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HIV
HIV Information
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a gradual deterioration of the body's immune system. The virus typically kills or disables CD4+T cells, also referred to as T-helper cells, over the course of the infection. These cells are crucial to the body's immune system, as they signal other cells in the immune system to perform their own specific functions. When the number of CD4+T cells falls below a certain number, the body may become susceptible to certain infections and cancers.
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This latter stage of HIV infection may be referred to as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. People suffering from AIDS may experience infections in many parts of the body and may suffer from extreme weight loss, diarrhea, neurological conditions and different forms of cancer.
People infected with HIV may experience flu like symptoms 2-4 weeks after infection. This is called acute HIV infection, as symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, malaise and muscle soreness. Patients experiencing acute HIV infection may also experience vomiting, nausea, headache, yeast infection, enlarged liver and spleen and neurological symptoms.
Patients may be very infectious during this period, so recognizing symptoms of this stage of the infection may be important. Patients complaining of these symptoms may be misdiagnosed, as these symptoms may be reflective of other illnesses. The HIV virus may be spread through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.
Engaging in an unprotected sexual activity and sharing needles may be common ways of transmitting the virus. The virus may also be spread from mother to unborn child or, in rare cases, through blood transfusions. This may be more common in less developed nations, as blood used for transfusions should be routinely checked for infection.
Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for HIV or AIDS. Treatment for HIV may involve a combination of medications referred to as HAART. HAART may not cure or remove symptoms of HIV, but people treated with HAART may experience a drastic improvement in quality of life and may live very healthy lives. The effectiveness of HAART may vary greatly among patients, as the treatment may not benefit some patients as much as it may benefit others. A health care professional may be able to offer further recommendations for treating and living with HIV and AIDS.
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People infected with HIV may experience flu like symptoms 2-4 weeks after infection. This is called acute HIV infection, as symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, malaise and muscle soreness. Patients experiencing acute HIV infection may also experience vomiting, nausea, headache, yeast infection, enlarged liver and spleen and neurological symptoms.
Patients may be very infectious during this period, so recognizing symptoms of this stage of the infection may be important. Patients complaining of these symptoms may be misdiagnosed, as these symptoms may be reflective of other illnesses. The HIV virus may be spread through direct contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.
Engaging in an unprotected sexual activity and sharing needles may be common ways of transmitting the virus. The virus may also be spread from mother to unborn child or, in rare cases, through blood transfusions. This may be more common in less developed nations, as blood used for transfusions should be routinely checked for infection.
Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for HIV or AIDS. Treatment for HIV may involve a combination of medications referred to as HAART. HAART may not cure or remove symptoms of HIV, but people treated with HAART may experience a drastic improvement in quality of life and may live very healthy lives. The effectiveness of HAART may vary greatly among patients, as the treatment may not benefit some patients as much as it may benefit others. A health care professional may be able to offer further recommendations for treating and living with HIV and AIDS.
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