What is HIV? A comprehensive guide to basics and information

What is HIV? A comprehensive guide to basics and information

What is HIV? A comprehensive guide to basics and information

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and is a virus that weakens the body's immune system. It belongs to the retrovirus family and mainly attacks the T helper cells of the immune system. If left untreated, HIV leads to the development of AIDS, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This comprehensive guide explains the basics and important information about HIV.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted primarily through direct contact of an infected person's body fluids with another person's bloodstream. The most common routes of infection are:

1. Unprotected sex: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, especially if one or both partners are infected. Therefore, use condoms or dental dams to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

2. Blood transfusions: Before the introduction of screening of all blood donations in most countries, transmission of HIV through infected blood and blood products was possible. Thanks to improved testing methods and procedures, the risk of HIV infection through blood transfusions is now extremely low.

3. Exchange of injecting drug paraphernalia: Cases where drug addicts use the same syringe can lead to a high risk of infection as the virus may be present in the blood.

4. Mother-to-child transmission: An infected mother can transmit HIV to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding. However, various medical measures, such as antiretroviral therapy and cesarean delivery, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

How does HIV work?

HIV infects and destroys T helper cells (also called CD4 cells), which play a key role in supporting the immune system. The virus enters cells and uses their metabolism to replicate and produce new viruses. These new viruses are then released and infect more CD4 cells, continuing the process.

As the immune system tries to fight the HIV infection, symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes may occur. However, the virus is often not recognized during this phase because the symptoms can be similar to those of other harmless infections.

If HIV is left untreated, the immune system can weaken over time, leading to the development of AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection and is diagnosed by the presence of certain opportunistic infections or certain cancers.

How is HIV diagnosed?

HIV can be diagnosed through various tests:

1. Antibody tests: These are the most common tests and determine the presence of antibodies to HIV in the blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system to fight the virus. However, it takes some time until antibodies can be detected after infection (window period). Therefore, tests should be repeated a few weeks after the possible time of infection to obtain accurate results.

2. Antigen tests: These tests look for specific HIV proteins (antigens) in the blood. They are more sensitive than antibody tests and can detect HIV earlier.

3. PCR tests: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect the presence of HIV genetic material (RNA) in the blood. This test can also detect infection during the window period.

It is important to note that an HIV test can be performed confidentially and anonymously and is available free of charge in many countries. If the test result is positive, additional tests are performed to confirm HIV status and provide information about the progression of the infection.

How is HIV treated?

Although there is currently no direct cure for HIV, the infection can be effectively controlled with antiretroviral therapies (ART). ART is a combination of medications that stop the virus from replicating, thereby protecting the immune system. Timely introduction of ART can reduce viral load to barely detectable levels and prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS.

Treating HIV infection requires regular use of prescribed medications and close monitoring. People with HIV should have medical examinations at regular intervals to monitor the progress of the infection and identify possible side effects of the medication.

Frequently asked questions about HIV

Ask:Can you get HIV from kissing?
Answer:No, HIV is not transmitted through kissing. The virus is not present in saliva or lips in sufficient quantities to cause infection.

Ask:Can HIV be transmitted through insect bites?
Answer:No, HIV is not transmitted through insect bites or contact with insects. The virus cannot survive for long outside the body and is destroyed by the insect's digestive tract.

Ask:Can HIV be transmitted through the use of shared household items?
Answer:No, HIV cannot be transmitted through the use of shared household items such as cutlery, towels or toilets. The virus is not transmitted through the air, through touch, or through contact with objects.

Ask:Can a pregnant woman with HIV have a healthy child?
Answer:Yes, a pregnant woman with HIV can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the unborn child through various medical measures, such as antiretroviral therapy and cesarean delivery. With timely treatment, the risk of transmission can be reduced to less than 1%.

Ask:Can you become infected with HIV if both partners are already positive?
Answer:Yes, it is possible for a person's HIV infection to worsen or for additional infections to occur if both partners are HIV positive. It is important to have regular medical exams and protect yourself from other sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusion

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to the development of AIDS. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids. Regular testing, timely treatment and the use of prevention measures such as condoms can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection. It is important to learn about HIV to ensure appropriate prevention and treatment.