The immune system of the body is attacked by the virus known as HIV. A network of cells and organs called the immune system collaborates to defend the body against infection. HIV can make it more difficult for the body to fend off infection by attacking the immune system.
HIV causes the immune system to become so severely compromised that the body is unable to fend off infection, leading to the condition known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a dangerous illness with a high mortality rate.
Although there is no therapy for HIV or AIDS, those who have it can live long and healthy lives with the right medications. HIV/AIDS treatment can help keep the virus under control and stop it from spreading.
HIV infection does not always lead to AIDS. HIV infection progresses to AIDS, which is when the immune system suffers severe damage. Infections and several malignancies are more likely to affect people with AIDS.
HIV can cause a variety of symptoms, but some typical early signs include flu-like symptoms like fever, exhaustion, sore throat, swollen glands, and rash. The only way to be certain if someone has HIV is to get tested, but it’s crucial to keep in mind that these symptoms can also be associated with other diseases.
Causes of HIV & AIDS
- The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is the main cause of HIV and AIDS. Blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk are among the body fluids that can spread HIV from one person to another.
- The virus that causes AIDS is known as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk can all carry HIV. It cannot be transmitted through saliva, sweat, tears, or urine.
- Unprotected sex: The most typical way to contract HIV is through unprotected sex with an HIV-positive person. Having intercourse without using a condom or any type of barrier protection is referred to as unprotected sex.
- Sharing syringes: Another way to contract HIV is via sharing needles or other drug-injection supplies with an HIV-positive person.
- a mother to her child: HIV can be transmitted from a woman to her kid when she is pregnant, giving birth, or while the infant is nursing.
- The immune system of the body is attacked by the HIV virus.
- A network of cells and organs called the immune system collaborates to defend the body against infection.
- HIV can make it more difficult for the body to fend off infection by attacking the immune system.
- HIV can cause such severe immune system damage that the body is no longer able to fend off infection, leading to the illness known as AIDS.
- AIDS is a dangerous illness with a high mortality rate.
- Although there is no therapy for HIV or AIDS, those who have it can live long and healthy lives with the right medications.
- HIV treatment can aid in keeping the infection under control and stop it from progressing to AIDS.
- With the right care, people with HIV can lead long, healthy lives.
Symptoms for HIV & AIDS
- Acute HIV infection: This is the early stage of the disease and often starts 2–4 weeks after being exposed to the virus. Fever, exhaustion, headache, sore throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth sores are some of the signs of an acute HIV infection. These signs are frequently misdiagnosed as the flu or other prevalent ailments.
- Chronic HIV infection: This stage of the disease develops after the initial signs and symptoms have subsided. It’s possible for people with chronic HIV infection to show no symptoms at all or to just show minor ones like fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats.
- AIDS: The advanced stage of HIV infection is AIDS. It happens when the immune system has been significantly compromised by the HIV virus. Fever, exhaustion, weight loss, night sweats, diarrhoea, pneumonia, skin infections, and neurological issues are some of the signs and symptoms of AIDS.
- The Pieces of the Puzzle Consider HIV as a difficult puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit your body. You can begin to experience perplexing symptoms that don’t seem to have a clear cause as the virus multiplies and spreads. These signs and symptoms, which can differ greatly from person to person, can include flu-like symptoms like fever, exhaustion, aches in the muscles, swollen glands, and rashes.
- The Hidden Flames: Visualise tiny flames that are flickering beneath your skin. These flames may intensify as HIV develops and your immune system deteriorates. Recurrent infections, persistent diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and chronic exhaustion are just a few symptoms. Your body feels as though it is fighting off unseen fires while attempting to continue operating normally.
- Imagine a constant dark cloud following you around all the time. The symptoms of HIV deteriorate into AIDS, which can cause life-threatening illnesses. Opportunistic illnesses like pneumonia, TB, or certain cancers may be among them. The ominous cloud stands for the serious effects that AIDS can have on your well-being and standard of living.
- Remember that the purpose of these distinctive descriptions is to offer a new viewpoint on the signs of HIV and AIDS. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone will have the same symptoms, and that some people may go years without experiencing any. Getting tested is the only surefire method to find out if you have HIV.
Types of HIV & AIDS
There are several strains or subtypes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is the virus that causes AIDS, but no distinct forms of HIV or AIDS themselves. The most prevalent and well-known strains are HIV-1 and HIV-2. These strains are divided into many groups.
- HIV-1: The most common and dominant strain of HIV in the world is HIV-1. Group M, which is mostly to blame for the global epidemic, Group O, which is mostly found in West and Central Africa, and Group N, which is rarely recorded and also located in Central Africa, make up the additional classification of HIV-1. Group M is further subdivided into various clades (such as subtypes A, B, C, and D, etc.), each of which has a little genetic difference.
- HIV-2: More commonly found in West Africa, notably in nations like Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Senegal, this HIV strain is less common than HIV-1. Compared to HIV-1, HIV-2 is often linked to a delayed development of AIDS.
- some of the HIV and AIDS subtypes:
- Acute HIV infection: This is the early stage of the disease and often starts 2–4 weeks after being exposed to the virus. Fever, exhaustion, headache, sore throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth sores are some of the signs of an acute HIV infection. These signs are frequently misdiagnosed as the flu or other prevalent ailments.
- Chronic HIV infection: This stage of the disease develops after the initial signs and symptoms have subsided. It’s possible for people with chronic HIV infection to show no symptoms at all or to just show minor ones like fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats.
Natural remedies for HIV & AIDS
- Olive leaf extract: Although studies have revealed that olive leaf extract has antiviral effects, it is not a treatment for HIV. The use of olive leaf extract should only be done after consulting with your doctor because it may interact negatively with some drugs.
- Vitamin C: Studies have revealed that the antioxidant vitamin C strengthens the immune system. But there is no proof that vitamin C supplements can treat HIV or AIDS.
- Licorice root: Although evidence suggests that licorice root has antiviral qualities, it is not a treatment for HIV. Licorice root can interfere with some medications, therefore you should see your doctor before taking it, as is crucial to remember.
- The Nutritional Balance: Keep an eye on keeping a healthy, balanced diet. Your immune system and general health can be boosted by eating a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Think about including foods high in antioxidants, which may strengthen the immune system, such as berries, leafy greens, and almonds.
- The Healing Power of Herbs: Some herbs may be immune-supportive and can be used as a component of a comprehensive approach to health. Prior to adopting any herbal medicines, it is crucial to speak with a medical practitioner because they may interact with prescription drugs or have unanticipated side effects. Echinacea, garlic, and astragalus are a few examples of herbs that are frequently studied in relation to HIV/AIDS.
- The importance of getting enough restorative sleep should be your first priority. Your immune system will benefit from getting 7-9 hours of good sleep each night, which will also boost your vitality and general wellbeing. Better sleep hygiene can be achieved by providing a comfortable sleeping environment and establishing a regular sleep schedule.
- Take holistic care of yourself, according to the self-care tenets. This involves keeping a healthy lifestyle, controlling stress, maintaining decent hygiene, and avoiding substance misuse. It’s crucial to take your meds as directed and show up for your visits on time to be monitored and have your treatment plan modified.
Treatment for HIV and AIDS
Antiretroviral therapy (ART), the allopathic medical establishment’s conventional course of treatment, is the mainstay of HIV and AIDS care. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is taking a combination of antiretroviral medications to stop the HIV virus from replicating, reduce the spread of the illness, and maintain immune function. Here are a few distinctive features of ART therapy.
- Long- acting injectables : Long-acting injectables are now available and can be administered every two or three months. People find it simpler to continue their treatments as a result.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a drug that persons who are not HIV-positive can use to fend off contracting the virus. When used as directed, PrEP is very effective.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) : PEPis a drug that persons who have been exposed to HIV can use to avoid contracting the virus. To be effective, PEP must be begun within 72 hours after exposure.
- Long-acting injectables : Long-acting injectables are now available and can be administered every two or three months. People find it simpler to continue their treatments as a result.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a drug that persons who are not HIV-positive can use to fend off contracting the virus. When used as directed, PrEP is very effective.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) : (PEP) is a drug that persons who have been exposed to HIV can use to avoid contracting the virus. To be effective, PEP must be begun within 72 hours after exposure.
It’s crucial to remember that the impacts of HIV and AIDS can differ from person to person and can be influenced by elements like healthcare access, treatment compliance, co-occurring illnesses, and general health state. For people with HIV and AIDS, early diagnosis, appropriate medical care, adherence to therapy, and a supporting network can help lessen some of the consequences and enhance overall results.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and appropriate treatment.
Author Contribution: Reviewed by Dr. Ram Reddy, MD – General Physician, and Rajeshwar Rao, Pharm D.