You must have heard the name ‘HIV’ at least once in your life, either from the news reporters on the television, reporting about cases of HIV in various areas, or from eavesdropping in someone’s hushed conversation. Either way, the thought of knowing more would have occurred to you. In this article, your curiosity will be satisfied, and by the end of it, you will delve deep on this topic than ever did.

WHAT IS HIV?

Our bodies are marvelous in the way they perform many functions. Would you believe me if I told you that our bodies have armies of their own? Well, believe it or not, all human beings have a defense system inside their bodies. This defense system is commonly called the ‘immune system.’ It protects us by being on the front line against many infections, diseases, and various other health issues.

What would happen if some foreign virus or bacteria get past our defense cells? If something like that happens, we will be immuno-compromised, which means that our immune system has become weak and will not be able to do a good job of protecting us. That is when we catch a disease.

Once we contract the HIV or ‘Human immunodeficiency virus’ from an affected individual, our immune system will start weakening. This virus attacks our defense cells, also known as T-cells. Consequently, our bodies become vulnerable to many diseases and infections. There are many different types of bacteria inside our bodies that will not waste a minute in taking advantage of our immune-compromised body. As a result, the possibility of getting sick significantly increases.

HOW DOES HIV SPREAD?

The mode of transmission of HIV is through the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The rectum or anal area, vagina, penis, and mouth have mucous membranes, so; a person can be affected if their mucous membrane or damaged tissue comes in contact with these fluids or when someone is injected with unsterilized needles or syringes. It can be spread through the following ways:

• The majority of the cases are reported to spread through unprotected intercourse with an HIV infected person.
• It can also spread by the usage of contaminated needles or syringes.
• In some cases, a mother can transmit the virus to her child during pregnancy, birth, or through breastfeeding.
• Swallowing of vaginal fluid or semen of the infected person can cause infection.
• Getting bitten by a person with HIV can also be a reason for transmission.
• An HIV positive person with sores or bleeding gums can infect a healthy person through kissing.
• Receiving unscreened blood transfusions, organ, or tissue transplants can also cause HIV.

Many myths go around regarding the ways HIV can spread, such as through hugging, handshaking, etc. It does not. Keep in mind that they are all just mere myths and not facts. Just be alert and careful instead of harboring unnecessary anxiety.

TESTING FOR HIV

Testing for HIV test takes ten minutes. It can be performed either at home or at the clinic. It requires a few drops of blood to get tested. All sexually active individuals from 16 years to 65 years, should at least be screened once for HIV.

HOW DANGEROUS IS HIV?

 Because of the immune-compromised state, our bodies can be affected by several diseases, infections, and tumors, among which some of the possibilities are:

• AIDS: ‘Acquired immune deficiency syndrome’ or AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV in which our bodies continually become weaker and easy targets for infections, tumors, and cancers. These illnesses are called ‘opportunistic infections.’  It can also cause death in some cases.
• Pneumonia: This is a life-threatening lung infection that is one of the biggest risks for people with HIV infection.
• Candidiasis: it is a fungal yeast infection that can cause severe effects on lungs, trachea, bronchi, and esophagus.
• Herpes Simplex: People with HIV can have pneumonia, bronchitis, and esophagitis through herpes.
• Tuberculosis: This bacterial disease is also one of the many possibilities. It mainly affects the lungs.
• Septicemia: This is a type of blood infection that may cause severe issues.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

HIV is indeed a scary virus, but it doesn’t matter because, with adequate treatment and firm faith, we can fight and kick it far away.

The primary purpose of HIV treatment is to provide the infected person with medicine that stops HIV from multiplying further to reduce HIV or viral load from the body.  Possible infections and diseases are kept under preventive control. The treatment options are:

• It can be treated by providing the patient with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a medicine that has to be taken regularly. This does not eliminate the virus but reduces the risk of further infection.
• Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is also an effective treatment option.
• In case you are pregnant, your doctor may also screen you for HIV in addition to other sexually transmitted infections. Some antivirals can be given to expectant mothers and newborns.
• Some people with HIV also take other types of medicines, e.g., antibiotics, every day to prevent HIV-related opportunistic infections.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Diseases are certainly bound to make us all feel anxious, but if we are alert, cautious, and know the preventive methods, we will be safe and healthy. After all, ‘Prevention is indeed better than cure.’

• Before having sexual intercourse, we should make sure to get ourselves, and our partner tested for HIV.
•  Intercourse should not be without protection. Use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• A sexually transmitted disease (STD) can also increase the chances of HIV infection. If diagnosed with STD, get treated as soon as possible.
• Do not use un-sterilized drug injections, nor share it with others to avoid getting others infected.
• Do not share razors or toothbrushes with others
• In case of suspected transmission, the best method for the prevention of HIV in unaffected people is through the usage of pre-exposure prophylaxis(preventive) drugs. It consists of antiviral drug used as a strategy for HIV and/or AIDS prevention. It can stop HIV from taking hold of a healthy body.