HIV Awareness: Know More About AIDS

 HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which affects the immunity of the patients, weakening them drastically. AIDS or the Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Virus is the final stage of HIV, which is often fatal for the patients. HIV virus attacks the cells in the immune system and if it’s left untreated can progress into AIDS.


  • How Does HIV Spread?


The HIV spreads through human fluid interaction that include:


  • Semen

  • Blood

  • Anal fluid

  • Vaginal fluid

  • Breast milk


People with HIV can spread the virus through sexual intercourse, using tainted drug injections, and through a HIV postive mother’s milk. 



The Stages in HIV


The HIV disease consists of three stages,

  • Acute HIV Infection

  • Clinical Latency

  • AIDS


A person infected with HIV passes through these three stages, making them weaker at every phase.


Acute HIV Infection


Once a person gets exposed to HIV through bodily fluids, the first symptoms start to show up around two to four weeks. The usual signs of contracting the disease include:


  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Swollen glands

  • Rashes

  • Body ache


Due to the virus, the cell production in the body drops drastically, causing the patient to become sick and contagious. It is essential for the patients to avail healthcare immediately at this point.



Clinical Latency


The next stage is the clinical latency period, where the intervention of healthcare helps to control the disease spread significantly. With proper medication, the virus’ proliferation is controlled. However, even at this stage the virus can be passed on to others. When the virus overcomes the clinical latency period, it will begin to multiply quickly, thereby progressing the condition to the final stage - AIDS.



AIDS


Patients with AIDS have a lower immunity level, making them prone to diseases. Typically, people with advanced AIDS conditions can live upto 3 years without medication. 



December is the month for AIDS awareness. Patients who contracted the disease can live a normal life with proper medication and healthcare. IHHC is one of the best home care services providers that renders tailored services to patients afflicted with AIDS. From managing their health to spreading proper awareness of the disease, IHHC pioneers healthcare excellence in India.


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