HIV/AIDS
Over view
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), which help the body fight infections.
- AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV, where the immune system is severely damaged, making the body vulnerable to life-threatening infections and diseases.
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but proper treatment can help people live long, healthy lives.
Causes
HIV spreads through contact with infected body fluids, including:
✅ Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner)
✅ Sharing needles (drug use, tattoos, or piercings with unsterilized equipment)
✅ From mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
✅ Blood transfusions (though rare, due to strict screening procedures)
🚫 HIV does NOT spread through:
❌ Casual contact (hugging, handshakes, sharing food)
❌ Mosquito bites
❌ Air or water
Stages of HIV Infection
1. Acute HIV Infection (First 2-4 weeks)
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash)
- High viral load (very contagious during this stage)
2. Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency Stage)
- The virus is active but multiplies slowly
- No symptoms or mild symptoms
- Can last for several years with treatment
3. AIDS (Advanced HIV Stage)
- Severely weakened immune system (CD4 count <200 cells/mm³)
- High risk of opportunistic infections (tuberculosis, pneumonia, cancers)
- Weight loss, persistent fever, extreme fatigue
- Severely weakened immune system (CD4 count <200 cells/mm³)
- High risk of opportunistic infections (tuberculosis, pneumonia, cancers)
- Weight loss, persistent fever, extreme fatigue
Without treatment, AIDS is fatal, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can prevent progression.
Symptoms
-
Early Symptoms (First Few Weeks)
- Fever, chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin rash
- Sore throat, mouth ulcers
- Muscle aches
Later Symptoms (Months to Years Later)
- Persistent tiredness
- Frequent infections
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
AIDS Symptoms (Final Stage)
- Chronic diarrhea
- Severe weight loss (wasting syndrome)
- Pneumonia & tuberculosis
- Memory loss & neurological issues
Diagnosis
🩸 HIV Testing is the ONLY way to confirm infection.
- HIV Antibody Tests – Detect antibodies (results in minutes to days)
- HIV RNA Test (PCR Test) – Detects the virus directly (early detection)
- CD4 Count – Measures immune system strength
- Viral Load Test – Determines the amount of HIV in the blood
Early detection = Early treatment = Better health outcomes.
Treatment
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) – Lifesaving Treatment
💊 ART involves a combination of HIV medicines that:
✅ Suppress viral load (undetectable = untransmittable)
✅ Strengthen the immune system
✅ Prevent progression to AIDS
Common drugs:
- NRTIs (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors) – Zidovudine, Tenofovir
- NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors) – Efavirenz
- Protease Inhibitors (PIs) – Lopinavir, Ritonavir
Prevention of HIV
1. Safe Sex Practices
✅ Use condoms every time you have sex
✅ Limit sexual partners
✅ Get tested with your partner before sex
2. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
💊 Daily pill for HIV-negative individuals at high risk (e.g., partners of HIV-positive people).
3. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
💊 Emergency medicine taken within 72 hours after potential HIV exposure.
4. Avoid Sharing Needles
🩸 Use sterile syringes & avoid needle sharing.
5. Regular HIV Testing
✅ If sexually active, get tested at least once a year.
Living with HIV/AIDS
💪 With proper treatment, HIV-positive individuals can live long, healthy lives and have normal relationships.
- Take ART medication daily
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Stay mentally strong with counseling and support groups
Conclusion
HIV/AIDS is manageable with early detection and treatment. Prevention, regular testing, and ART therapy can help stop its spread and ensure a long, healthy life