The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention writes that much has been discovered about the nature of HIV and AIDS since the 1980s when it was first identified. However, there remain a great many misconceptions about the basic facts regarding HIV and AIDS. A proper understanding of the disease should help patients cope with the struggles AIDS will present.
What Are HIV And AIDS?
HIV is short for human immunodeficiency virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the virus that can lead to the condition known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. HIV damages the body's immune system by targeting and destroying blood cells called CD4+ T cells, which are primarily responsible for fighting disease. AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection. By the time AIDS develops, the body's immune system is so severely damaged, it vulnerable to various infections and certain kinds of cancers.
What Are The Symptoms of HIV And AIDS?
Upon initial HIV infection, some people may develop flu-like symptoms that last a week or two, writes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However others may not develop any symptoms to indicate infection. In fact, people who are infected with HIV may live for several years appearing to be in perfect health.
According to Avert, once HIV has advanced to AIDS, the patient may become afflicted with bacterial, fungal, viral, and protozoal infections called "opportunistic infections". These are called "opportunistic" because they take advantage of the patient's weakened immune system. It is possible to diagnose someone with AIDS even if they have not developed opportunistic infections so long as their CD4+ T cells (a type of white blood cell) have dropped below a certain level.
How is HIV Transmitted And Prevented?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that the most common ways that HIV spreads are through sexual contact, sharing syringes with HIV-infected people, receiving infected blood during blood transfusions, as well as pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. However, amFAR states that HIV is not transmitted via food, or air. Neither is it transmitted via any form of casual contact with an infected person.
In order to limit the risk of exposure to HIV, amFAR highly recommends practicing safe sex by using latex condoms. It is also highly advisable never to share syringes and use only sterile and new needles and equipment. People who are considering getting a tattoo should ensure the tattoo parlor uses sterile equipment.
It is also highly recommended that people who engage in activity that could place them at risk be tested for HIV at least once a year to ensure both their peace of mind and their general health.
How Can HIV And AIDS Be Treated?
There is no cure for HIV and AIDS according to Avert. However, several kinds of antiviral drugs have been developed, which can slow the development of HIV into AIDS. While these antivirals do have side effects, they do allow infected people to live longer and relatively normally. In addition, not all opportunistic infections are necessarily fatal or incurable. As such, infected individuals would benefit from seeking sound medical advice regarding the best strategy in managing their condition.
