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    HIV

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    Daniella Bustillo

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    HIV

    Uploaded by

    Daniella Bustillo
    3 views2 pages

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    3 views2 pages

    HIV

    Uploaded by

    Daniella Bustillo

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune

    system, specifically the body's defense against infections and diseases. It


    primarily targets CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell), which are crucial for
    immune function. Over time, HIV weakens the immune system, making it
    harder for the body to fight off infections and certain cancers.

    If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency


    Syndrome), the most severe phase of HIV infection. AIDS occurs when the
    immune system becomes severely damaged, and the body becomes highly
    vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers that it would
    normally be able to combat.

    How HIV is Transmitted:

    HIV is transmitted through the exchange of certain body fluids, including:

     Blood

     Semen

     Vaginal fluids

     Rectal fluids

     Breast milk

    It is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing


    needles or syringes, or from mother to child during childbirth or
    breastfeeding.

    Symptoms:

    HIV progresses through several stages:

    1. Acute HIV Infection (2-4 weeks after exposure): This is when


    people may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue,
    swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat.

    2. Chronic HIV (Latency stage): After the initial stage, HIV can remain
    inactive or less active for many years, and people may not experience
    symptoms. However, the virus continues to damage the immune
    system.

    3. AIDS (final stage of HIV): If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS, where
    the immune system is severely compromised. This makes individuals
    susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
    Prevention and Treatment:

     Prevention: Using condoms during sex, taking pre-exposure


    prophylaxis (PrEP), and avoiding sharing needles or syringes can help
    prevent HIV transmission.

     Treatment: Although there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy


    (ART) can control the virus, preventing it from progressing to AIDS. ART
    involves taking a combination of HIV medications that reduce the viral
    load to undetectable levels in the blood, which can also prevent
    transmission to others (undetectable = untransmittable or U=U).

    With effective treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

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