Basis of HIV and AIDS
Granted, the subject of HIV/AIDS is not strange to many of us. But though familiar, it is easy to forget the basics, the facts about this scourge. We seek to remind you of what you may have forgotten, and what you may not know.
Early this year, findings released by the government showed that Kenya’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate had increased to nearly 8 per cent, from a rate of 5.1 per cent. With the rising numbers, it is crucial to ask where we are going wrong, and what the trigger may be. The fight against HIV/AIDS begins with each of us, as individuals.
What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome, more commonly known as HIV is a virus that, if left untreated, slowly damages the body’s immune system—the immune system gives our bodies the ability to fight infections. Without a strong, healthy immune system, the body is susceptible to many infections and illnesses. HIV finds and destroys a type of white blood cell (T cells or CD4 cells) that the immune system must have to fight disease. If a person living with HIV becomes sick with opportunistic infections, they are said to have Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. While there is yet no cure for HIV or AIDS, many infected by it are living long productive lives, thanks to medication and aggressive treatment programs.
How HIV virus is transmitted
The following are ways HIV can be transmitted from one person to another:
.Through bodily fluids (blood, semen, and vaginal secretions) during sexual contact. Saliva is not considered a transmission route for HIV.
.By sharing needles used to inject drugs. Infected blood can be exchanged between the parties who are using the same needle and syringe
.By accidental needle sticks in the health care industry (needles contaminated with HIV infected blood).
.Through the transfusion of Infected blood or blood products.
.An HIV infected woman can pass HIV to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or while breast feeding.
.By sharing needles 01 body piercing equipment, for instance during ear piercing and circumcision.
HIV is a fragile virus. It cannot live for very long outside the body. As a result, the virus is not transmitted through day-to-day activities such as shaking hands, hugging, or a casual kiss. You cannot become infected from a toilet seat, doorknob, sharing dishes and drinking glasses, food, or pets. You also cannot get HIV from a mosquito bite.
HIV signs and symptoms
Often persons who are newly HIV infected show few or no symptoms at all. At other times, symptoms of HIV are confused with Illnesses such as the flu. Symptoms of this Infection
include:
.Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin or under the arms Diarrhoea
.Unexplained weight loss Fatigue
.Fever, chills or sweating (especially at night)
.Visual challenges
.Frequent pneumonia or shortness of breath Rashes on the skin Flu-like symptoms
How to prevent HIV infection
.Speak openly about safer sex techniques and HIV status.
.If you do not know your status, get an HIV test to protect yourself and others.
.Get tested with your partner as a way of showing that you care and want both of you to stay healthy.
.Use protection in each sexual encounter.
.Do not share needles or syringes if you inject drugs. If you do inject drugs, seek professional help to kick your habit
.HIV infected pregnant women should get regular prenatal care.
.To protect yourself, always remember the ABCs:
A=Abstinence
B=Be Faithful
C=Condoms
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