What are the Causes of HIV Infection?
HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is a retrovirus that attacks the body's immune system. HIV infection can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a life-threatening condition.
HIV is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. The most common way to get HIV is through unprotected sex with an infected person. HIV can also be spread through sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia with an infected person, or from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
There is no cure for HIV infection, but there are treatments that can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. These treatments are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART can reduce the amount of HIV in the body and help to keep the immune system strong.
How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. The most common way to get HIV is through unprotected sex with an infected person. HIV can also be spread through sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia with an infected person, or from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
HIV is not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing food or drinks. HIV is also not spread through the air, water, or insects.
Symptoms of HIV Infection
The symptoms of HIV infection can vary depending on the stage of the infection. In the early stages of infection, people may not have any symptoms. As the infection progresses, people may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
Fever
Chills
Night sweats
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Rash
Mouth sores
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Shortness of breath
Cough
Difficulty swallowing
Headache
Confusion
Diagnosis of HIV Infection
HIV infection is diagnosed with a blood test. The blood test can detect antibodies to HIV, which are proteins that the body produces when it is infected with HIV. The blood test can also detect the presence of HIV RNA, which is the genetic material of HIV.
Treatment for HIV Infection
There is no cure for HIV infection, but there are treatments that can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. These treatments are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART can reduce the amount of HIV in the body and help to keep the immune system strong.
ART is a combination of two or more medications that are taken every day. The medications in ART work by blocking different steps in the HIV life cycle. This helps to prevent the virus from multiplying and damaging the immune system.
ART can be very effective in treating HIV infection. People who take ART can live long, healthy lives and have a normal life expectancy. ART can also help to prevent HIV transmission to others.
Prevention of HIV Infection
There are several things that people can do to prevent HIV infection, including:
Practicing safe sex
Using condoms every time you have sex
Getting tested for HIV regularly
Avoiding sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia
Getting vaccinated against HIV (if available)
Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) if you are at high risk for HIV infection
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