Content:
Overview
Content on this page:
Overview
Content on this page:
Overview
Overview
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s
immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial
for fighting infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition characterized by a
severely weakened immune system.
HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. As the infection progresses, individuals may experience weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and opportunistic infections.HIV is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the virus or the antibodies produced in response to it.
Common tests include ELISA and Western blot tests.While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the infection, allowing individuals to live long, healthy lives. ART reduces the viral load to undetectable levels, significantly lowering the risk of transmission.
HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. As the infection progresses, individuals may experience weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and opportunistic infections.HIV is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the virus or the antibodies produced in response to it.
Common tests include ELISA and Western blot tests.While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the infection, allowing individuals to live long, healthy lives. ART reduces the viral load to undetectable levels, significantly lowering the risk of transmission.