Several developments related to modern advances in the field of medicines has given miraculous results in this generation. There are a set of myths associated with this disease that most of them still have no exact idea.
About the disease
HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) refers to a virus that attacks the immune cells of the human body, i.e., CD4 cells, it is a type of T cell. It reduces the body’s ability to combat other diseases.
It is a lifelong infection, so through proper treatment, it prevents from reaching a dangerous level and reduces the risk of transmitting to other persons
AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) refers to a chronic, life-threatening condition due to HIV infection and is the advanced stage of HIV infection. Once this infection develops into AIDS, it increases the risk of having cancer and diseases.
If no treatment is given on time to mitigate the symptoms, infection likely develops into AIDS with the immune system slowing down gradually.
Causes
The leading causes of HIV are:
1. Unprotected sex with a person who has HIV while not using a condom, there is a high risk of causing infection.
2. Needle sharing with a person who has HIV in the case of injecting drugs, hormones, and steroids.
3. There is a high chance of HIV transmitting through blood transfusion.
4. In case if a woman having HIV is pregnant might transfer the disease to her child during pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
HIV transmits in bodily fluids, including blood, semen, anal fluids, breast milk, and vaginal secretions.
Symptoms
The HIV symptoms may depend on the type of infections by virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. The early signs of HIV infection include:
1. Fever
2. Muscle aches
3. Sore throat
4. Weight loss
5. Enlarged glands
6. skin rash in red color
7. Joint pain
People who are experiencing many of these symptoms, they are at risk of contracting HIV over the last six weeks should take tests to know the exact result.
Stages of HIV infection
The stages of HIV infection are
1. Acute HIV infection – It is the early stage of HIV infection, develops within 2 to 4 weeks.
2. Chronic HIV infection – Second stage where the virus can still spread to others. It usually advances to AIDS in 10 years or longer, though in most cases it may improve faster.
3. AIDS – Final stage of HIV infection causing severe damage to the immune system.
(OIs) Opportunistic infections are cancer-related infections that occur more frequently or severely in people with weak immune systems. If any of this infection happens, it clearly will diagnose AIDS. These include Invasive cervical cancer, Tuberculosis, Mycobacteria, Wasting syndrome, etc.
Diagnosis
Doctors suggest conducting a test for HIV using a specific blood test. If the blood test results show positively, that means HIV antibody detected in the bloodstream.
It might take 3- 4 months for testing and retesting may be necessary for precise results. People who are at risk of infection must have an immediate test within six months.
Treatment
There is no cure available for HIV infection as of now, but there are HIV medicines that prevent from advancing from one stage to another. It helps people with HIV to live longer and also reduces the risk of spreading to others.
1. Post-exposure prophylaxis (Emergency HIV pills)
If anyone of your exposure to the virus within the last three days, anti-HIV medications, called PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) to stop the infection.
It is a treatment that lasts total for 28 days, and doctors will continue to monitor for HIV.
2. Antiretroviral medicines
These medications are given to HIV patients to slow down the spread of the virus in their body. Some of the medication prescribed by doctors include Protease inhibitors, Integrase inhibitors, etc.
3. Vitamin supplements
Vitamin or mineral supplements provide some benefits in the overall health.
Preventive measures
Specific measures to prevent contracting HIV includes:
1. Use clean, unshared needles for injection
2. Create awareness about HIV, educate people about it.
3. Thoroughly wash your hands very frequently.
4. Wear protective masks, gloves, gowns in situations to avoid exposure to HIV.
Truvada is a prescription medication that’s used for treating HIV infection. Every individual must make sure to stay healthy following his or her doctor’s advice and make sure to have awareness about any particular disease endangering your health condition.