The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the cause of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a fatal disease that is now killing millions of people worldwide. HIV weakens the immune system of the body, leaving those affected susceptible to many different, potentially fatal infections. Following are some basic facts about the disease.

HIV infection is estimated to affect roughly one to two million persons in the United States and 10 million worldwide. The infection is often has mild to no symptoms for roughly 7 to 10 years before AIDS develops. AIDS is simply a term developed to describe the devastating, final stage of HIV infection. It is at this time when severe infections and other problems occur.

How is HIV transmitted?

There are only a few ways that HIV can be transmitted. It is important to remember that HIV cannot be transmitted by casual, personal contact in the household, workplace, or school. If you know someone with HIV, they do not need to be shunned or avoided out of fear of catching the disease.

HIV Infection and AIDS What are HIV and AIDS? HIV is the abbreviation used for the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a life-threatening disease. HIV attacks the body's immune system. Normally, the immune system produces white blood cells and antibodies that attack viruses and bacteria. The infection-fighting cells are called T-cell lymphocytes. Months to years after a person is infected with HIV, the virus destroys the T-cell lymphocytes. When the T-cell lymphocytes are destroyed, the immune system can no longer defend the body against diseases and tumors. Various infections called opportunistic infections develop. They are called opportunistic because they take advantage of the body's weakened immune system. These infections would not normally cause severe or fatal health problems. However, when you have AIDS, the opportunistic infections eventually cause death because your body can no longer defend itself against them. AIDS is the condition of the body being overwhelmed by opportunistic infections and/or tumors. Learn More...

In the U. S., sex is the number one cause of transmission of HIV from one individual to another. While those who have sex with homosexual or bisexual men are still at the highest risk, transmission of HIV through heterosexual sex (especially women who have sex with intravenous drug users) is now increasing at a faster rate than all other routes of infection. In the U.S., the second most common route of transmitting HIV is through sharing of needles among intravenous drug abusers.

Recipients of blood products are rarely infected now that blood products are screened for the virus, but there is still a remote risk because the HIV screening test is not infallible. Transmission between mother and newborn child can also occur and is unfortunately increasing.

How would I know if I've been exposed?

Those who have engaged in high-risk activities should be tested for HIV. A blood test can tell whether or not a person has HIV in more than 99 percent of cases. The test detects antibodies to the virus, which usually take several weeks to develop.

By three months after an HIV exposure, almost everyone will have a positive HIV test if they have been infected. This is important to remember if you are getting tested because of a specific exposure to an infected person. For example, a negative HIV test three days after the exposure is not helpful in determining whether or not you have been infected with HIV.

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

HIV infection can cause many systemic symptoms, such as fever, enlarged glands, weakness, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, skin problems, and depression. For many, these are the most bothersome symptoms of the disease. HIV infects cells of the immune system and thus, gradually weakens a person's ability to fight off infections.

Because the immune system is also involved in watching for tumors that may develop in the body, persons with HIV infection or AIDS are also at a greater risk for certain types of cancer. HIV infection can also affect the brain and cause neurologic problems including dementia (similar to Alzheimer's disease) and other nervous system problems.

How is HIV infection treated?

Thanks to tireless research by many different scientists, there are now several medications available to treat HIV infection. These medications do not offer a cure and have many side effects, but have nonetheless given many people a second chance at life.

Those with HIV infection who have not done so are advised to see a doctor immediately to discuss the many therapeutic options available. More medications are on the way. The other mainstay of HIV treatment is to treat the underlying infections that are the cause of death for many people with AIDS.

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a devastating disease that has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. It is now estimated that one in three sexually active adults are infected with HIV in certain parts of Africa. While new medications are now available to help prolong life, the most important part of the war on HIV is through prevention.

If you are sexually active with more than one partner you should use condoms, and if you use intravenous drugs, do not share needles. Pregnant mothers with HIV infection should see a doctor about medications to reduce the risk of transmission to their baby and should avoid breast-feeding. Together, we must join the fight against HIV infection and AIDS.

 

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