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Tag: HIV treatment

  • What are the signs and symptoms of HIV in women?

    What are the signs and symptoms of HIV in women?

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    HIV in women image

    HIV in women

    Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks your immune system. It is transmitted through sexual contact or body fluids, such as blood. HIV symptoms in women and men are mostly comparable. However, due to biological differences, women may experience some symptoms specific to them. In addition to flu-like symptoms and changes in the skin, signs and symptoms of HIV in women include irregular menstruation and more frequent vaginal infections. Let’s find out more about signs of HIV in women.

    Stages of HIV in women

    The stages of HIV are the same in men and women and are as follows.

    1. Acute Stage:

    This stage begins two to four weeks after you become infected with HIV. This stage is extremely contagious, implying that the risk of infection through sexual contact or exchange of body fluids (like blood) is the highest at this stage. In this stage, the symptoms are too subtle to be noticed. Due to the flu-like symptoms, you might think you have a cold. Other HIV symptoms in women include mouth ulcers, sore throat, body aches, night sweats, occasional fever, headache etc.

    2. Chronic stage:

    Although you don’t have any signs of HIV, the virus is still present in your body. You might occasionally experience symptoms like a high-grade fever, loss of weight, diarrhoea, etc. This stage continues for years.

    3. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS):

    In this stage, the body’s immune system has been severely compromised, making this the most severe of all.

    Symptoms of AIDS in women include severe opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, skin infections, and yeast infections; menstrual changes from light flow to very heavy flow, or no blood flow at all; and cancers like cervical cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

    What are the exclusive signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS in women?

    There are various HIV symptoms in women that differ from those in men owing to biological differences. These can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the stage of infection. Some of the common HIV symptoms in women include:

    1. Changes in the menstrual cycle: lighter or heavier flow depending upon the stage of the disease.

    2. Sexually transmitted infections: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, sores on the vulva and vagina and frequent yeast infections.

    3. Pelvic inflammatory disease: PID, an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, that causes pain during penetrative sex and urinating. This is also accompanied by irregular bleeding and increased vaginal discharge.

    ​Early Signs of HIV Infection: What You Need to Know and Do​

    HIV treatment in women

    Antiretroviral medications (ARTs) are used in combination therapy for HIV in women to lower virus levels in the blood and stop further immune system damage. The purpose is to suppress the virus to extremely low levels to improve HIV symptoms in women and their overall health and significantly lower the risk of transmission to others. However, since some ARVs can be harmful to a developing foetus or infant, women who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or who are nursing are given special consideration. Parallely, female HIV patients co-infected with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as hepatitis C or syphilis, may also require testing and treatment.

    Conclusion

    HIV is a serious illness with no cure. However, HIV symptoms in women can be effectively managed with early detection and prompt treatment. It also helps to prolong your life and improve your quality of life. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs of HIV in women, which can differ from those in men. If you have symptoms, consult your doctor, get tested and get started on ART, as early diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing serious health complications. Take preventive measures if you or your partner have a high risk of exposure. Use condoms during sex, avoid multiple sexual partners, avoid sharing needles, and get tested for HIV regularly. You can also take medications to prevent yourself from getting HIV if you are exposed to the virus, of ocurse, after you consult your doctor. Talk to your doctor to know more.

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    1. What are the symptoms of HIV in women?

    The early signs of HIV in women can vary, and some women may not experience any symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, HIV symptoms in women include menstrual changes, vaginal infections, PID, and cervical cancer.

    2. Can women transmit HIV to their unborn babies during pregnancy?

    Yes, HIV-positive women can pass the virus to their unborn children during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This is known as mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). However, the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission can be significantly decreased with the right medical care and treatment. To lower the risk of MTCT, antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of HIV medications, is advised for all pregnant women living with HIV.

    3. How can I prevent myself from getting HIV?

    There are several ways you can protect yourself from getting HIV. Use condoms during sex, avoid sharing needles, and get tested for HIV regularly if you are at risk. You can also take medications to prevent yourself from getting HIV if you are exposed to the virus. Talk to your doctor to know more.

  • Is there any Ayurvedic treatment available for HIV? | Ayurvedic Medicine for HIV

    Is there any Ayurvedic treatment available for HIV? | Ayurvedic Medicine for HIV

    ayurvedic medicine for HIV imageAyurvedic Treatment for HIV : Scientists believe that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) traces its origins to a virus seen in chimpanzees in Africa during the 1930s. They believe it was originally transmitted to humans through blood perhaps during hunts. In the 1980s, when certain types of pneumonia were being reported, the world became more aware of the disease.

    In 1982, the disease was renamed Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). World over, HIV infection has claimed 40 million lives so far. There is no cure for HIV infection though there is HIV Treatment. In India, the number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) is around 24 lakhs.

    What is HIV?

    HIV is a virus. It attacks the body’s immune system, and if left untreated can lead to AIDS. There is currently no effective cure, but proper medical care can help control HIV.

    What are HIV Symptoms?

    The HIV Symptoms are:

    • Fever
    • Night sweats
    • Chills
    • Rash
    • Muscle aches
    • Sore throat
    • Fatigue
    • Swollen lymph nodes

    How do people get or transmit HIV?

    You can get HIV by coming into direct contact with body fluids from a person who is HIV positive and who has a detectable viral load. The HIV in these fluids gets into the bloodstream of an HIV-negative person through the mucous membrane of the rectum/mouth/vagina/anus through cuts or sores or by a syringe.

    The fluids through which HIV is transmitted are

    • Blood
    • Semen and pre-seminal fluid
    • Rectal fluids
    • Vaginal fluids
    • Breast milk

    Is there an HIV Cure In Ayurveda?

    Ayurveda practitioners are experimenting with ways to tackle HIV and they have been reported periodically in the media. Some Ayurvedic hospitals are following an approach where they allow the virus to remain in the patient’s body but work on increasing tolerance to the virus. But it is still not certain if there is an HIV Cure In Ayurveda.

    What are Ayurvedic immuno-stimulants?

    Some Ayurveda practitioners claim certain plants can help boost the body’s immunity. They are classified as immuno-stimulants. They are listed as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), satawar (Asparagus racemosus), kohka (Semecarpus anacardium), and patal kunda (Pueraria tuberosa). Ayurvedic practitioners claim that using plants to create a certain formulaic Ayurvedic Medicine For HIV would help build immunity against the virus.

    The bottom line though is that none of the results has been proven and there is no scientifically reported evidence of Ayurvedic Medicine For HIV. HIV continues to remain incurable. A word of caution: Do consult a medical doctor before embarking on Ayurvedic Treatment For HIV or stopping any treatment you are currently on for HIV.

    Also Read:

    What are some of the reported Ayurvedic treatments for HIV?

    There are certain precautions that Ayurvedic practitioners suggest as a treatment for HIV. They are:

    • Provide patients with a healthy living environment
    • Give the patient easily digestible food
    • Eliminate toxins using shodhana techniques such as purgation and enemas
    • Stick to a diet that includes ghee and soups
    • In the diet, avoid oily, spicy, and acidic food items

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    Is Chyawanprash an effective Ayurvedic Treatment For HIV?

    Several practitioners suggest Chyawanprash as an Ayurvedic Treatment For HIV. Chyawanprash is a rejuvenation tonic. It contains 35 Ayurvedic herbs as well as Indian gooseberry, which is rich in vitamin C and naturally occurring antioxidants and is therefore antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial. Chyawanprash has no side effects, say the practitioners. But if you are HIV positive and wish to make modifications or additions to your diet, do so in consultation with a doctor. This is possibly the most propagated Ayurvedic Treatment For HIV.

    Conclusion

    HIV targets the body’s immune system and is today considered a major global public health issue. But keep in mind HIV though not curable is preventable. If you think you are at risk, get yourself tested. Did you find this blog useful? Explore the world of health at Medkart, the country’s most trusted medical store.

    Read: What are Generic Medicines?

    FAQs on Ayurvedic Medicine for HIV

    1. What should I do if I think I have HIV?

    The first step is to get tested. If you are positive, you can tackle the illness early and therefore have better chances at leading a more fulfilling life. HIV tests are relatively painless. If you test negative, then educate yourself on how HIV can be prevented and how your risk of getting HIV in the future can be minimized.

    2. How does HIV not spread?

    HIV does not spread through:

    • Air
    • Water
    • Insect bites
    • Mosquito bites
    • Saliva
    • Tears
    • Sweat
    • Urine
    • Faeces
    • Shaking hands
    • Drinking fountains

    3. What are some herbs from Ayurveda that can help build immunity?

    Three herbs used in Ayurveda to build immunity and in the management of HIV are:

    • Shatavari: Also called the Indian asparagus, it is believed to stimulate immune cells
    • Guduchi: Its scientific name is Tinospora cordifolia and is supposed to help maintain sufficient levels of white blood corpuscles
    • Kalmegh: Its scientific name is Andrographis paniculata, and it is known for its immunomodulatory properties.

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  • HIV

    HIV

    HIV

    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.