TL;DR:
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus): Attacks the immune system, especially CD4+ T cells; can lead to AIDS if untreated.
- Transmission: By unprotected sex, needle sharing, pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- Symptoms: Early flu-like symptoms; asymptomatic phase may last years; advanced AIDS stage includes serious infections/cancers.
- HIV vs. AIDS: HIV is the virus; AIDS is the advanced stage with severe immune damage. Antiretroviral therapy (ARV) can control HIV and prevent AIDS.
- Diagnosis: Includes antibody and p24 antigen tests; early detection allows effective treatment.
- Treatment: ARV therapy inhibits viral replication; treatment continues into AIDS stage for managing complications.
- Infection risk: Varies by type of exposure; condoms and PrEP significantly reduce risk.
- Prevention and care: Early testing and ARV enable normal, healthy lives.
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus and is one of the most well-known yet feared diseases in the world. Despite medical advances and the availability of information, there are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding this virus. In the following post, we will take a closer look at the most important aspects of HIV – from the ways of infection, to symptoms, to treatment and prevention methods.
HIV – what is it?
HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system, especially CD4+ T lymphocytes, which are key to fighting infection. Long-term infection leads to a weakened immune system, which increases susceptibility to various infections and cancers. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), which is the final stage of infection caused by the virus. Ways to contract the virus include unsafe sexual intercourse with an infected person, sharing needles or injection tools with an infected person. In addition, transmission can take place during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
What are the symptoms of the virus?
The symptoms of HIV can vary depending on the stage of infection. In the early stages of infection, symptoms are mild and flu-like, while in the later stages they are very severe and associated with a weakened immune system. During the first weeks to a few months after infection, symptoms resemble the flu and include fever, sore throat, red rash on the skin or enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck and groin area. The first symptoms may therefore go unnoticed or be mistaken for other illnesses. The asymptomatic phase can last many years, with minimal or no symptoms. The virus may be active, but the infected person experiences no obvious symptoms. The chronic phase without treatment, on the other hand, can last many years. During this stage, symptoms are associated with a weakened immune system and include recurrent infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia and fungal skin infections. Patients notice uncontrolled weight loss, often associated with chronic diarrhea or lack of appetite. The advanced stage of HIV is AIDS. Severe symptoms and complications then occur, such as cancer or opportunistic infections that are rare in people with normal immune systems, such as tuberculosis, pneumocystis pneumonia. The symptoms of HIV in women and men are very similar. The differences are in the main symptoms related to the reproductive system. In men, there may be purulent discharge from the urethra. In women, on the other hand, pain in the lower abdomen, which is associated with inflammation of the uterus.
AIDS vs. HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) are two related but different terms for diseases associated with the virus. After initial infection, the virus may not cause any obvious symptoms for a long time. An infected person can live asymptomatically for many years while the virus gradually damages the immune system. HIV is controlled by the use of antiretroviral therapy, which inhibits the replication of the virus in the body, keeping its levels very low. With treatment, an infected person can lead a normal life and avoid developing AIDS. AIDS is an advanced stage of HIV infection and develops when the immune system is severely damaged as a result of prolonged infection. AIDS means that the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes falls below a certain level, and the body becomes susceptible to serious infections and cancers. AIDS symptoms involve the occurrence of serious infections, cancers and other health complications that are rarely seen in people with normal immune systems. When HIV progresses to AIDS, treatment is still crucial, but managing the disease can be more complicated. ARV therapy is still used, but AIDS treatment may require additional interventions.
In Poland, HIV infects mostly young people. In 2016, men (87%) were by far the dominant group among the newly infected. People among whom HIV infection was diagnosed were: 33% aged 20-29 years – 417 cases of HIV infection, 38% aged 30-39 years – 478 cases, 6% were 40-49 years old – 194 people.
What does HIV diagnosis consist of?
Diagnosis involves a series of tests and procedures to detect the presence of the virus in the body. Early detection is key to effective treatment and preventing further spread of the virus. The HIV test is one of the diagnostic methods. The test detects antibodies produced by the body in response to infection. Rapid tests are available that provide a result in minutes, and are usually performed using a blood sample from a finger or an oral mucosal swab. Laboratory tests, on the other hand, are performed from a blood sample taken in a laboratory. They require several days to obtain results.
Tests for the p24 antigen are also carried out. They detect this antigen, a viral protein that is present in the early stages of infection, before the body produces antibodies. These tests can detect infection as early as 2 weeks after infection.
What is the treatment based on?
The basis of treatment is antiretroviral therapy, which involves the use of drugs that inhibit the replication of the virus in the body. ARV does not cure HIV, but effectively controls the virus, allowing the infected person to lead a healthy life. there are also many groups of drugs used in ARV therapy, such as reverse transcriptase inhibitors, which inhibit the enzyme responsible for replicating the virus. Protease inhibitors block the protease enzyme, which is necessary for the production of new virus particles. ARV treatment usually involves a combination of drugs to reduce the risk of drug resistance of the virus. Therapy starts with several drugs, and regimens vary depending on the patient's needs and response to treatment. ARV therapies remain the mainstay of treatment for AIDS as well. Treatment requires specific antibiotic, antifungal or antiparasitic drugs depending on the infection.
What is the risk of infection?
The risk of HIV infection after a single sexual intercourse can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of contact, condom use, the HIV stage of the partner and overall health. The risk of infection of vaginal intercourse varies depending on whether a person is exposed to bodily fluids. The risk for a man is lower than for a woman because vaginal tissues are more vulnerable. For a single unprotected exposure for a man, it is about 0.04%. For a woman, on the other hand, it is 0.1% (10 times higher than for a man). read more about HIV prevention. The riskiest form of sexual intercourse in terms of transmission, for both women and men, is anal intercourse. The risk of infection for men then is 0.11% (11 times higher than during vaginal intercourse), and for women (1.4% (14 times higher). The use of condoms significantly reduces the risk of infection. The virus can also be present in body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and brand milk. The risk of infection increases if there is a large amount of virus in the partner's body or if there is damage to mucous membranes. HIV is a very serious disease, but modern medicine offers effective treatments and prevention (learn about PrEP) that allow people to live a normal, healthy life. The key is early detection of the infection and awareness of the risks or methods of protection. At the OT.CO Clinic, we offer a wide range of diagnostic tests and comprehensive care for those infected with the virus.
Conclusion
Understanding HIV is key to overcoming its stigma and ensuring effective care. From its methods of transmission to diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment, we've explored its complexities and the advancements in managing the virus. Early detection, safe practices, and antiretroviral therapy can save lives and prevent progression to AIDS. Knowledge empowers us, and modern medicine provides tools to live a healthy life with HIV. Take action, stay informed, and seek the right support to manage this condition effectively.
