.
  • Addressing stigma and discrimination: Education and advocacy efforts help combat stigma, allowing individuals to access healthcare services without fear or prejudice.
  • Regular monitoring of other health conditions: Managing comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.