HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, those who suffer from it are prone to various diseases, which tend to complicate and even lead to death.
Indeed, there are treatments that allow it to be controlled, but even so, a cure for this disease has not been discovered. It is therefore necessary to know more about this condition that affects more than 36.7 million people around the world.
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What is HIV?
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is a life-threatening condition if not treated in time. In addition, it is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. Likewise, it is acquired in childbirth, in breastfeeding, and without any type of treatment it evolves tragically.
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When it is in a more advanced stage, it causes infections to pose a greater risk. Because, the person is progressively weakening. Currently, there are medications that offer the possibility of leading a regular rhythm of life. For this reason, many developed countries have reduced deaths, since with these drugs they paralyze the progression of the disease.
Although the cure is not known, these procedures have improved the quality of life for people. It is worth mentioning that many people have no symptoms, they feel healthy and do not even know they are infected. Still, once the virus enters the body, it remains there for life, or at least until a cure is found. This is why it is important that everyone strives to lead a responsible sex life.
Symptoms
With regard to symptomatology. Many people are not likely to see any signs. Therefore, there is no suspicion about HIV in the body. However, a significant part experience discomfort similar to those of other types of viruses, batteries or fungi. This is because these They could appear after three or six weeks after the infection enters the body. Among the main signs of HIV infection are the following:
- Soft spot.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Joint pain.
- Shaking chills.
- Muscle pains.
- Involuntary weight loss
- Throat inflamation.
- Sweating at night
- Candidiasis
- Glandular enlargement.
- Cough.
- Headache.
- Eruption.
- Diarrhea.
In particular, the most advanced stage of the disease appears 8 to 10 years after contracting the virus. Highlighting that, the immune system is weakened, exposing those infected to complications with other infections. It is determined that the symptoms in this most serious stage would be the following:
- Sweat at night
- Blurry vision.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chronic diarrhea.
- Dry cough.
- Fever greater than 37 degrees.
- White spots on the tongue.
- Fatigue.
- Weightloss.
- Constant swelling of the glands,
What Causes AIDS?
Let’s see next what causes a person to get HIV. Taking into account that it is transmitted through blood, semen, anal fluids, vaginal secretions and breast milk:
- Unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse.
- Exchange of objects such as needles, when injecting or tattooing.
- During pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
- For blood transfusions (although this is unlikely, since in several countries patients are tested before donating).
- If the virus cannot be detected with a blood test, it is because there is a low viral load. In this sense, it cannot be transmitted to another individual even if they have contact with fluids such as those mentioned above. This is achieved as long as the treatment is followed to the letter, as prescribed.
On the other hand, it is necessary to understand that To reach stage 3 of AIDS, various factors influence the following:
- The ability of the body to defend itself against the virus.
- The age of the person.
- High quality medical care.
- The presence of other bacteria or infections.
How to avoid getting HIV?
There are various prevention measures to avoid getting infected, therefore, experts recommend:
- Avoid drug injections and sharing syringes at all times. Intravenous drug use is a key factor as a route of transmission. For this reason, sharing these items exposes people to contracting the virus. As well as, they could be triggers of other viral diseases, such as Hepatitis.
- When having sex either vaginally, or in any way, use protection such as condoms.
- Avoid exposure to bodily fluids. Especially when it comes to strangers. As an example: doctors to avoid having contact with contaminated blood use protection such as gloves and glasses.
- Infected women who are pregnant sometimes infect the baby in the process of birth. However, currently with the evolution of science there are ideal treatments to avoid infecting the fetus.
- Promote the dissemination of information about the disease, in order to keep people informed about risk factors. In this way, they will be prepared for the inconveniences that may arise and will avoid exposing themselves to contagion.
HIV treatments
Although this disease is the subject of countless studies, so far it has no cure, but there are still treatments that reduce the risks. They must be complied with as indicated by the specialist. Therefore, it will be necessary to take into account these recommendations:
- In order for it to be improved, it is important to adhere to the treatment rigorously according to the indications given by the doctor. The moment they stop taking them, they run the risk of endangering their life.
- In addition, follow the diets and recommendations of the experts, such as exercising, avoiding the consumption of drugs, tobacco or alcohol.
- Certain precautions must be taken to avoid illness or some other type of bacteria or virus. Because they tend to get complicated and present a higher risk of death.
- Avoid any type of worries or anguish, to avoid conditions triggered by stress.
Vaccine
This disease has been the subject of study for many years. In fact, a team of researchers has been working on presenting a therapeutic vaccine, the results of which have been encouraging. It is still in the testing process. But it is believed that it can reduce viral load.