HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that after entering the human body damages the immune system and can lead to AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS leads to death over time. However, HIV and AIDS are two different things. In the absence of adequate treatment, it takes about 10 years for HIV to develop AIDS. However, treatment slows the damage to the immune system and infected person may stay healthy for decades without developing AIDS.
What is HIV? Symptoms and Early Signs Of HIV
HIV virus spreads through sex (vaginal or anal). The chances of HIV transmission through oral sex is low. You can also get HIV from sharing syringes or needles. It may be acquired via transfusion of infected blood. Mother to child transmission happens during pregnancy while giving birth or breastfeeding.
After HIV virus enters your body, 40 to 90% of the infected patients develop flu-like symptoms that is termed as an acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). However, in some, the HIV symptoms may not appear for even years or even decades after the infection. Once the HIV enters your body, it stays lifelong. It cannot be cured but with certain medications, you can stay healthy and also the medicines lowers or stops the spread of the virus from one person to another. This is why it is very important HIV be detected early.
Mostly during the early stages of infection, there is no symptom. This is the reason one in five HIV infected do not know that they have HIV. It is very important that HIV is diagnosed to prevent its spread especially through unprotected sex and so it is very important to get tested for HIV.
Below are a few signs of HIV-positive
In later stages, there may be significant weight loss, vaginal infections, and menstrual irregularities, changes in nail, confusion and concentration difficulties. Also due to poor immune system, one may develop opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia etc.
Dear reader’s prevention is best to prevent HIV but if recently you have engaged yourself in high-risk behaviour like sharing needles or having sex without condom better get tested for HIV. HIV is much infectious in its early stage. If the test is positive, you can take necessary steps to prevent its spread and early treatment will keep you healthy for longer and prevent it from developing into AIDS.
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