Post by hivspecialist on Sept 29, 2023 2:53:27 GMT -5
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Over time, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is a condition characterized by a severely damaged immune system. Here are the symptoms, causes, and some additional information about HIV/AIDS:
Symptoms of HIV:
Acute Infection: Many people with HIV experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after initial infection. These symptoms can include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. This stage is often referred to as acute retroviral syndrome.
Clinical Latency: After the initial symptoms subside, the virus enters a period of clinical latency, which can last for years. During this time, the virus continues to replicate at low levels, but there may be no noticeable symptoms.
Progression to AIDS: If HIV is not treated, it can progress to AIDS. The progression from HIV to AIDS can take several years, and it varies from person to person. AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system is severely damaged, and the CD4 cell count drops below a certain level.
Causes of HIV:
HIV is mostly transmitted by specific bodily fluids, such as:
Contact with infected blood can result in the transmission of HIV. This can occur through sharing needles or syringes (common among people who inject drugs), receiving contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants, or accidental needle stick injuries among healthcare workers.
Sexual Contact: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (girl thingyl, anal, or oral) with an infected partner. It is more likely to be transmitted if one partner has other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or open sores.
HIV transmission from mother to kid: HIV can be transmitted from an infected woman to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The risk of transmission, however, can be considerably lowered with good medical care and antiretroviral medication.
Needle stick Injuries: Healthcare workers can be at risk of HIV transmission if they accidentally come into contact with infected blood or needle stick injuries while caring for HIV-positive patients.
Shared Injection Equipment: Sharing needles and syringes for drug use, tattooing, or body piercing can lead to HIV transmission if the equipment is contaminated with the virus.
Occupational Exposure: Certain occupations, such as healthcare workers, may be at risk of HIV infection due to potential exposure to infected blood or other bodily fluids.
It's important to note that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing utensils, or through the air like the common cold or flu.
Prevention and Treatment:
Preventing HIV transmission involves safe sexual practices (use of condoms), not sharing needles or syringes, and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk. There is no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively suppress the virus, slow the progression of the disease, and reduce the risk of transmission. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing HIV and preventing it from progressing to AIDS. Regular testing and access to medical care are essential components of HIV prevention and management.
Dr. Raina’s Safe Hands Clinic
Dr. Vinod Raina HIV Doctor in Delhi
Contact Us-9136363692 | 9871605858
Address: — Saket E-34, Ekta Apartments near
Malviya Nagar Metro Station Gate No-4 New Delhi-110017
Symptoms of HIV:
Acute Infection: Many people with HIV experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after initial infection. These symptoms can include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. This stage is often referred to as acute retroviral syndrome.
Clinical Latency: After the initial symptoms subside, the virus enters a period of clinical latency, which can last for years. During this time, the virus continues to replicate at low levels, but there may be no noticeable symptoms.
Progression to AIDS: If HIV is not treated, it can progress to AIDS. The progression from HIV to AIDS can take several years, and it varies from person to person. AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system is severely damaged, and the CD4 cell count drops below a certain level.
Causes of HIV:
HIV is mostly transmitted by specific bodily fluids, such as:
Contact with infected blood can result in the transmission of HIV. This can occur through sharing needles or syringes (common among people who inject drugs), receiving contaminated blood transfusions or organ transplants, or accidental needle stick injuries among healthcare workers.
Sexual Contact: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (girl thingyl, anal, or oral) with an infected partner. It is more likely to be transmitted if one partner has other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or open sores.
HIV transmission from mother to kid: HIV can be transmitted from an infected woman to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The risk of transmission, however, can be considerably lowered with good medical care and antiretroviral medication.
Needle stick Injuries: Healthcare workers can be at risk of HIV transmission if they accidentally come into contact with infected blood or needle stick injuries while caring for HIV-positive patients.
Shared Injection Equipment: Sharing needles and syringes for drug use, tattooing, or body piercing can lead to HIV transmission if the equipment is contaminated with the virus.
Occupational Exposure: Certain occupations, such as healthcare workers, may be at risk of HIV infection due to potential exposure to infected blood or other bodily fluids.
It's important to note that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sharing utensils, or through the air like the common cold or flu.
Prevention and Treatment:
Preventing HIV transmission involves safe sexual practices (use of condoms), not sharing needles or syringes, and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk. There is no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively suppress the virus, slow the progression of the disease, and reduce the risk of transmission. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing HIV and preventing it from progressing to AIDS. Regular testing and access to medical care are essential components of HIV prevention and management.
Dr. Raina’s Safe Hands Clinic
Dr. Vinod Raina HIV Doctor in Delhi
Contact Us-9136363692 | 9871605858
Address: — Saket E-34, Ekta Apartments near
Malviya Nagar Metro Station Gate No-4 New Delhi-110017