HIV AND AIDS

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 What is HIV?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting infections. If left untreated, HIV reduces the number of these cells, making the body more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers. This later lead to AIDS. 

What is AIDS?

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system becomes severely compromised due to the loss of CD4 cells. A person with AIDS is at high risk for opportunistic infections—illnesses that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems. These can include pneumonia, tuberculosis, and various cancers. The diagnosis of AIDS is made based on specific criteria, including a very low CD4 cell count or the presence of certain opportunistic infections.



How is HIV transmitted?

  • Sexual Contact: Unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal) with an infected partner.
  • Blood Exposure: Sharing needles or syringes among people who inject drugs.
  • Mother-to-Child Transmission: During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding if the mother is HIV-positive.  


How do we test for HIV?
  • Antibody Tests: Detect antibodies produced in response to HIV infection.
  • Antigen/Antibody Tests: Can detect both antibodies and antigens; these tests can identify an infection earlier than antibody-only tests.
  • Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT): Detects the actual virus in the blood; used primarily for high-risk situations.

Treatment Options for HIV/AIDS
While there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, effective treatment options exist:

  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): This involves taking a combination of HIV medicines every day. ART helps reduce the viral load in a person’s body to undetectable levels allowing individuals with HIV to live long and healthy lives while preventing transmission to others.
  • Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (Prep): For those at high risk of contracting HIV but who are currently negative; it involves taking medication daily to prevent infection.
  • Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): An emergency treatment started within 72 hours after potential exposure to prevent infection.

Prevention against HIV transmission include:

  • Using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity.
  • Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Avoiding sharing needles or syringes.
  • Pregnant women should get tested early and receive appropriate care if positive.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.!!!!!!!!!!!!

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