HIV stands for
Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a virus that attacks and
infects cells in the immune system that help the body resist
infections.
AIDS stands for
Acquire Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the stage when HIV has
damage the immune system so much that the body can no longer fight
infections. These infection can make people very sick.
There are many
myths on how you can and can’t get HIV. HIV is transmitted through
the exchange of only 4 body fluids:
1. semen
and pre-ejaculatory fluid
2.
vaginal
and cervical secretions
3.
blood
4.
breast
milk
What are the
symptoms?
The only way to
know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. Many
people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms for 10
years or more.
The following
may be warning signs of
advanced HIV infection:
· rapid weight loss
· dry cough
· recurring fever or
profuse night sweats
· profound and
unexplained fatigue
· swollen lymph glands in
the armpits, groin, or neck
· diarrhea that lasts for
more than a week
· white spots or unusual
blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
· 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
How is it diagnosed?
· ELISA (Enzyme-Linked
Immunosorbent Assay) - this test detects antibodies to HIV. The
test can be used on a blood or oral fluids sample.
· Western blot test-this
test is used to check the accuracy of the ELISA test. A positive
Western blot means that HIV antibodies are present.
· Rapid testing– this
test can be used to detect HIV antibodies. The test can be used on
a blood or oral fluids sample.
· Anonymous testing- this
test can be used to detect HIV antibodies and do not require a
person giving his or her name. The test site assigned a random
identification number, so the test results are not linked to a name.
· Confidential testing
-this test can be used to detect HIV antibodies. The person taking
the test give his or her name to the testing site. Only a few people
specified by sate confidentiality laws or through a signed
permission, will know who has a positive test results.
· Home testing– a home
test kit can be purchased over the counter. It involves submitting
a dried blood sample by mail to a laboratory.
How is it treated?
There is no
cure for HIV/AIDS. If you think you may have HIV or if you have had
sexual contact with someone who may have HIV, you need to see your
doctor right away.
Currently,
medicines can slow the growth of the virus or stop it from making
copies of itself. Although these drugs don't kill the virus, they
keep the amount of virus in the blood low. Your doctor can
suggesting a treatment plan.
How Can It Be Prevented?
HIV can be
prevented by :
· abstaining from sex
(not having oral, vaginal, or anal sex)
· always using latex
condoms for all types of sexual intercourse
· avoiding contact with
the bodily fluids through which HIV is transmitted
· never sharing needles
· Avoid alcohol and drugs
because they can impair your judgment.
