What is HIV? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

What is HIV
5/5 – (1 vote)

What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, especially CD4 (T) cells, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the most advanced stage of the infection, known as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Causes of HIV
HIV is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. It is mainly spread by:
Unprotected sex: Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is HIV-positive and not receiving suppressive treatment.
Sharing needles: Using needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment with someone who is HIV-positive.
Blood transfusion: Rare in countries where blood is tested for HIV, but possible in some areas.
Mother-to-child transmission: During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, if the mother is infected and not receiving treatment.
Others: Sharing sex toys, accidental needlestick injuries (by health workers), rarely organ transplants.
HIV is not transmitted by: Hugging, kissing, sharing food, insect bites, air, or water.

What is HIV

Symptoms of HIV
Symptoms vary by stage:
Acute HIV infection (2–4 weeks after infection)
Fever, chills, rash, sore throat, muscle/joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, mouth ulcers, diarrhea,
Night sweats, headache, fatigue

Latent (latent) HIV infection
Often there are no symptoms or only very mild symptoms for many years.
HIV continues to silently destroy the immune system.

This Content Sponsored by Buymote Shopping app
BuyMote E-Shopping Application is One of the Online Shopping App
Now Available on Play Store & App Store (Buymote E-Shopping)

Click Below Link and Install Application: https://buymote.shop/links/0f5993744a9213079a6b53e8

Sponsor Content: #buymote #buymoteeshopping #buymoteonline #buymoteshopping #buymoteapplication

AIDS (advanced stage)
Marked by severe immune system damage. Opportunistic infections (tuberculosis, pneumonia, fungal/viral infections), weight loss (“wasting syndrome”), persistent fever, diarrhea or cough,
cancer (Kaposi sarcoma, lymphomas), night sweats, swollen glands,

Note: The only way to confirm HIV infection is with a blood test.

HIV treatment
Antiretroviral therapy (ART)
Main treatment: Involves a combination of HIV drugs taken daily.
Type: Available as pills and, in some cases, as long-acting injections.
Goal: Reduce HIV in the blood to undetectable levels, preserve and restore immunity, prevent progression to AIDS, and reduce the risk of transmission.
Outcome: With proper treatment, people with HIV can expect to live a normal life expectancy and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

Key points:
ART is recommended for everyone diagnosed with HIV. Adherence is critical to treatment success. ART does not cure HIV, but it effectively controls it. Modern ART is well tolerated and more convenient than in previous decades.

Complementary and supportive care
No natural or alternative treatment can cure HIV. Complementary treatments focus on improving quality of life, alleviating symptoms, and managing side effects:

Nutritional support: A healthy diet, with supplements if deficient.

Exercise and body therapies: Yoga and massage to relieve pain and improve well-being.

Acupuncture: May relieve some of the symptoms and side effects of medications.

Stress management: Meditation and relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety and depression.

Herbal medicine: Should be used with caution; some herbs interact with ART. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
Medical marijuana: In some places, it is used to treat nausea or loss of appetite. Consult a doctor before use.

Important: Complementary therapies cannot replace antiretroviral therapy. Only ART has been proven to control HIV.

Prevention
Always use a condom during sex.
Do not share needles or syringes.

Regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Medications for people at high risk.
Pregnant women with HIV: Start ART to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Summary table: HIV at a glance
Facts
Cause Human immunodeficiency virus, spread through body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids)

Main symptoms Early: Fever, rash, sore throat. Late: Weight loss, persistent fever, infections
Diagnosis Blood test (HIV antigen/antibody or nucleic acid test)
Treatment Antiretroviral therapy (ART): Daily pills or injections. With ART, a normal life expectancy is possible.
Prevention Safe sex, no needle sharing, HIV testing, ART, PrEP for high risk
Remedies Lifestyle support, symptom relief but no treatment other than ART
Myths Not transmitted through casual contact, air, water, food, or insects.

For the most up-to-date and detailed information, contact your local healthcare providers or refer to reputable medical sources.

This Content Sponsored by Buymote Shopping app
BuyMote E-Shopping Application is One of the Online Shopping App
Now Available on Play Store & App Store (Buymote E-Shopping)

Click Below Link and Install Application: https://buymote.shop/links/0f5993744a9213079a6b53e8

Sponsor Content: #buymote #buymoteeshopping #buymoteonline #buymoteshopping #buymoteapplication

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!