AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which weakens the body's immune system and makes a person susceptible to infections and diseases. It is a dangerous and deadly disease that can only be fought with awareness and prevention. HIV is a virus that attacks immune system cells, especially CD4 lymphocytes, and destroys them over time. After HIV enters the body, the immune system becomes weak against all kinds of infections and diseases, to the point that a person dies from a simple infectious disease. With the reduction of these cells, the body loses its ability to fight infections and some cancers. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, in which the immune system is severely damaged. This disease remains one of the major global public health problems, targeting the body's white blood cells and weakening the immune system.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of this disease are usually divided into 3 categories: acute infection, chronic infection, and AIDS
. Acute infection: Symptoms are similar to the flu
. Chronic infection: A period of 1 to 10 years in which the virus is present in the person's body. But the person is unaware of it and is weakening the immune system.
. Disease: At this stage, the person is infected with AIDS and faces symptoms such as lung and skin problems. If the person did not notice the disease in the first and second stages. At this stage, the disease manifests itself with more dangerous symptoms.
HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection
Early stage
Fever
Headache
Hives
Sore throat
Muscle and joint pain
Skin rash
As the disease progresses and the CD4 cell count decreases, other signs and symptoms develop
Swollen lymph nodes
Weight loss
Recurrent fevers
Night sweats
Persistent fatigue
Recurrent infections
Diarrhea
Cough
People with untreated HIV infection can develop serious illnesses, such as
Cryptococcal meningitis
Tuberculosis
Cancers such as lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma
Severe bacterial infections
Hepatitis B and C, which can make other infections, such as HIV, worse.
If a person is at risk for HIV infection or experiences suspicious symptoms, they should see a doctor. Early diagnosis can help start treatment sooner and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.
Prevention factors
Not having multiple sexual partners and using condoms during sex
Limiting sexual partners
Not using contaminated syringes
Maintaining pregnancy health before trying to get pregnant
Not using other people's hygiene items
Transmission methods
Bloodborne
Breast milk
Semen
Vaginal discharge
Behaviors and conditions that put people at higher risk of getting HIV
. Having anal or vaginal sex without a condom
Having other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis
Sharing needles, syringes, and other contaminated injection equipment or drug solutions when injecting drugs
Receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions, or tissue transplants, and medical procedures that involve unsterile cutting or piercing. Or accidental needlestick injuries, especially among health care workers
Mothers who are breastfeeding can easily pass the virus to their babies through breastfeeding
Diagnosis
HIV diagnosis includes various tests that check for the presence of antibodies, combination tests, molecular tests, and a confirmatory Western blot test.
Antibody Tests
This test is based on the detection of antibodies produced by the body's immune system against the HIV virus. Since antibodies usually appear in the blood a few weeks after infection, these tests are reliable after 3 to 12 weeks from the time of possible contact with the virus
ELISA test: One of the most common initial tests that requires a confirmatory test if the results are positive
Combination (antibody-antigen) or fourth-generation tests
These tests detect, in addition to HIV antibodies, the P24 antigen, which is part of the structure of the virus and appears in the body earlier than antibodies. These tests are more accurate than antibody tests because they detect infection more quickly (about 2 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus).
Molecular Testing
. Molecular testing (PCR) is one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing HIV, which can be used for early diagnosis in people suspected of acute HIV infection and identifies the virus before its antibodies appear in the body.
RT-PCR: Used to directly detect HIV RNA in the blood. This test can detect HIV infection in the early stages (even before antibodies are produced). It is also used to measure the viral load in people with HIV. To evaluate the rate of virus replication and the effectiveness of treatment. This test is a good alternative to AIDS serology tests. Because PCR detects the virus itself, AIDS serology tests detect antibodies that the body's immune system produces against HIV. This test can be used to detect this virus before antibodies are produced in the body.
Western blot confirmation test
. Western blot: A confirmatory test for HIV. This test detects HIV virus proteins in the blood. It is very accurate. It is capable of detecting proteins in small amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HIV and how is it transmitted
It is a virus that attacks the immune system and can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
What is the difference between AIDS and HIV
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. While AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection in which the immune system is severely weakened.
What are the early symptoms of HIV infection
Early symptoms may include: fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes, which usually appear within a few weeks of infection.
How do I know if I have HIV
The only sure way to diagnose the virus is with a blood test.
Is there a cure for HIV
There is currently no cure for HIV. However, antiviral medications can control the spread of the virus and improve the quality of life for those infected.
How can you prevent HIV
Using condoms during sex, avoiding sharing needles and syringes, and getting tested regularly can reduce your risk of HIV.
Can HIV be transmitted through non-sexual contact
No. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing eating utensils, or insect bites.
Can you live a long and healthy life with HIV
Yes, with proper treatment and good hygiene, people with HIV can live a long and healthy life.
Can women with HIV get pregnant and have a healthy baby
Yes, with proper medical care, women with HIV can get pregnant and reduce the risk of passing the virus to their baby.
Is there a vaccine to prevent HIV
There is currently no effective vaccine to prevent HIV. However, research is ongoing.
Resources
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
https://doctoreto.com/blog/free-aids-test-centers
https://www.iranhiv.com