HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) — is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which help the immune system fight infections. If left untreated, HIV can weaken the immune system to the point where the body cannot deal with infections and diseases anymore.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a condition. It is the most severe stage of HIV infection and occurs when the immune system is significantly weakened. A person is considered to have AIDS when their CD4 cell count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, or they develop certain infections or cancers that are associated with advanced HIV.
AIDS makes them vulnerable to opportunistic infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain cancers that a healthy immune system would normally control. These infections and diseases, not the virus itself, are often what lead to death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for AIDS, and without proper treatment, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), the immune system can deteriorate rapidly, leading to life-threatening conditions.
Note that, HIV does not automatically lead to AIDS. Many people, if treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), can live long lives without ever developing AIDS.
How do you get HIV?
It is transmitted through certain body fluids from an infected person. It includes blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. The main ways HIV is spread are:
- Unprotected sexual contact
Vaginal, anal and oral sex, without the use of condoms or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), can lead to HIV transmission.
- Sharing needles or syringes
Any injections made with the same needle or even injection equipment (like cookers, cottons, or water) can lead to HIV.
- Mother-to-child transmission
A pregnant woman with HIV can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- Blood transfusions or organ transplants
It can be transmitted through transfusions of infected blood or organ transplants from an HIV-positive donor.
How to protect yourself?
- Check your health regularly.
- Tell your family and friend about the danger of HVI and how it is transmitted. Spreading information is extremely important.
- Always use condoms during sex with a new partner, and do not be afraid to ask them to make an HIV test.
- If you have a long-term partner with HIV, you can consult a doctor regarding the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and use condoms.
- Do not use the needle someone else used before. During the doctor appointment, make sure that healthcare workers use a new or disinfected needle or other sharp object.
- Blood and organ donations are carefully screened for HIV, making this form of transmission extremely rare.
- If you're pregnant and have an HIV, make sure to get appropriate medical care and antiretroviral therapy, so the risk of transmission can be reduced.
Please remember, that while you have to be careful with the spread of HIV, avoiding people with the virus based on fear or misinformation can be deeply hurtful and harmful for them. Treating people with HIV differently can lead to feelings of isolation, stigma, and discrimination, which only add to the emotional burden they may already face. It’s important to remember that people living with HIV are just like everyone else, and with proper treatment, they can live long, healthy lives. By embracing understanding, empathy, and accurate knowledge, we can support them, show kindness, and foster a more compassionate community.
HIV is NOT spread by:
- Casual contact like shaking hands, hugging, or sharing dishes.
- Sweat, saliva, or tears (unless mixed with infected blood).
- Air or water.
- Insect bites, such as mosquitoes.
Stay healthy!