What is HIV ?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (also known as T cells). HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, injection drug use, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
When HIV is left untreated, it can weaken the immune system and make it difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases. Over time, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), which is the most severe stage of HIV infection.
There is currently no cure for HIV, but it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is a combination of medications that helps suppress the virus and slow the progression of HIV. When taken consistently, ART can help people with HIV live long and healthy lives and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
It is important to get tested for HIV if you are at risk of infection and to practice safe behaviors, such as using condoms and not sharing needles, to reduce the risk of transmission. There are also effective prevention methods, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), that can help reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Causes of HIV AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. HIV is most commonly transmitted through:
Sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex if protective barriers, such as condoms, are not used. HIV is more likely to be transmitted during anal sex and less likely to be transmitted during oral sex, but it is still possible to transmit the virus through oral sex.
Injection drug use: HIV can be transmitted through the sharing of needles, syringes, and other injection equipment used to administer drugs.
Mother-to-child transmission: HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
It is important to practice safe behaviors, such as using condoms and not sharing needles, to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. There are also effective prevention methods, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), that can help reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the most severe stage of HIV infection. HIV weakens the immune system over time, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS.
HIV precautions
There are several precautions that can be taken to reduce the risk of HIV transmission:
Use condoms: Condoms provide a physical barrier that can help reduce the risk of HIV transmission during sexual activity.
Do not share needles: Sharing needles or other injection equipment used to administer drugs increases the risk of HIV transmission.
Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Getting tested and treated for STIs can help reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a medication that can be taken daily to help reduce the risk of HIV transmission. It is recommended for people who are at high risk of HIV transmission, such as those who are in a sexual relationship with someone living with HIV or those who inject drugs.
Use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): PEP is a medication that can be taken after potential HIV exposure to help reduce the risk of HIV transmission. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours of exposure, but can be taken up to 72 hours after exposure.
Get tested for HIV: Knowing your HIV status is an important part of reducing the risk of HIV transmission. If you are HIV-positive, getting treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help suppress the virus and reduce the risk of transmission to others. If you are HIV-negative, getting tested can help
Treatment For HIV
There is currently no cure for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), but it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is a combination of medications that helps suppress the virus and slow the progression of HIV. When taken consistently, ART can help people with HIV live long and healthy lives and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
The goal of ART is to reduce the level of HIV in the body (viral load) to an undetectable level. An undetectable viral load means that the virus is present in the body but is at a low enough level that it cannot be detected by a viral load test. Having an undetectable viral load does not mean that a person is cured of HIV, but it does mean that they are less likely to transmit the virus to others.
ART is typically taken as a combination of medications called a “drug cocktail” or “antiretroviral regimen.” These medications work by blocking different stages of the HIV life cycle, making it difficult for the virus to replicate and spread. There are several different antiretroviral medications available, and the specific combination of medications prescribed will depend on a person’s individual needs and medical history.
It is important to take ART as prescribed and to see a healthcare provider regularly to monitor HIV levels and check for any side effects. Adhering to treatment and maintaining an undetectable viral load can help people with HIV live long and healthy lives.
