Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the full form of HIV. The virus tends to lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if undiagnosed. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot completely get rid of HIV even with adequate medical care. Once HIV invades the human body, the individual will have it for life.
HIV originated in subhuman primates and gradually spread to humans over the ages. Although this disease has been around for a long time, it was clinically diagnosed in the 1980s. It has since spread throughout the world and has killed over 25 million people to date.
How HIV infection spreads
HIV has a long incubation period before it can begin to affect the immune system, which is almost ten years. The immune system is the human body's natural defense mechanism and therefore HIV makes it difficult for the patient to fight diseases. HIV destroys a specific group of WBCs and T-helper cells (CD4 cells). Even this virus makes its own copies in these cells. HIV infection is transmitted in the following ways.
- Unprotected sexual contact with someone who is already infected.
- Reuse needles used by an infected individual.
- From the infected mother through the placenta to the child.
- A person infected by a blood transfusion.
Symptoms of HIV
Generally, the symptoms of HIV infection appear after a long time. Some of the possible symptoms that people infected with HIV often experience are as follows
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Swollen glands
- Joint ache
- Sore throat
- Upset stomach
HIV prevention methods
- A test called ELISA, short for Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay, can detect HIV infection. AIDS is still incurable; therefore, HIV prevention is the wisest solution.
- Another important factor is AIDS awareness. Since it is not spread by mere physical contact, infected individuals must not be targeted and should be treated pleasantly.
- Do not share razors, toothbrushes, syringes, needles, etc. with anyone.