HIV & AIDS

Overview

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, is a retrovirus. This can be the catalyst of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, also known as AIDS. It is a condition that leads to a failing of the human immune system which in turn can lead to life threatening infection and disease.

Types

There is no such categorization of AIDS. The viral infection begins to attack the human immune system, develops inside and finally ceases the proper functioning of the body.

Symptoms

During the first stage of HIV, which is known as the latent phase, it is possible for the carrier to not display any symptoms at all, but a lot of people suffer from flu type symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle pain, headaches, tiredness, nausea and sickness. A blood test at this point will pick up the first signs of the antibodies. Most people have developed these antibodies within 12 weeks of infection. These type of symptoms can of course be caused by less threatening illness such as flu, so don't panic when experiencing such ailments, so seek the doctor's advice as soon as possible.

After the latent phase, which can easily continue for a few months, these symptoms may well disappear. There are possibilities that the carrier stays in the body without any symptoms and therefore, HIV goes undiagnosed. The virus however does not stop multiplying and of course is still infectious. People sometimes experience sweating at night and swollen lymph glands.

Causes/Risk Factors

One does not get directly affected by AIDS, but it is the virus that reduces and kills the body's immune system and then the person acquires AIDS. The major causes are:

• Blood transfusion from an HIV infected person.
• From an HIV infected mother to a child.
• Breast feed by an HIV infected lady.
• Having intercourse with an HIV infected person
• Sharing needle with someone who is infected.

The cells that fight infection in the body are so few in number that the patient becomes susceptible to an alarming amount of serious infections such as TB, pneumonia, eye infections, brain infections, skin complaints, herpes, mouth ulcers, mouth infections and gastrointestinal tract problems. Boils or warts could spread over the body and the mouth may become infected with thrush. Dentists are often the first people to make a diagnosis. Severe shingles are also very common at this stage of the illness. Advanced HIV normally brings with it severe weight loss and body wasting disorders that leave the patient looking bony and reserved.

Tests/Diagnosis

Diagnosis of AIDS is mainly based on a few symptoms and signs. Many people may not realize the symptoms and react insensitively if they find any. HIV test are performed on the venous blood. Saliva or the cells inside of the cheek can also be used for testing.

Treatment

There is no vaccine available as yet, but there is massive investment going in around the world to find a cure. The only way is prevention by not getting exposed to the virus. There are eight potential vaccines currently being tested on humans around the world, and only one developed by the U.S. company VaxGen, has made it through to a final round of trials.