Definition of HIV and AIDS

Definition of HIV and AIDS - HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks the immune system. This virus weakens the body's ability to fight infection and disease.

Some of the modes of transmission of HIV / AIDS is as follows:

HIV Virus

• Unprotected sex
• Sharing syringes with people who are infected, especially among injecting drug users
• HIV-positive pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding time
• Transfusion of blood or other blood products that have been contaminated with this virus.

There is no cure for HIV. However, some treatments can be used to slow the progression of the disease. This treatment will make an infected people to live longer and better.

Early diagnosis of HIV will make an effective treatment. Other than that, people who were suffering HIV are not going to turn into AIDS condition. AIDS is the final stage of HIV. At this stage, the body's immune is gone comprehensively.

The Spread of HIV Infection

HIV is a fragile virus type. It cannot survive outside without its host includes the human body. HIV can be found in body fluids of infected people. The body liquids are semen, vaginal fluid, anal fluid, blood, and breast milk. Keep in mind; HIV can not be spread through sweat or urine.

Here are some other ways of spreading HIV:

• Transmission from mother to infant during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Through oral sex.
• Blood transfusion from an infected person.
• An injecting equipment includes syringes, needles, and other equipment which is contaminated, for example, a cloth cleaner and sponge.

Test of HIV Infection

If you feel have a risk of HIV, the only way to find out is to have an HIV test. This test is accompanied by counseling. Please visit the nearest health facility (like VCT clinic) for the test. Through the trial will be known HIV diagnosis results on yours.

This testing and counseling services are called as VCT or Voluntary Counseling and Testing). This test is confidential and voluntary. Before the test, counseling is done first. Counseling aims to know the level of risk of infection. This is also to determine the pattern of daily life. After this stage, it will be discussed how to deal the results of HIV test.

HIV testing is usually a blood test to ensure the presence of antibodies to HIV in samples of blood. The antibodies are proteins that are produced by the immune system to attack certain bacteria or germs.

If the result is positive, you will be transferred to the HIV's specialist clinic or hospital. Other blood tests may be required. This test is to determine the impact of HIV on the immune system.

Treatment Steps for HIV Patients

Although there is no cure to eliminate HIV, treatment steps that exist today is quite useful. Treatment options can prolong a healthy life for people with HIV.

There are drugs known as antiretroviral (ARV). This medication serves to impede the virus damages the immune system. The drugs are given in tablet form that is consumed every day. You will be advised a healthy lifestyle. Eg healthy diet, not smoking, the annual flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine five years. It aims to reduce the risk of dangerous diseases.

Without medication, the immune system which is attacked by HIV will exsiccate drastically. They tend to suffer from other life-threatening illness. This is called as end-stage AIDS or HIV.

How to Prevent HIV

The best way to avoid HIV is to have sex safely. Never share any injecting equipment to inject anything. All of the people who have ever had sex without using the condom and who sharing needles are at risk for infection.

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