Hiv Aids

HIV and AIDS are long-term health conditions. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, weakens the body's immune system, making it harder to fight off illnesses. The immune system damage happens gradually. Without treatment, HIV can take many years to progress to AIDS. Fortunately, in the US, most people with HIV don't develop AIDS thanks to effective treatment.

HIV is spread through contact with bodily fluids, such as during unprotected sex. This is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). HIV can also be spread through contact with infected blood, for example, when sharing needles. A pregnant person with untreated HIV can pass the virus to their child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

There's no cure for HIV or AIDS. However, medications can help control the infection and prevent it from getting worse. Anti-HIV drugs have significantly lowered the number of AIDS deaths globally. There's a continued effort to make these treatments and prevention methods more accessible in countries with limited resources.

HIV and AIDS: Understanding the Stages and Symptoms

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) are related conditions that affect the body's immune system. The symptoms of these conditions can vary greatly, depending on the person and the stage of infection.

Early Stage (Acute HIV Infection):

Within a few weeks (2 to 4) of getting HIV, some people experience flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can be mild and easy to overlook. Possible signs include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rash
• Sore throat and mouth sores
• Swollen lymph nodes (glands), especially in the neck
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Cough
• Night sweats

Even though symptoms might be subtle, or absent altogether, the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) is high during this time. This means the virus is more easily spread to others. The virus is also actively infecting immune system cells (white blood cells).

Chronic HIV Infection (HIV without AIDS):

This stage can last for many years, especially if a person isn't taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). During this time, many people don't have any symptoms. However, as the virus continues to multiply and weaken the immune system, some people may experience:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes (a common early sign)
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Oral yeast infections (thrush)
• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Pneumonia

AIDS:

AIDS is a more advanced stage of HIV infection where the immune system is severely damaged. Without treatment, HIV often progresses to AIDS within 8 to 10 years. People with AIDS are much more vulnerable to other infections because their immune systems can't fight them off effectively. These are called opportunistic infections or cancers. Some possible opportunistic infections can appear during any stage of HIV.

Symptoms of opportunistic infections can include:

• Recurring fevers
• Continuous diarrhea
• Swollen lymph nodes
• White spots or sores in the mouth
• Constant fatigue
• Weakness
• Rapid weight loss
• Skin rashes or bumps

Important Note: Modern antiviral treatments have dramatically reduced the number of AIDS-related deaths worldwide. Most people with HIV in developed countries, like the U.S., don't progress to AIDS if they receive the proper medical care.

Seeking Help:

If you suspect you may have been exposed to HIV or are at risk, it's crucial to see a healthcare professional right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing the virus and preventing the development of more serious complications.

If you think you might have HIV or are worried about getting HIV, talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider right away.

HIV is a virus that can weaken your body's ability to fight off infections. It's spread in a few specific ways:

• Sexual contact: HIV can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. The risk of getting HIV from oral sex is lower than from vaginal or anal sex, but it's not zero. Tiny cuts or sores in the mouth, vagina, or rectum can allow the virus to enter the body.

• Sharing needles: Sharing needles or syringes used for injecting drugs is a very risky way to get HIV. Infected needles can also transmit other diseases like hepatitis.

• Contact with infected blood: Getting infected blood into your body can spread HIV. This can happen during a blood transfusion, but modern blood banks and hospitals screen blood for HIV, making this risk very low in developed countries. In areas with fewer resources, this risk might be higher.

• Mother to child: A pregnant person with HIV can pass the virus to their baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Treatment for HIV during pregnancy can greatly reduce this risk.

How HIV weakens your body:

HIV attacks a type of white blood cell called a CD4 T cell. These cells help your body fight off illnesses. The more CD4 T cells HIV destroys, the weaker your immune system becomes.

From HIV to AIDS:

You can have HIV for years without any noticeable symptoms. This is because the virus is slowly destroying your immune system. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection. It's diagnosed when the number of CD4 T cells falls below a certain level (200 or fewer) or when you develop a serious illness that someone without weakened immunity would not. These illnesses could include serious infections or cancers.

Important things to know:

• Casual contact is not risky: You cannot get HIV from hugging, kissing, dancing, or shaking hands with someone who has HIV. HIV is not spread through air, water, or insect bites.
• Blood donation is safe: You cannot get HIV from donating blood.
• Preventing HIV: The best way to protect yourself from HIV is to practice safe sex, avoid sharing needles, and get tested regularly.

HIV/AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of their age, race, sex, or sexual orientation. While everyone is vulnerable, certain behaviors significantly increase the risk.

High-Risk Behaviors:

• Unprotected Sex: Having sex without using a barrier method like a condom increases your chances of getting HIV. This means using a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex. It's crucial to remember that condoms are not 100% effective, but they greatly reduce the risk.

• Multiple Sexual Partners: Having more than one sexual partner significantly raises your risk. Each partner carries a potential risk of infection.

• Anal Sex: Anal sex is a higher-risk activity than vaginal sex for HIV transmission. The tissues in the anal area are more easily damaged, providing an easier entry point for the virus.

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs, like many sexually transmitted infections, often cause sores or open wounds on the genitals. These openings can make it easier for HIV to enter the body. If you have an STI, it's essential to get treatment and practice safe sex.

• Sharing Drug Injection Equipment: Sharing needles and syringes when injecting drugs is a very risky behavior. Contaminated needles can carry infected blood, exposing you to HIV.

It's vital to remember that these behaviors increase risk, but they don't guarantee infection. If you're concerned about your risk, talk to a healthcare provider. They can discuss preventive measures and testing options.

People with HIV have a weakened immune system. This makes them much more vulnerable to various infections and certain cancers. Their bodies struggle to fight off these invaders. Here are some common complications:

Pneumonia (PCP): This fungal infection, called Pneumocystis pneumonia, was once a serious concern for people with HIV. While treatments for HIV have greatly reduced its occurrence in developed countries like the U.S., it's still a significant cause of pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems due to HIV.

Candidiasis (Thrush): This is a common yeast infection that can affect the mouth, tongue, esophagus, or vagina. It's characterized by a thick, white coating. It's often a symptom of a weakened immune system due to HIV.

Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can be very serious, especially for people with HIV. In the past, TB was a major cause of death among people with AIDS globally, but modern HIV treatments have made it less common in developed countries.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV): This common virus is usually harmless in people with healthy immune systems. However, when the immune system weakens, CMV can become active, causing damage to organs like the eyes, digestive system, or lungs. It's important to note that CMV can be spread through bodily fluids like saliva, blood, urine, semen, and breast milk.

Cryptococcal Meningitis: This is a fungal infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The fungus that causes it is often found in soil. This infection is a significant concern, especially in people with HIV/AIDS.

Toxoplasmosis: This infection is caused by a parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, often spread from cats to humans through their feces. A healthy immune system usually keeps this parasite inactive. However, in people with weakened immune systems, it can cause serious problems, including heart disease, seizures, and even be fatal. It's important to note that proper hygiene and handling of cat litter can reduce the risk.

Cancers: HIV can increase the risk of several cancers.

• Lymphoma: This type of cancer begins in the white blood cells. Early signs often include painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
• Kaposi's sarcoma: This is a tumor that usually forms in the blood vessel walls. It appears as pink, red, or purple sores (lesions) on the skin and in the mouth. In people with darker skin tones, the lesions might be dark brown or black. It can affect internal organs too.
• HPV-related cancers: Certain cancers, including anal, oral, and cervical cancers, can be linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HIV can make people more prone to HPV infections and related cancers.

Wasting Syndrome: Untreated HIV/AIDS can lead to significant weight loss, along with symptoms like diarrhea, weakness, and fever.

Neurological Complications: HIV can cause problems in the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as confusion, forgetfulness, depression, anxiety, and difficulty walking. These issues can range from mild to severe, even causing dementia, making it hard to function.

Kidney Disease: HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a condition where the tiny filters in the kidneys become inflamed. These filters are responsible for removing waste from the blood. This kidney disease often affects Black and Hispanic individuals.

Liver Disease: Liver disease is also a potential complication, especially when HIV co-exists with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.