How Does HIV Affect the Body?
HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a serious and complicated disease affecting millions worldwide.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, which is the body’s biological defense against infections and diseases. When left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, the most advanced form of HIV.
In this article, we aim to nourish an essential knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including its definition, how it is transmitted, and how it affects the body. By comprehending these key concepts, we can satisfactorily understand the significance of HIV testing and prevention.
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (also known as T cells), which enable the body to fight against infections. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, and it happens when HIV has severely damaged the immune system. When an HIV-positive person’s CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm3 (the normal range is 500–1,500 cells/mm3), they are considered to have AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). AIDS is also described as developing opportunistic infections or diseases resulting from a severely drained immune system. These may contain Kaposi’s sarcoma, Pneumocystis pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Notably, we can suppress HIV with antiretroviral therapy and control the progression to AIDS. However, HIV is a chronic disease, and there is currently no cure.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is transmitted by exchanging particular body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV can be transmitted in several ways, including:
Sexual contact: when an HIV-positive person’s blood, semen, or vaginal fluids come into contact with the mucous membranes or open wounds of an HIV-negative person.
Injection drug misuse: When an HIV-positive person’s blood comes into contact with another person’s bloodstream through shared syringes or other injection equipment.
Mother-to-child transmission: HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during gestation, delivery, or breastfeeding if the mother is HIV-positive and has not received treatment.
It is critical to use effective prevention methods, such as condoms, clean needles, and ART for HIV-positive pregnant mothers, to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. It is also essential to get tested for HIV regularly, especially if you are at high risk of HIV exposure.
How does HIV affect the body?
HIV attacks the immune system by destroying CD4 cells, the type of white blood cells that assist in attacking infections and diseases. As HIV progresses, it causes a plunge in the number of CD4 cells in the body, which lead to a weakened immune system.
If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS. It is vital for people with HIV to obtain day-to-day medical supervision and take their medications as specified to subdue the virus and hinder the advancement of HIV to AIDS. With appropriate remedy and care, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives.
Conclusion:
To sum up, HIV/AIDS is a serious and complicated disease that affects the immune system. In addition, it can lead to the evolution of opportunistic infections and diseases. It is transmitted by exchanging bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, and can be transmitted through sexual contact, injection drug use, as well as mother-to-child transmission.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment possibilities for HIV/AIDS are essential for the effective prevention and management of the disease. HIV testing and early treatment are crucial for controlling the progression of HIV to AIDS and improving the overall health and quality of life of HIV-positive individuals.
References:
“HIV 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding HIV/AIDS.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/hiv-101.
“What Is HIV/AIDS?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html.
“HIV/AIDS Basics.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/hiv/topics/basic/en/.
