HIV
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, known as HIV, is a virus that attacks the immune system, leaving HIV positive people vulnerable to infections and cancers. When someone acquires HIV, they are said to be“ HIV positive”. This, however, does not necessarily mean that they have AIDS. A person who is HIV positive may be healthy and able to live an otherwise healthy, fulfilling and enjoyable life. People who are HIV positive may not even know they are HIV positive without having a blood test. While the virus cannot currently be cured, Anti Retroviral Therapy( ART) is used to treat the infection. ART consists of the use of at least three antiretroviral( ARV) drugs to maximally suppress the HIV virus and stop the progression of HIV diseases. The use of ART, plus good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, can help those living with HIV remain well and productive for many, many years.
AIDS
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which has historically been the medical term for the final stage of HIV, when the body no longer can fight off infections, cancers, and HIV-related illnesses. The virus weakens the immune system, allowing for opportunistic infections. Treatment may become increasingly ineffective and the person may die. An HIV-positive person can acquire AIDS at different stages in one’ s life, depending on access to health care services, including ART, response to treatment, and other health factors.
HIV is transmitted through the exchange of blood, semen( including precum), vaginal fluid, or breast milk of someone who is infected with HIV to someone who is not infected with HIV. It is transmitted through the following activities:
o Unprotected sex( primarily vaginal sex and anal sex; oral sex is very low risk) o Sharing injection equipment, mainly needles and syringes o Mother-to-child transmission during the birth process, delivery and / or breastfeeding o Any blood-to blood exposure( e. g., blood-play, cutting, exposed wounds, etc.)
While the majority of people living with HIV acquired it during sexual intercourse, the main modes of transmission depend on the region of