HIV Infection
HIV Infection
HIV Infection
HIV Infection
HIV stands for Human Immuno Deficiency Virus. As the name suggests this virus affects by creating deficiency of immunity in host body. This virus attacks the immune system of the person and makes it weaker. The body loses its mechanism to fight the infections. Hence once infected with HIV, the body becomes an easy target of infectious diseases. As the antibodies created by body fail to counter check the growth or foreign infections, the diseases becomes severe and in many cases it may prove fatal. HIV infection is very serious concern to human community as the victim becomes susceptible to many infections and diseases. The treatment and medication available for HIV infection is limited.
Causes
HIV may spread from one person through unsecured sexual intercourse, use of contaminated needles and syringes, through blood transfusion where the donor is infected and other media through which it may enter the blood stream. An infected mother may transfer the virus to her new born or later via breast feeding
As the symptoms of HIV infection are not prominent it is very hard to make out whether a person needs attention against the infection. However, unknowingly an already infected person may still transfer the virus through sexual intercourse. HIV infection is also prevalent in drug addicts who tend to use same syringe to take drug shots
HIV infection grows slowly and after infection it may take up to three months to show symptoms or positive results in blood tests. Due to lack of knowledge, people's carefree and casual attitude towards sex, this disease has taken its worst toll in many parts of the world
HIV Infection Symptoms and Signs
HIV itself is not a disease causing virus however it facilitates other agents spread diseases. It mars the body's mechanism to fight against foreign agents. An HIV positive person shows symptoms like fever, diarrhea, frequent yeast infection in vagina, headaches, mouth sores, fungal infections, loss of muscle elasticity and various forms of allergies.
The best indication is when a series of medication fail to treat the symptoms listed above. For example a wound may not heal for long even after regular medication and proper bandaging. When the symptoms last longer than normal known period, it should be taken as a positive indication.
The most deadly consequence of infection could lead the person to develop AIDS. Other consequences include fatal diseases like cancer, chronic wasting, dementia, lipodystrophy, candidiasis, cytomegalovirus, protozoan infections, MAC, pneumocystis, salmonella bacterial infection, tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis.
Detection
There are two most common tests available to test HIV Infection
ELISA test
HIV Western Blot Test
These tests detect the virus by looking for the presence of antibodies generated by the body to fight against the infection by HIV. Those who suspect infection and test show negative results, should undergo tests again after 3 months and should do the test at least 3-4 times to be sure. In case these test show positive results, one should seek medical attention. The doctor might ask for other test to ensure that the diagnosis of HIV infection were correct.
A simple test like WBC count may suggest the infection. If the platelets are lower in number, the body is losing its immunity to fight infections. A count less than 500 cells/ml is dangerous.
Treatment and Medication
Most prevalent and effective way of being safe is prevention. However, in cases where the infection is already evident, one must seek medical attention. Drug therapy is recommended for patients with suppressed immunity. Pregnant women, kidney patients or patients with neurological disorders need special treatment. As the virus is known to become resistant to medication a dose should never be missed. People with HIV infection need to be education to ensure that they don't spread the virus
Precautions
Avoid unhealthy sexual participation and always use protection. It is very important that you know your partner's medical history
Avoid injected drugs and if indispensable use disposable and new syringe for every shot
Avoid oral, vaginal or anal contact with HIV infected person
People with the infection should not donate blood, plasma, sperms, eggs, organs and should not exchange genital fluids
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