HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that the immune system, the body's natural defense system attacks. Without a strong immune system the body has trouble fighting off disease. Both the virus if the infection caused HIV.
White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. HIV and certain white blood cells called CD4 + cells destroys. If too many CD4 + cells are destroyed, the body itself can no longer defend against infection.
The last stage of HIV infection is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). People with AIDS have a low number of CD4 + cells and get infections or cancer that rarely occur in healthy people. This can be deadly.
But with HIV does not mean that you have AIDS. Even without treatment, it takes a long time for HIV AIDS progress – usually 10 to 12 years. HIV is diagnosed before it is AIDS, medicines can slow down or stop the damage to the immune system. With treatment, many people with HIV to long and active life.
HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. You can get HIV by contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids.
Most people get by having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV is the virus.Another common way to get the virus is by sharing drug needles with someone who is infected with HIV.The virus can also be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
HIV does not survive well outside the body. So it may not be spread by casual contact such as kissing or sharing drinking glasses with an infected person.
HIV can no symptoms early on. people who have symptoms they can error for the flu or mono. Common early symptoms are:
Fever. Sore throat.Headache. muscle aches and pains in the joints.Swollen glands (swollen lymph nodes).Skin Rash.
Symptoms may appear from a few days to several weeks after a person first is infected. The early symptoms usually disappear within 2 to 3 weeks.
After the early symptoms disappear, can an infected person has no symptoms for many years. Without treatment the virus remains in the body grow and attack of the immune system. After a certain point, symptoms appear and then continue. These symptoms usually include:
Swollen lymph glands.Extreme fatigue.Weight loss.Fever Night sweat.
A doctor may suspect HIV if these symptoms last and no other cause may be found.
Treatment usually keeps the virus under control, and helps the immune system to stay healthy.
The u.s. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tests that HIV antibodies are found in the urine, liquid from the mouth (oral liquid), or blood approved. As a test on urine or oral fluid shows that you are infected with HIV, you probably need a blood test to confirm the results. If you have been exposed to HIV, will make your immune system antibodies to try to destroy the virus. Tests on the blood can find these antibodies in your blood.
Most doctors use two tests of the blood, called the ELISA and Western blot test. If the first ELISA is positive (which means HIV antibodies are found), the blood sample tested again. If the second test is positive, will the doctor to be sure to do a Western blot.
It takes as long as 6 months for HIV antibodies to show in a blood sample. If you think you have been exposed to HIV but you test negative for it:
Get tested again in 6 months to make sure that you are not affected.Meanwhile, steps to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are infected, you can still pass HIV to another person during this time.
Some people are afraid to be tested for HIV. But if there is a chance that you might be infected, it is very important to find out. HIV can be treated. Early treatment can slow down the virus and help you stay healthy. And you should know if you are infected so that you can prevent the spread of infection to other people.
You can get HIV tests in most doctors ' offices, health clinics, hospitals and clinics Planned Parenthood. You can also buy a home HIV test kit in a drugstore or by mail order. But be very careful to choose only a test approved by the u.s. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a home test is positive, consult a doctor to the result confirmed and to find out what to do.
The standard treatment for HIV is a combination of medicines called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Antiretroviral drugs slow down the rate at which the virus multiplies. These medicines can reduce the amount of virus in your body and help you stay healthy.
It may not be easy to find the best time to start the procedure. There are pros and cons on starting HAART before your CD4 + cell count is too low. Discuss this with your doctor so you available choices.
To check the HIV infection and its impact on your immune system, a doctor will do two tests:
Viral load, the amount of virus in your blood.Number of CD4 + cells, which shows how well your immune system works.
If you do not have symptoms and your CD4 + cell count at a healthy level, perhaps even treatment. Your doctor will repeat the tests on a regular basis to see how you are doing. If you have symptoms or some other health problems, you must start with the treatment, what your CD4 + count.
After you start treatment, it is important to your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. When the treatment doesn't work, it is often because HIV resistant for medicine has become. This can happen if you take your medications correctly. Ask your doctor if you have questions about your treatment.
Treatment is much easier to follow in the past few years. New combination medicines contain two or three different medications in one pill. Many people with HIV get the treatment they need by just one or two pills per day.
To stay healthy as possible during the treatment:
Don't smoke. People with HIV are more likely to have a heart attack or getting Lung cancer. 1, 2 non-smoking can these risks increase even more.Eat a healthy, balanced diet to keep track of your immune system strong.Getting regular physical activity to reduce stress and improve the quality of your life.No illegal drug use, and restrict your use of alcohol.
Learn everything you can about HIV so you can play an active role in your treatment. Your doctor can help you understand HIV and the best way to handle it. Also consider joining a support group for HIV. Support groups can be a great place to share information and emotions about HIV infection.
HIV can be spread by people who don't know they are infected. To protect yourself and others:
Practice safe sex. Use a condom every time you sex (including oral sex) have until you are sure that you and your partner are not infected with HIV.Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. The safest sex is with a partner who only has sex with you.Talk with your partner before the first time you have sex. Find out if he or she is at risk of HIV. Get together and retested 6 months later tested. In the meantime, use condoms.Do not drink much alcohol or use of illegal drugs for sex. You can down your guard and not practice safe sex.Don't share personal items such as toothbrushes and razors.Never share needles or syringes with everyone.
Frequently asked questions
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