HIV/AIDS: Cause, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention!

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, while AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is untreated infection by HIV that leads to AIDS.

There is still no cure yet for HIV, but there are drugs that can help you manage the condition & live a fairly normal life.

There are over 3 million persons living with HIV in Nigeria & that figure is still increasing. Only South Africa has more cases than Nigeria in Africa.

What is HIV

HIV is an infection of Humans caused by the Human immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks the immune system and interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections.

What is the cause of HIV

The disease is caused by a virus known as the HIV virus. There are two strains of the virus, known as Type 1 & Type 2.

The average time from infection with HIV to the development of AIDS in adults is 9 yrs, if untreated. It can also happen earlier or later than that.

AIDS is defined by the appearance in the body of certain opportunistic infections, tumours and other clinical features.

How is HIV Transmitted

HIV is transmitted by the following means:

By sexual contact: Unprotected sexual intercourse is the commonest method by which the virus is spread from one person to another.
Exposure to blood: this is another means of spread of the virus. It includes means such as blood transfusion, or contact with blood in the sharing of sharp objects like clipper, manicure & pedicure kits, etc.
If you go to cut your hair, & the barber uses an unsterilized clipper that has been used on someone with HIV, & cuts the person in the process & then use the same on you, possibly cutting you as well. You can contact the virus.
This is also same for Drug users who share needles, Those who go for tattoo. Hepatitis can also be transmitted through this way.
Another transmission is from mother to child in the womb, during delivery of the child or through breast feeding, especially by mother’s who are not taking their medications.

What are the Symptoms of HIV

They include;

Fever.
Weight loss
Sore throat
Swelling seen around your armpits or groin.
Joint or muscle pains
Headache.
Diarrhoea.
Ulcers in the mouth or genitals.
some persons may have rashes.
Many other skin manifestations.

Other diseases co-infected with HIV are: Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Pneumonia.

Management/Treatment of HIV

As we mentioned earlier, there is no permanent cure yet for HIV, but there are a number of drugs available that can help reduce the strength of the virus (viral load), and help you live a fairly normal life. This are known as Anti-retroviral drugs (HAART).
These drugs help you to;

Reduce the viral strength/load for as long as possible.
Improve your immunity
Prolong life
Reduce transmission (especially mother to child). You can be pregnant & give birth to a HIV negative baby, as long as you are consistent with your medications.

Anyone suspecting symptoms of HIV should visit the hospital & see a doctor immediately.

In addition to these drugs, the following would help you prevent development of other infections;

Always use pure water. Avoid contaminated water.
Barrier contraception: always use a condom whenever you want to engage in intercourse for the protection of your partner.
Malaria vector control with the use of mosquito nets.
Vaccination helps in protecting against pneumonia & influenza.

Prevention of HIV

This is by avoidance of the risk factors that lead to infection with the virus such as;

Always practice safe sex
Do not share sharp instruments like clippers, manicure & pedicure kits razors, etc.
Always ensure that blood is screened properly before transfusion.
Do not engage in Illicit drug use/abuse.

A HIV free generation is possible. It begins with you. Share the awareness!!

HIV/AIDS: Cause, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention!