Human Immunodeficiency virus, also called HIV and is persistent virus that targets the immune system of the body and specifically targets CD4 cells (also called T-cells) vital in aiding the body to fight infections. If untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), an illness in which your immune system becomes compromised and is vulnerable to infections that are opportunistic and some cancers.

The understanding of HIV is not just essential from a medical point of view, but also plays a crucial role in raising awareness, preventing and eradicating stigma that is related to the illness.

Introduction to What is HIV?

HIV is a disease that has afflicted millions of people across the globe since its first detection in the 1980s in the beginning. It is spread via sexual contact without protection through sharing needles and between mother to baby during childbirth or nursing as well as through blood transfusions from HIV-infected blood (though uncommon today because of strict screening procedures).

Like other virus that are able to be eliminated, the human body is unable to eradicate HIV completely even after treatment. But, with the proper medical treatment, HIV can be managed and people who are affected by the virus can live long healthy, happy, and productive lives.

How HIV Affects the Body

HIV is a virus that works through attacking and killing CD4 cells which play a crucial function in controlling an immune system. When the virus increases in size as more CD4 cells die and the immune system weakens, it becomes less effective and incapable of battling infections and illnesses.

In the beginning of the disease, many sufferers are afflicted with flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after the infection, which is often called an acute HIV disease. The symptoms could include:

Fever
Fatigue
Sore throat
Muscles hurt
Swollen lymph nodes

In the following phase the virus can be clinically inactive (also called chronic HIV) and it continues to spread throughout the body in low amounts. The stage may last for years with no obvious symptoms, however the virus remains active.

If not treated, HIV eventually progresses to AIDS which is the last and most severe stage of the illness, in which the immune system becomes severely affected, and the body is vulnerable to infections that are opportunistic.

Stages of HIV

HIV is a progressive disease that occurs in three major stages:

Acute HIV Infection :- This is the first phase, which occurs 2 to 4 days after the virus has been transferred. The immune system reacts with flu-like symptoms. In this phase the virus grows rapidly and the person is highly infectious.
Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency) :- At this point, HIV remains active but it reproduces less frequently. Most people do not show symptoms, however HIV continues to attack our immune system. With antiretroviral treatment (ART) patients are able to remain in this state for years.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) :- If left untreated, HIV progresses to AIDS. CD4 counts decrease significantly and the body ceases to fight diseases and infections. The lifespan without treatment typically is around three years following the onset of AIDS-related symptoms.

Modes of HIV Transmission

HIV can be transmitted through contact with certain bodily fluids of the person with HIV. These fluids comprise:

Blood
Semen (including pre-seminal fluid)
Vaginal fluids
Rectal fluids
Breast milk

The most well-known transmission routes are:

Unprotected sexual intercourse
Sharing needles that are contaminated or Syringes
Mother to child transmission occurs during breastfeeding or childbirth
Transfusion of blood or organ transplants from a donor who is infected (extremely uncommon due to the modern screening practices)

HIV can’t be transmitted by informal contact, like handshakes, hugging eating food together or by sweat, saliva or tears, which aren’t in contact with blood.

HIV Testing and Diagnosis

Tests are the only method of confirming HIV the presence of HIV. Early diagnosis can ensure prompt treatment and decreases the chance of spreading the virus to other people. There are three major kinds of HIV tests:

Tests for antibodies Test for antibodies created from the immune system when it responds to HIV.
Testing for antibodies and antigen detect both HIV antibodies as well as antigens (specifically the p24 antigen).
Tests for nucleic acids (NATs): Detect the genetic material in the virus. They are usually used to aid in early detection.

Regular HIV test is recommended to all people between the ages of 13 and 64 at least once during their life and is recommended more frequently for those who are at greater risk.

Treatment Options for HIV

Although there is no cure for HIV however, it can be effectively controlled through the use of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). The ART regimen consists of taking a mixture of HIV medications daily. These medicines stop the virus from regenerating and allow your immune system heal and build.

The main benefits of ART are:

Reduced viral burden by reducing the viral load to non-detectable amounts This means that the virus cannot be transmitted through sexual contact ( U=U: Undetectable = Not transmittable)
In preventing the development of AIDS
Improved the quality of your life overall and extending life expectation

If they receive consistent treatment, people who suffer from HIV are able to live to live a normal lifespan and take on relationships, careers, and family life as any other person.

Prevention of HIV

Prevention of HIV requires a combination of healthy practices, treatment options, and education. Strategies for prevention that work include:

Consistently using condoms in sexual activities
The regular HIV screening and early detection
Prophylactic pre-exposure (PrEP): A daily pill that decreases the chance of contracting an infection.
Prophylaxis post-exposure (PEP): Emergency medication administered within 72 hours of the potential exposure
Utilizing needles that are sterile and avoid sharing needles
The screening process during the pregnancy to stop transmission from mother to child

The process of educating people on HIV transmission and prevention measures is vital to reducing new infections and removing the stigma.

The Importance of Awareness and Stigma Reduction

Despite years of research and public health initiatives, stigma and discrimination persist as major barriers to people who live with HIV. A fear of judgement can deter people from seeking testing for treatment, seeking help, or revealing their status.

HIV isn’t an ethical issue, but rather an illness that affects anyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender or race. The raising of awareness and encouraging an understanding and compassionate science-based education is crucial to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment that is inclusive for everyone.

Conclusion

HIV is a chronic disease that, when detected early and properly treatment, can allow people to lead healthy and satisfying lives. Knowing the way HIV operates, how it is spread and the ways it can be avoided will be the very first move to the future in which stigmatization associated with HIV is eradicated and new infections are uncommon.

With the constant advancement of medical research, a growing accessibility to healthcare and continuous public education, we are getting closer to achieving the goal of eradicating this HIV epidemic.