Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection. HIV is considered a sexually transmitted infection transmitted through body fluids during vaginal or anal sex. It can also be spread by sharing needles and/or syringes with infected blood.
The virus attacks and weakens the immune system, which puts the affected individual at risk of death due to opportunistic infections and cancer.
Although there is currently no cure to fully eliminate the virus, there are good outcomes for survival if the condition is managed properly with antiretroviral therapy.
An acute HIV infection will present similar to the flu. Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches and night sweats.
In addition, the individual may also experience mouth ulcers, swollen lymph nodes and skin bumps/rash. Sometimes HIV will not trigger symptoms right away.
This means that it is important to get tested if you feel like you have been exposed to the virus.
The good news is that although HIV cannot be fully eliminated from the body, there are effective treatments that will result in good outcomes and prevent mortality. Treatment outcomes are the best if HIV is diagnosed early and treatment started promptly.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): If exposure is suspected, PEP can be taken as emergency measures within 72 hours. Consult with family doctor or emergency room/urgent care provider to receive a prescription. This is not for long-term treatment and not a solution for individuals that may be repeatedly exposed to HIV.
Combination antiretroviral therapy: Multiple antiretroviral agents with different mechanisms of action work together to suppress the HIV virus. With regular, ongoing use, the amount of HIV virus in the body will decrease and your immune system will be protected.
Being on consistent treatment also has the benefits of decreasing the chance of transmission and preventing drug resistance.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a complication of HIV infection and can be considered as the severe stage of the disease. If not managed, the HIV virus will gradually attack and kill off the host’s immune system, resulting in AIDS.
The human immune system is crucial to fight off any diseases, bacteria and viruses that the host may encounter. When the immune system is damaged, the body is at risk of opportunistic infections.
Some examples of opportunistic infections include oral sores caused by fungus, pneumonia, herpes outbreaks, cervical cancer, and lymphoma.
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