Summary about Disease
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV damages the immune system, interfering with the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases. AIDS is the most severe stage of HIV infection. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but medications can control the virus and prevent progression of the disease.
Symptoms
Early HIV infection may cause flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue) or no symptoms at all. As the infection progresses and the immune system weakens, symptoms may include:
Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Extreme and unexplained tiredness
Swollen lymph nodes
Prolonged diarrhea
Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals
Pneumonia
Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
Memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
Causes
AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is spread through certain body fluids, including:
Blood
Semen
Vaginal and rectal fluids
Breast milk The most common ways HIV is spread are:
Sexual contact (anal, vaginal, or oral sex) with an infected person
Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person
From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Medicine Used
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to treat HIV infection. ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines (usually three or more) every day. ART does not cure HIV, but it can control the virus and allow people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Common classes of ART drugs include:
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
Protease inhibitors (PIs)
Fusion inhibitors
CCR5 antagonists
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)
Is Communicable
Yes, HIV is communicable. It can be transmitted through specific body fluids from an infected person to another.
Precautions
Practice safe sex: Use condoms correctly every time you have sex.
Get tested and know your partner's HIV status: Regular testing is crucial.
Don't share needles: Avoid sharing needles or syringes if you inject drugs.
Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a daily medicine that can reduce the risk of HIV infection.
If you are pregnant, get tested for HIV: If you are HIV-positive, treatment can prevent transmission to your baby.
Use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): If you think you've been exposed to HIV, contact a healthcare provider immediately to discuss PEP.
How long does an outbreak last?
HIV infection is a chronic condition. Without treatment, it can progress to AIDS, which can be life-threatening. However, with consistent antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV can be controlled, and the progression to AIDS can be significantly delayed or prevented. The person can live a long life with ART.
How is it diagnosed?
HIV is diagnosed through blood or oral fluid tests that detect the presence of HIV antibodies, antigens, or the virus itself. Common tests include:
Antibody tests: Look for antibodies to HIV in blood or oral fluid.
Antigen/antibody tests: Look for both HIV antibodies and antigens.
Nucleic acid tests (NATs): Look for the actual virus in the blood. These are usually used to confirm a positive antibody or antigen/antibody test.
Timeline of Symptoms
Acute HIV infection (2-4 weeks after infection): Flu-like symptoms in some people. Some people have no symptoms.
Clinical latency (Chronic HIV): The virus is still active but reproduces at low levels. May be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Can last for many years with ART. Without ART, this period can last for 10 years or longer.
AIDS: The immune system is severely damaged, leading to opportunistic infections and cancers. Symptoms are severe and varied.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing HIV infection and preventing progression to AIDS.
Adherence to ART is essential for controlling the virus and maintaining a healthy immune system.
People with HIV can live long and healthy lives with proper medical care.
HIV stigma can be a significant barrier to testing, treatment, and prevention. Education and awareness are essential to reduce stigma and discrimination.
HIV/AIDS remains a global health issue, particularly in resource-limited settings.