What is HIV/AIDS?

Understanding HIV/AIDS

HIV and AIDS are terms often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct stages in the same disease process. This guide delves into the complexities of HIV/AIDS, explaining the virus, its effects on the body, and the advancements made in treatment and prevention.

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s a retrovirus, meaning it uses RNA (ribonucleic acid) as its genetic material instead of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) like most organisms. HIV specifically targets the body’s immune system, particularly CD4+ T cells, which play a critical role in fighting infections.

How Does HIV Work?

When HIV enters the body, it invades CD4+ T cells. Once inside, it uses the cell’s machinery to create copies of itself. These new HIV viruses then burst out of the infected cell, destroying it and seeking new healthy T cells to infect. This cycle of infection and destruction progressively weakens the immune system.

Stages of HIV Infection

HIV infection progresses through three stages:

  • Acute HIV Infection: This is the initial stage, lasting a few weeks after exposure to HIV. Flu-like symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes may occur, but some people experience no symptoms at all.
  • Chronic HIV Infection: This stage can last for many years, even decades, without any noticeable symptoms. During this time, the virus continues to replicate and damage the immune system, although at a slower pace.
  • AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): This is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely compromised. People with AIDS become susceptible to opportunistic infections and illnesses that a healthy immune system could normally fight off.

How is HIV Transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted through the following bodily fluids:

  • Blood: Sharing needles or syringes with someone infected with HIV. Receiving a blood transfusion before widespread HIV testing (no longer a concern in developed countries).
  • Semen: Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an HIV-positive person.
  • Vaginal and rectal fluids: Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an HIV-positive person.
  • Breast milk: Mothers with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies through breastfeeding. However, with proper treatment and precautions, the risk can be significantly reduced.

HIV is NOT Transmitted Through:

  • Casual contact: HIV cannot be spread through shaking hands, hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils.
  • Saliva: Swapping saliva through closed-mouth kissing poses negligible risk.
  • Sweat or tears: Casual contact with sweat or tears from an HIV-positive person is not a risk factor.
  • Mosquitoes or other insects: Insects cannot transmit HIV.

Living with HIV

Today, with proper medical care, HIV is a manageable chronic condition. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medications that significantly suppresses the HIV virus. By reducing viral replication, ART helps protect the immune system and prevent progression to AIDS. People living with HIV who adhere to their ART regimen can live long, healthy lives and achieve an undetectable viral load, meaning the virus is undetectable in their blood with standard tests. This significantly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

HIV Testing and Prevention

Early diagnosis of HIV is crucial for starting treatment promptly and preventing complications. Getting tested regularly is essential, especially for individuals at higher risk.

Several effective prevention methods can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission:

  • Safer Sex: Consistent and correct use of condoms during vaginal and anal sex is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission.
  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): This medication can be taken by HIV-negative individuals to significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sex or sharing needles.
  • PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, PEP medication can be taken within 72 hours to significantly reduce the risk of infection.
  • Harm Reduction Programs: These programs provide sterile needles and syringes to prevent the spread of HIV among people who inject drugs.
  • Treatment as Prevention (TasP): People living with HIV who achieve an undetectable viral load through ART have a negligible risk of transmitting the virus to others. TasP promotes widespread access to ART as a critical prevention strategy.

Living with Stigma

Despite significant advancements in treatment and prevention, stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV remain significant challenges.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Educate Yourself: Understanding HIV transmission and treatment can help dismantle myths and misconceptions.
  • Challenge Stigma: Speak out against discrimination and promote acceptance.
  • Show Support: Let people living with HIV know they are not alone.