HIV/AIDS

Content of This Page

1- Introduction

2- Causes

3- Symptoms

4- Types of Allergies

5- Treatment

6- What Should You Avoid

Introduction

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting infections. If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most severe phase of HIV infection. AIDS occurs when the immune system becomes so weakened that the body can no longer defend itself against certain infections and diseases, leading to life-threatening illnesses.

 

Distribution of tissues that can be infected by the HIV

Causes

  1. Unprotected Sexual Contact: HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without the use of condoms or other preventive measures.

  2. Sharing Needles: Using or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment with someone who has HIV can transmit the virus.

  3. Mother-to-Child Transmission: HIV can be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

  4. Blood Transfusions: Receiving contaminated blood or blood products from an HIV-infected person, though this is rare in countries with rigorous blood screening processes.

  5. Exposure to Infected Blood: Healthcare workers or others may be at risk if they come into contact with HIV-infected blood through needlesticks or other injuries.

  6. Organ Transplants: In rare cases, receiving an organ or tissue transplant from an HIV-infected donor can transmit the virus.

Symptoms

1. Acute HIV Infection (Early Stage)

  • Timeframe: 2-4 weeks after exposure
  • Symptoms:
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Rash
    • Night sweats
    • Muscle aches
    • Sore throat
    • Fatigue
    • Swollen lymph nodes
    • Mouth ulcers
  • Note: These symptoms are often described as “flu-like” and may be mild or severe. They usually resolve on their own, and some people may not notice them.

2. Clinical Latency (Chronic HIV)

  • Timeframe: Can last several years without symptoms
  • Symptoms:
    • Often asymptomatic
    • Some may experience mild, ongoing symptoms like swollen lymph nodes
  • Note: The virus is still active but reproduces at very low levels. Without treatment, HIV can eventually progress to AIDS.

3. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

  • Timeframe: Usually occurs when the immune system is severely damaged
  • Symptoms:
    • Rapid weight loss
    • Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
    • Extreme and unexplained fatigue
    • Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands
    • Diarrhea that lasts more than a week
    • 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 neurologic disorders
  • Note: At this stage, the immune system is badly damaged, and the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers that are characteristic of AIDS.
Clinical symptoms of AIDS

Stages of The Disease

1. Initial (Acute) Stage:

  • Duration: This stage lasts from the onset of symptoms until they stop worsening, typically lasting 1 to 4 weeks.
  • Symptoms: The initial stage is marked by rapid onset of symptoms such as tingling, muscle weakness, and pain. Weakness often begins in the legs and spreads to the arms and upper body. Some individuals may experience severe symptoms like paralysis or difficulty breathing as the condition progresses.
  • Key Focus: Early detection and treatment are crucial during this stage to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

2. Plateau Stage:

  • Duration: The plateau stage usually lasts from several days to a few weeks.
  • Symptoms: During this stage, symptoms stabilize and do not worsen, but the person may still be severely affected. Weakness and paralysis may persist, and the individual may experience difficulty with movement, breathing, and other functions.
  • Key Focus: Monitoring and supportive care are essential during this stage to prevent secondary complications, such as infections or blood clots, and to provide respiratory support if needed.

3. Recovery Stage:

  • Duration: Recovery can take weeks to months, and sometimes longer.
  • Symptoms: Gradual improvement begins in this stage as the immune system stops attacking the nerves, and the body starts to repair the damaged myelin sheath or nerves. Muscle strength and sensation gradually return, typically in reverse order of the onset (i.e., improvements start in the upper body and move downward).
  • Key Focus: Rehabilitation, including physical therapy, is critical to help regain strength, coordination, and function. Some people may experience long-term effects, such as fatigue or residual weakness, but most people recover fully or nearly fully.

Treatment

1. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

  • Purpose: To reduce the viral load (amount of HIV in the blood) to undetectable levels, which helps to prevent the progression of HIV and reduces the risk of transmission.
  • Components: ART typically involves a combination of at least three different antiretroviral drugs from different classes to effectively target the virus and prevent resistance.

2. Classes of Antiretroviral Drugs

  • Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs): Block the reverse transcriptase enzyme that HIV uses to replicate.
  • Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs): Bind directly to reverse transcriptase and inhibit its activity.
  • Protease Inhibitors (PIs): Inhibit the protease enzyme, preventing the virus from maturing and becoming infectious.
  • Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs): Block the integration of HIV DNA into the host cell’s DNA.
  • Fusion Inhibitors: Prevent HIV from entering the host cells.
  • CCR5 Antagonists: Block the CCR5 co-receptor on the surface of certain immune cells that HIV uses to enter cells.

3. Adherence to Treatment

  • Importance: Consistent and correct use of ART is crucial for maintaining viral suppression and preventing drug resistance.
  • Monitoring: Regular medical appointments are necessary to monitor viral load, CD4 count, and potential side effects.

4. Managing Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: May include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and headaches. Most side effects are manageable and decrease over time.
  • Long-term Monitoring: Regular health check-ups are important to manage any long-term effects of the medication and overall health.

5. Preventive Measures

  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): For people at high risk of HIV infection, PrEP involves taking ART medications to prevent the virus from establishing an infection.
  • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): If exposed to HIV, taking ART within 72 hours can prevent infection.

6. Regular Health Check-ups

  • Monitoring: Regular tests to check viral load, CD4 count, and overall health.
  • Preventive Care: Regular screenings for opportunistic infections, vaccinations, and other health concerns.

7. Support and Counseling

  • Emotional Support: Counseling and support groups can help individuals manage the emotional and psychological aspects of living with HIV.

What Should You Avoid

  • Skipping medication
  • Unprotected sex
  • Sharing needles
  • Ignoring regular check-ups
  • Disregarding side effects
  • Substance abuse
  • Inadequate nutrition and exercise
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