HIV ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as the name indicates, is a human immune virus. It attacks the immune system of the body, which defend against diseases, and infections, and fights viruses, bacteria, and other substances that may harm or threaten the normal functioning of the body. HIV, by damaging the immune system, makes the body more vulnerable and exposed to different kinds of diseases and infections. If you have HIV or think you are prone to HIV then consult for medical help and know about the signs and symptoms of HIV.
How to know if you have HIV?
The simplest way to know if you have HIV is to seek medical help and get tested for HIV. You can get tested for HIV easily by visiting a hospital, or health care center., You can also consult any nearby health providers and ask them to guide you. You can test for HIV at home by buying HIV testing kits. But, we recommend consulting for medical help if you think you have HIV because they have expertise in the required field.
Signs and Symptoms of HIV
Symptoms of HIV appear after 2 to 6 weeks of infection. Signs and symptoms of HIV vary depending upon the stage of HIV. They are somehow similar to other viral diseases like flu. Some of the common signs and symptoms of HIV include:
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unusual fatigue or tiredness
- Ulcers( of mouth, esophagus, genitals, or anus)
- the appearance of red rashes on the torso
- getting other infections( Usually in the 2nd stage)
- AIDS(It is the third stage of HIV)
3 Different Stages of HIV infection
How does HIV Spread?
How spreads mainly through body fluids such as :
- Semen
- vaginal fluids
- Blood
- Rectal or anal fluids
- Milk (Breastfeeding)
These fluids enter the body through mucus membranes, lesions, cuts, or wounds, or by injections to cause HIV.
Means of HIV Spread.
HIV spread in different ways. Some of the ways through which HIV spreads include:
Unprotected Vaginal or Anal Sex
HIV is the most common sexually transmitted disease(STD). It occurs when HIV positive body comes in contact with an HIV-negative body, and the transfer of vaginal and anal fluid occurs. It is the most common cause of the spread of HIV.
Unsafe blood transfusions and injections
Blood transfusions must be done carefully. When the blood of HIV positive donor is transferred into the blood of HIV negative person, it leads to HIV. Reuse of injections and other medical equipment is another leading cause of HIV.
Other less common means of HIV spread include:
- Organ or tissue transplant
- Oral Sex
- Eating pre-chewed food of the HIV-positive person
- From bites of HIV patients
- Deep and open mouth kissing( In case if HIV positive partner has bleeding gums or sore in the mouth)
- Razors and needles
Can I get rid of HIV?
No, you can not get rid of HIV. However, doctors recommend certain combinations of medications and treatments which can keep you in good health and reduce the spread of HIV speed in your body.
Once you are detected HIV positive then you have to learn to live with it. If you have HIV, then you are supposed to protect others from yourself as well.
Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS, therefore, treatment is important to keep your body protected from further damage.
Prevention from HIV
It is a common saying that “Prevention is better than cure.” Therefore, take precautions to prevent HIV and other similar diseases. You can take the following precautions:
- Avoid unnatural and unprotected sex activities
- Test blood for HIV before blood transfusions.
- Do not use already used needles or injections.
- Avoid sharing razors and other types of equipment at barber’s shops or salons
- Avoid physical contact with HIV patients( for example sex or kissing)
HIV awareness is necessary to educate people about the harms and consequences of the disease.HIV awareness can also help to lower the growing stats of HIV.
