HIV/ AIDS

The human immunodeficiency viruses are two species of Lentivirus that infect humans. Over time, they cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a condition in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive.HIV is caused by a virus. It can spread through sexual contact, shooting of illicit drugs or use of shared needles, and contact with infected blood. It also can spread from parent to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. HIV destroys white blood cells called CD4 T cells.Yes, HIV can be treated effectively with antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medicines that can control the virus, allowing people to live long, healthy lives. While there is no cure yet, ART helps the immune system fight off other infections and, when taken consistently, can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to an undetectable level. Achieving an undetectable viral load also means the risk of sexually transmitting the virus to partners is nearly eliminated.
AIDS is the final and most serious stage of an HIV infection. People with AIDS have very low counts of certain white blood cells and severely damaged immune systems. They may have additional illnesses that indicate that they have progressed to AIDS.Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection. HIV targets the body's white blood cells, weakening the immune system. This makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections and some cancers.Once someone receives an AIDS diagnosis (stage 3), they typically have a life expectancy of three years. However, with advances in HIV treatment, progression to stage 3 is less common today. Most people will be able to take medication that prevents HIV from progressing to AIDS.The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines daily, monthly, or every other month. While ART cannot cure HIV, prompt HIV treatment can help all people with HIV live long, healthy lives and reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

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Main causes of HIV Transmission

The main causes of HIV transmission are unprotected anal or vaginal sex and sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. Other causes include transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and, though rare, through contact with infected blood, such as via unsafe blood transfusions or accidental needle sticks.

Sexual transmission

•Having unprotected anal or vaginal sex is the most common way HIV spreads.

•Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI), particularly one with ulcers or discharge, increases the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV during sex.

• Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment is another major route of transmission.

• An infected mother can pass HIV to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Other Less Common Causes

• Blood transfusions: In countries with effective screening, this risk is very low. However, receiving blood transfusions or tissue transplants in countries that do not screen for HIV can transmit the virus.

• Medical procedures: Unsterile medical procedures involving cutting or piercing can carry a risk.

• Accidental exposure: Healthcare workers can be at risk through accidental needle stick injuries, though this is also a low-risk scenario.

Types of HIV:

There are two types of HIV: HIV-1, which is the most common and associated with AIDS, and the rarer HIV-2, found mainly in parts of Africa and Asia. While these are the two primary viral strains, people with advanced HIV can develop several well-known opportunistic illnesses and cancers, such as Kaposi sarcoma, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.

•HIV-1: This is the most prevalent and widespread type of HIV, responsible for the global pandemic.

•HIV-2: This is a rarer type of HIV that is typically found in certain parts of Africa and Asia.