AIDS / HIV : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment And Prevention

The stigma around AIDS and HIV still exists in our society and most people are unaware of these diseases. Hence, it is essential to know about these deadly diseases. Globally, there are 38.4 million people who live with HIV (as of 2021), and of those 1.8 million are children below the age of 15 years.

 

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

 

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system and is transmitted through bodily fluids that include:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal and rectal fluids
• Breast milk

There is no need for concern if you interact briefly with an HIV-positive person. HIV is not spread by air or water because it cannot live outside of the body and is a long-term illness that binds to the DNA of the cell. Right now, there is no medicine to treat HIV, but scientists are working on certain medications that can completely remove the virus from the body.

Treatment for HIV can keep the virus to be under control and people with HIV have an excellent prognosis if they receive effective therapy. Treatment of HIV is necessary to prevent the development of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

AIDs (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome)

A typical adult has 500 to 1,500 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter, but below two hundred is termed AIDS. The acute stage (the first few weeks following HIV virus transmission), the chronic stage, and AIDS is the final stage of HIV progression.

Causes of HIV

African chimpanzees transmit HIV. Scientists believe SIV-contaminated chimpanzee meat caused humans to get the virus. HIV can be spread via unprotected sexual intercourse, drug use, sharing needles, contaminated blood, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, and chewing baby food before feeding the kid. Transplants propagate the HIV virus. Oral sexual intercourse, a bite, ripped skin, exposed wounds, or mucous membranes can spread HIV, albeit it is unusual.

Symptoms of HIV

The first stage of HIV infection, called "acute infection," usually lasts a few weeks. During this time, the virus is making more of itself than usual. At first, some people may not have any symptoms, but in the acute phase, they may look a lot like the flu or other seasonal viruses.

HIV symptoms include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, aches and pains, skin rash, sore throat, headache, nausea, and diarrhoea, if someone exhibits these symptoms and suspects HIV exposure they must be treated.

Treatment for HIV

 

There are two HIV treatments:

• Tablets
• Injections

At the beginning of HIV treatment, patients are recommended to take pills, and people with an undetectable viral load (or viral suppression) for at least three months may consider vaccination. Antiviral medication is the primary method of HIV treatment that is followed today.

Antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV are categorized into several subtypes. Inhibitors of nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NNRTIs), fusion inhibitors, protease inhibitors, Entrance inhibitors are also known as CCR5 antagonists, and integrase attachment inhibitors that impede strand transfer.

Regular use of HIV medication helps to reduce the number of HIV copies in the blood to below 200 is considered viral suppression and it is the best way to stay healthy and protect others from HIV.

Prevention of HIV 

HIV can only be controlled with proper medical treatment and cannot be cured by vaccines. Still, there is no medicine found to cure this illness but can benefit from other vaccines to prevent HIV- related illness.

Certain actions can help in halting the spread of HIV. They are,

• Sharing needles or paraphernalia is not recommended
• Use of condoms during sexual activity, whether vaginal, anal, or oral, reduces the risk of spared of HIV.
• Utilizing PEP can reduce the risk of contracting HIV, but it must begin as soon as possible after exposure and between 36 to 72 hours.
• PrEP. Patients at substantial risk should talk to their doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Causes of AIDs

HIV is the cause of AIDS. A healthy body has 500 - 1,500 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter but the HIV virus destroys CD4 cells unless treated. CD4 cell count below 200 indicates AIDS.

Prevention of AIDs

AIDs are prevented only by early diagnosis of HIV and it can be identified with various tests, including antibody/antigen testing, antibody tests, and nucleic acid tests (NAT).

People with HIV can benefit from other vaccines and lower the risk of AIDs. Pneumonia (children under age 2 and all adults 65), influenza (over 6 months), Hepatitis A and B, meningitis (high-risk people), and shingles are the vaccines that help in HIV prevention.

Symptom of AIDS

• Repeated fever
• Lymph glands that are chronically swollen, particularly in the armpits, neck, and groin
• Chronic tiredness
• Night sweats
• Splotches of dark colour under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
• Mouth and tongue sores, spots, or lesions, genitals, or anus
• Rashes of the skin
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Rapid weight loss
• Anxiety and depression, and memory loss.

World AIDS Day is celebrated annually on 1^st December to draw attention to the worldwide health crisis that is acquired immune deficiency syndrome and to bring people together in this battle to end it. Consult a doctor for more information about HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment options. They can provide personalized advice and support to help individuals make informed decisions about their sexual health and overall well-being.  

The year 2022 will focus on the word "equalize" for World AIDS Day. AIDS can be prevented before it worsens. This theme aims to highlight the importance of achieving equality in access to HIV prevention, treatment, and support services worldwide. It emphasizes the need to address disparities and eliminate discrimination, ensuring that everyone affected by HIV/AIDS receives equitable care and support.