HIV attacks your immune system
HIV is a dangerous virus that attacks your immune system and can cause AIDS. It spreads via sexual contact, needle sharing, and from mother to child during pregnancy. HIV causes many infections and cancers in affected people by breaking down their immune systems. The virus is transmitted via semen, vaginal fluid, blood, and pre-cum. There is no cure for HIV yet except for antiretroviral therapy (ART), which can help manage the severity of HIV symptoms.
Types of HIV variants
HIV-1: The main HIV sub-type that affects most people.
HIV-2: This variant is restricted to West Africa and is not transmissible. It has slow progression and is also resistant to some ARTs.
Causes of HIV infection
The causes of HIV include:
• Any sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal) with an HIV-infected person.
• Sharing needles with HIV-infected people.
• Transfusion of HIV-contaminated blood.
• Passed down from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Signs and symptoms of HIV-AIDS
Initially, HIV/AIDS symptoms appear as viral or flu-like symptoms. As the disease progresses, the following HIV symptoms can appear:
• Frequent fevers with chills
• Sweating at night
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Chronic fatigue
• Abrupt weight loss
• Frequent skin infections
• Diarrhoea
In the early symptoms of HIV, some people may not feel ill. In most cases, there are no HIV symptoms at the beginning of the illness. It gradually progresses and ultimately breaks down immunity, a stage known as AIDS. Getting tested is the only way to detect early symptoms of HIV.
Early signs of HIV in men
While most HIV symptoms or AIDS symptoms are the same for both sexes, there are a few HIV symptoms in men that differ because of differences in the male reproductive system. These include:
• Pain during intercourse or ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ulcers on and around the penis, testicles or anal area
• Discharge from penis
• Infertility
HIV symptoms in women
HIV symptoms in women include:
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain during sex and while passing urine
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Heavy bleeding
• Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
• Infertility
HIV precautions
While there is no cure for AIDS, there are ways to prevent getting HIV and spreading the disease. Some HIV precautions you must follow include:
• Choosing less dangerous sexual practices: Keeping fewer sexual partners and using latex condoms each time you engage in sex.
• Using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is intended for those with a very high risk of contracting it. The daily use of PrEP can lower this risk.
• Use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if you’ve been exposed to HIV: In case of unsafe sexual contact and accidental needle prick injury, take PEP within 72 hours.
• Using a clean, sterilized needle while injecting drugs.
• Getting all the antenatal checkups before pregnancy.
HIV related myths
1. You can catch HIV by sitting with an HIV-infected person
Hugging, kissing, dancing, or shaking hands with an infected person doesn’t cause HIV. Only unsafe sex causes HIV.
2. HIV infections always lead to AIDS.
No, HIV infection does not always lead to AIDS. With early diagnosis and treatment, one can prevent its progression to AIDS.
3. Those who test HIV-negative are permitted to engage in unprotected sex.
In the early infection, HIV remains latent and doesn’t manifest itself in the test. Therefore, one must always use condoms while engaging in sex for HIV prevention.
HIV-AIDS treatment
Currently, there is no treatment for HIV/AIDS. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of HIV tablets that can prevent the severity of the infection and prolong life. It has to be taken regularly and throughout life.
These HIV tablets protect CD4 cells and maintain the immune system’s capacity to combat disease. ART is an effective HIV and AIDS treatment that helps patients live normal, healthy lives.
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FAQs
Can I get HIV by sharing food with HIV positive person?
No, you cannot get HIV by having simple social contact with an HIV-infected person. HIV spreads through unprotected sexual contact via bodily fluids.
Can you get HIV through oral sex?
Yes, oral sex can lead to HIV infection, but research indicates that this risk is much lower than vaginal or anal sex.
How can I know that I have HIV?
The only way to know whether you have HIV is to get yourself tested. If you suspect you may have contracted HIV during unprotected sex or a blood transfusion, you may talk to your doctor and get yourself tested for it.
