How Is Hiv Treated
There are many ways to treat the different stages of HIV, but they usually involve a combination of two or three antiretroviral drugs . One focus of s work to date has been to make ARVs available to mothers in developing countries. To avoid passing HIV from mother to child, the World Health Organization recommends a regimen of three drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding for the mother and a six-week course of a drug called nevirapine for their newborn babies.
These drugs can have side effects, including nausea, headaches, anemia and depression, but if treated, the life expectancy of an HIV positive person is comparable to someone whos HIV-free. If it isnt treated, the virus will lower a persons immunity, causing them to develop AIDS.
When Aids Is Diagnosed
In the past, HIV and AIDS were largely considered synonymous because the progression of the disease was rapid and there was no treatment to slow its progression.
However, the route from infection to illness is not a straight line, and there are definitions that distinguish HIV infection from AIDS.
The bulk of serious opportunistic infections occurs when the number of CD4 T cells drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter . By contrast, a normal CD4 count is between 500 and 1,200 .
There are also people with CD4 counts above 200 who develop potentially life-threatening infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a revised definition of AIDS in 2014 that largely remains intact today. According to the CDC, AIDS is diagnosed when:
- The CD4 count drops below 200 cells/mm
- A person with HIV gets any one of 27 AIDS-defining conditions, opportunistic infections that are rarely seen except among people who are severely immunocompromised
Hiv And Aids Transmission
- Myth: HIV can be transmitted simply by being around people who are HIV-positive.
- Fact: As WebMD explains, HIV cant be transmitted via touch, sweat, tears, saliva or urine. Its perfectly safe to hug, kiss, shake hands, share eating utensils and use the same gym equipment as someone with HIV.
- Myth: If both partners are HIV-positive, they dont have to practice safe sex.
- Fact: HIV has many different strains, and new strains may arise that are resistant to current ART approaches.
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Hiv And Aids Prevention
The CDC has set a goal of reducing new HIV infections by 90% by 2030, an objective made difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic, the continuing opioid crisis, and continuing gaps in health care for at-risk populations. The ultimate goal of medical researchers, health care workers, and government officials is to end the HIV epidemic by applying a diverse arsenal of preventive measures.
- The most effective methods of preventing HIV infection are abstinence, always using a condom when having sex, and never sharing hypodermic needles.
- Medications that help prevent HIV infection include Truvada and Descovy for pre-exposure prophylaxis , a treatment regimen that is taken daily and intended to prevent HIV infection before potential exposure, and post-exposure prophylaxis , a preventive treatment regimen that must be taken within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV.
- Researchers are working on long-acting medications and treatments to prevent HIV infection, including a form of the HIV drug cabotegravir thats injected once every eight weeks.
Other approaches under investigation to prevent HIV and AIDs are monoclonal antibodies that block both HIV and COVID-19 long-acting drugs, such as lenacapavir and HIV treatment regimens that are begun during pregnancy using dolutegravir and efavirenz .
Why Do People Often Confuse Hiv And Aids And Why Is This Harmful
Dr Win-Leung Siu explains that history plays a large part in misconceptions and confusion surrounding HIV and AIDS.
“When they first appeared in significant numbers in the 1970s-80s, there was very little treatment. If you were diagnosed with HIV, it was probable you would develop, and perhaps die from, AIDS. This led to the belief that HIV was inevitably going to result in early death. I think it’s key to point out that, as with many illnesses, doctors would recognise the illness before they discover the cause. In this case, they were aware of AIDS but not so much the virus HIV. So, during the early days of diagnosis, doctors would recognise the illness we now call AIDs first before making the connection to HIV.”
The misconceptions around the conditions often prevent those concerned about their health from getting tested. As long as there is shame attached to being HIV positive, cases will go undetected for longer than necessary. While society has progressed, there needs to be more education surrounding living with HIV, so people understand that it can be managed on a daily basis. Myths are still very prevalent, suggesting that being diagnosed with HIV is a death sentence, but that isn’t the case anymore.
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I Was Told That Hiv And Aids Are The Same Thing Is There A Difference Between The Two
Yes, there is a difference between HIV and AIDS.
HIV is a virus that attacks an individuals immune system. HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids. It is NOT spread through water, air, pets, or toilet seats.
AIDS develops once HIV has severely damaged the bodys immune system. People may not know they are living with HIV until it becomes AIDS, so its crucial that people know their HIV status. If someone is living with HIV, taking their medicine as prescribed can reduce or stop the progression of the virus to AIDS.
What Is The Outlook
No cure exists for either HIV or HPV at this time.
Most of the time, however, HPV causes no long-term health problems. The overall outlook depends on any conditions that result from HPV and screening frequency.
With current treatments, HIV can be managed and viral loads made undetectable. Effective medications and treatment now dramatically extend life expectancy.
A vaccine for HPV is available for both men and women.
People should get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12. People who receive the vaccine
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What Is The Human
It is a virus that weakens the immune system, leaving people vulnerable to other illnesses and infections. The virus attacks the CD4 cells in an individual’s immune system and lowers the body’s ability to fight off illnesses. The white blood cells can fight several viruses in the body. However, some viruses like HIV can never be eliminated once they enter the body. HIV infection is a life-long condition since there is no cure, although there are several scientists working to find a cure. However, Individuals with HIV cannot develop AIDS if they take antiretroviral treatment at the early stages of infection. Such treatments can help minimize the effects of HIV by either halting or slowing its progression. Antiretroviral therapy helps lower the amount of the virus in the body to undetectable levels. At such low levels, the body of an infected person can stay healthy, and HIV cannot be transmitted to other people.
Use Of Online Tools For Hiv And Aids Education
The CDCs HIV/AIDS Prevention Tools page features links to prevention programs available from the agency and from its partners:
- The CDCs Intervention Research page describes evidence-based interventions and replicating effective programs .
- The CDCs Effective Interventions page includes information on diagnosing, treating, responding and preventing HIV infections.
- The CDCs Whats New page links to the latest information on the agencys website relating to preventing HIV and AIDS.
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Hiv Is An Infection That Can Lead To Aids
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Its a virus that breaks down certain cells in your immune system . When HIV damages your immune system, its easier to get really sick and even die from infections that your body could normally fight off.
About 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and more than 38,000 new infections happen every year. Most people with HIV dont have any symptoms for many years and feel totally fine, so they might not even know they have it.
Once you have HIV, the virus stays in your body for life. Theres no cure for HIV, but medicines can help you stay healthy. HIV medicine lowers or even stops your chances of spreading the virus to other people. Studies show that using HIV treatment as directed can lower the amount of HIV in your blood so much that it might not even show up on a test when this happens, you cant transmit HIV through sex.Treatment is really important . Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS. But with medicine, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and stop the spread of HIV to others.
Resources For Hiv And Aids Prevention
These are among the U.S. government agencies that provide helpful information for individuals and health care professionals about the most effective approaches for preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HIV National Strategic Plan The plan presents the departments strategy for ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S. by 2030 by preventing new infections and improving health outcomes for people with HIV.
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How Do I Take Care Of Myself With Hiv
The best way to take care of yourself while living with HIV is to follow your treatment plan.
- Make sure to take your medications as prescribed and on time.
- Show up to all appointments so your healthcare team can monitor how youre feeling and know if theres a need to adjust your treatment.
- Follow your healthcare providers recommendations on how to avoid additional illnesses.
How Long Does It Take Hiv To Turn Into Aids
If left untreated, HIV takes about 8-10 years to progress to AIDS. However, thanks to advances in HIV treatment, many do not progress to stage 3 and develop AIDS at all. In fact, they are able to live long, quality-filled lives. With that said, even with successful antiretroviral treatment, HIV is not curable at all.
Hence, to protect yourself and others from infection, you should always:
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How Can I Know If I Have Hiv
You cant tell if someone has HIV just by looking at them, and you may not have any symptoms if youre infected by HIV. The only way to know if you have HIV is to take an HIV test.
Since nearly 1 out of 7 people with HIV dont know it, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends screening people between the ages of 13 to 64 at least once as part of routine healthcare. This test is voluntary and confidential.
Support Groups And Resources For People Who Have Hiv Or Aids
Peer support is effective in helping people meet the challenges associated with HIV and AIDS. Peer support can reduce anxiety and depression, relieve symptoms, and assist people in maintaining treatment regimens. Healthline describes the work that many online HIV/AIDS support forums do. Some of these include:
- POZ Community Forums provides moderated discussion boards with information about a diagnosis, treatment, and community resources.
- HIV/AIDS TherapyTribe is an online space where people can offer advice and moral support to others who share their experiences with HIV and AIDS.
- The Well Project allows women and girls who are living with HIV to participate in moderated forums and read about the experiences of others who are in the same situation.
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What Are The Treatments For Hiv/aids
There is no cure for HIV infection, but it can be treated with medicines. This is called antiretroviral therapy . ART can make HIV infection a manageable chronic condition. It also reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Most people with HIV live long and healthy lives if they get and stay on ART. It’s also important to take care of yourself. Making sure that you have the support you need, living a healthy lifestyle, and getting regular medical care can help you enjoy a better quality of life.
Incorporating Hiv And Aids Education In Community Outreach
The National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States: Federal Action Plan, which the federal government originally published in 2015, was updated in 2020. The plan highlights the important role played by community-based organizations , healthcare providers and informal networks of people who have HIV in achieving the goal of making new infections rare and ultimately nonexistent.
Another important goal of the federal strategy is to ensure that everyone whos living with HIV has access to quality care and has the opportunity to live a full, healthy life free of discrimination and stigma. The plan calls for the CDC to support community mobilization efforts to strengthen CBOs social network strategies. It also recommends national campaigns targeting segments of the population who are at the greatest risk of contracting HIV.
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If I Test Positive For Hiv Does That Mean Im Going To Die
No. Thanks to amazing advances in medicine, such as antiretroviral therapy which helps stop the progression of HIV to AIDSHIV is no longer considered a death sentence.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV, so once people get it, they have it for life. However, if people living with HIV take their medication as prescribed, they can lead healthy lives.
How Do You Prevent The Transmission Of Hiv
Thankfully, we’ve come a long way. Today, there is a big push to educate people around transmission and safe sex particularly about condom use. is helping to prevent the spread of HIV in African countries by supporting reproductive health education and youth engagement initiatives, especially among young women. Those at high risk of contracting HIV can also consider pre-exposure prophylaxis , taking a daily HIV medication to help fend off the virus.
The conversation around HIV is always changing. While we’re far from the crisis of the past, we still have a long way to go to fully end the transmission of HIV. Thats what makes people power so important. Together, we can equip people with the knowledge and tools needed to manage even extinguish the virus. Join in working towards a future free of HIV.
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Prep Can Offer Protection
can protect themselves through pre-exposure prophylaxis .
Under the brand name Truvuda, this pill contains two medications tenofovir and emtricitabine that can stop the virus from taking hold, even if exposure occurs.
According to the CDC, consistent use of PrEP can reduce the chance of infection by up to 92 percent.
According to the 2019 guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, only people with a recent negative HIV test result are suitable candidates for PrEP. Those with a high risk of HIV should take PrEP once per day.
The symptoms of HIV vary widely. They depend on the individual, management of the virus, and the stage of the condition.
Hiv Infection Can Be Diagnosed By A Simple Test
On HIV transmission, the immune system produces antibodies against the virus. A blood or saliva test can detect those antibodies to determine if the virus is present. It can take several weeks after transmission for the HIV antibody test to come back positive.
Another test looks for antigens, which are proteins produced by the virus, and antibodies. This test can detect HIV just days after infection.
Both tests are accurate and easy to administer.
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How Does Hiv Spread
You can get HIV through the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk and rectal fluids of an infected person. People of all sexes and sexual orientations can get infected with and spread HIV.
The virus can enter your body through your mouth, anus, penis, vagina or broken skin. It cant get through your skin unless you have a cut or wound. Pregnant people with HIV can also give it to their babies.
Having sex without a condom and sharing needles to take drugs are the most common ways that HIV spreads. Even if you feel fine, you can still give HIV to others.
Whats The Difference Between Hiv And Aids
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. And people with HIV do not always have AIDS.
HIV is the virus thats passed from person to person. Over time, HIV destroys an important kind of the cell in your immune system that helps protect you from infections. When you dont have enough of these CD4 cells, your body cant fight off infections the way it normally can.
AIDS is the disease caused by the damage that HIV does to your immune system. You have AIDS when you get dangerous infections or have a super low number of CD4 cells. AIDS is the most serious stage of HIV, and it leads to death over time.
Without treatment, it usually takes about 10 years for someone with HIV to develop AIDS. Treatment slows down the damage the virus causes and can help people stay healthy for several decades.
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How Is Hiv Diagnosed
HIV is diagnosed with either a test of your blood or your spit . You can take a test at home, in a healthcare providers office or at a location that provides testing in your community.
If your test comes back negative, no further testing is required if:
- You havent had a possible exposure in the previous three months before testing with any kind of test.
- You havent had a possible exposure within the window period for a test done with a blood draw.
If you have had a possible exposure within three months of testing, you should consider retesting to confirm the negative result.
If your test comes back positive, the lab may do follow-up tests to confirm the result.