HIV/AIDS

Introduction:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in its advanced stage. HIV weakens the immune system by targeting white blood cells, making individuals more susceptible to diseases like tuberculosis, infections, and certain cancers. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids, but not through casual contact like kissing or sharing food. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Signs and Symptoms:

Symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection. While some may not experience symptoms in the early weeks after infection, others may have flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, and sore throat. As the infection progresses, symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, and diarrhea.

Transmission:

HIV can be transmitted through the exchange of infected bodily fluids, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. However, it cannot be spread through everyday activities like kissing, hugging, or sharing personal items.

Risk Factors:

Factors that increase the risk of contracting HIV include having other sexually transmitted infections, engaging in risky sexual behavior under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and sharing contaminated needles or injecting equipment when using drugs.

Prevention:

HIV is preventable through various measures such as using condoms during sex, getting tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision, and utilizing harm reduction services for drug users. Additionally, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and other preventive measures like vaginal rings and injectable drugs can be prescribed by doctors to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Treatment:

While there is no cure for HIV, it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus and strengthen the immune system. However, ART does not eliminate the virus from the body, and treatment must be continued indefinitely. Advanced HIV disease is characterized by a CD4 cell count of less than 200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage 3 or 4 in adults and adolescents, and all HIV-positive children under 5 years old are considered to have advanced HIV disease.

In conclusion, HIV can be treated and prevented with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, often after many years. WHO now defines advanced HIV younger than 5 years of age are considered to have advanced HIV disease.