HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections. If untreated, it progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most severe stage of HIV.
How HIV Spreads
HIV transmission occurs through:
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Blood transfusions with contaminated blood
- From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
HIV symptoms develop in stages:
- Acute HIV Infection (2-4 weeks after exposure): Fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rash.
- Chronic HIV Infection (Latency Stage): The virus remains in the body with mild or no symptoms.
- AIDS (Advanced HIV): Severe immune system damage leading to recurrent infections, rapid weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and certain cancers.
Diagnosis and Treatment
HIV is diagnosed through blood or saliva tests, including:
- ELISA Test (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
- Western Blot Test (Confirmatory test)
- Rapid HIV Tests (Provide results within minutes)
Treatment: While there is no cure, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) helps manage the virus, allowing people to live longer and healthier lives. ART reduces the viral load, lowering the risk of transmission.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing HIV involves:
- Safe Sex Practices: Using condoms and reducing multiple partners.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A daily medication that lowers infection risk.
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Emergency medication taken within 72 hours after exposure.
- Regular Testing: Early detection helps with timely treatment.
- Needle Exchange Programs: Reduce HIV spread among people who inject drugs.
Global HIV/AIDS Impact
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 39 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2022. Efforts to combat HIV/AIDS include better education, improved healthcare access, and ongoing research.
Conclusion
HIV/AIDS remains a major global health challenge. Awareness, prevention, early diagnosis, and ART treatment significantly improve life expectancy and quality of life. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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