HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, can be explained as a virus that affects the immune system. This leaves the person vulnerable to different illnesses and disorders. If left unchecked, HIV can turn into AIDS, which stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. However, medical science has come a long way, which means that with access to superior healthcare you can avoid the situation turning from bad to worse.
HIV primarily attacks the CD4 cells, which is a type of T-cells, increasing the risk of infections or cancers. Additionally, a person in some cases might not show symptoms while having the virus, making the detection tricky. HIV, being a lifelong virus, can only be managed smartly and stopped from being passed on to another person.
Causes
The main cause of HIV is the transfer of the virus through various means such as bodily fluids, which include blood, semen, and vaginal secretions, among many others. In the USA, the most common causes of HIV are:
- Unprotected intercourse with a person who has HIV
- Sharing syringes with a person who is HIV +
- An HIV + woman transferring the virus to her child during pregnancy
Symptoms
Some people do not experience symptoms of HIV until it has progressed to a much more severe stage. However, around 80% show symptoms within 2-6 weeks of getting infected with the virus.
The early symptoms of HIV can include fevers, joint pains, muscle aches, enlarged glands, and weight loss, among many others.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of seven HIV +Americans is oblivious to their condition. The key to treatment and control of the virus is timely detection of it.
Treatment
Even though there is no cure for HIV as of now, there are treatments that basically control the spread of the virus allowing the patient to live a longer life. Starting treatment early does not just improve the overall quality of life but also reduces the risk of the transfer to another person. The CDC states that patients with undetectable amounts of HIV have little to no risk of transferring it to their partner. Additionally, treatments have been developed that work effectively by consuming as much as a single pill per day.
Prevention
The best way to combat HIV is to prevent its spreading. One can use the following ways to make sure of that:
- Practicing safe sex
A person should be sure to use a condom or other preventive measure while having intercourse to avoid contracting the HIV virus and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Blood test
Every person should conduct various blood tests on a routine basis to be aware of his/her health and make sure they have not come into contact with HIV or any other virus
- Education
It is said that knowledge is power. People should make sure that they have the necessary education regarding the risk factors related to HIV in order to protect themselves from exposure.
