HIV Revealed: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment, and the Future

HIV Revealed: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment, and the Future 

Introduction: A Virus That Changed the World 

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is arguably one of the most studied viruses in history since its emergence into the contemporary world in the early 1980s. Since then, HIV has killed millions and affected global public health, societal hierarchies, and scientific progress. Despite once being whispered in the form of a death sentence, HIV has evolved into a chronic condition that can be easily managed with treatment and a new lifestyle. For many people with HIV, it may even become a health status with little impact on lifestyle. 

Understanding HIV is essential, not only for people living with it, but for any person wanting to normalize health concepts, reduce stigma, and discourage behaviours that put public health at risk. 

Section 1: What is HIV? 

HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T-helper cells), which are critical in fighting infections. As the immune system becomes damaged and weak from HIV, the body becomes more vulnerable and susceptible to a range of infections as well as specific cancers. 

There are two types of HIV: 

HIV-1: this is the most prevalent and widespread type across the globe. 

HIV-2: this is less prevalent and almost exclusive to West Africa. HIV-2 is less infectious in nature, and virtually always progresses more slowly. 

Without HIV treatment, HIV illness will continue to progress towards the illness labelled AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which represents the AIDS is the last and most serious stage of the HIV infection.

Section 2: How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is found in certain fluids from an infected person.

➡️Blood

➡️Semen (including pre-seminal fluid)

➡️Vaginal fluids

➡️Rectal fluids

➡️Breast milk

➡️Common Ways of HIV Transmission

1. Unprotected Sex

Vaginal or anal sex without a condom or use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is the highest risk. Oral sex is less risky, but possible if the person has open sores or bleeding gums.

2. Sharing needles/syringes

Often a risk among people who use injection drugs or when unsterilized medical equipments are used.

3. Mother to Baby

Infection may occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

4. Blood transfusions or organ transplants

There is a very low risk in countries with extensive screening, but this is always a possibility in countries with limited medical testing.

HIV is not transmitted through hugging or shaking hands.

Sharing utensils or toilets.

➡️Kissing (unless there are open sores or bleeding gums).

➡️Coughing or sneezing.

➡️Mosquito or insect bites.

Section 3: Initial symptoms of HIV 

The symptoms of HIV can vary depending on the stage of infection. Many people will not experience symptoms for years, which is why testing is so important. 

1. Acute HIV Infection (First 2-4 weeks post-infection)

➡️fever 

➡️chills 

➡️rash 

➡️night sweats 

➡️muscle aches 

➡️sore throat 

➡️fatigue 

➡️swollen lymph nodes 

➡️mouth ulcers

This stage is often referred to as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or primary HIV infection. These symptoms can look like flu symptoms and may go unnoticed. 

2. Chronic HIV-Asymptomatic Stage 

After the initial symptoms present, HIV enters a latency stage (sometimes called chronic HIV) where the virus continues to reproduce at very low levels, but the person does not have any symptoms. The latency stage of HIV may last for years, however the virus is still active and continues to attack the immune system. 

3. AIDS-Advanced Stage 

If left untreated, HIV will lead to AIDS. At that point, the immune system is severely damaged. 

At this stage symptoms may present such as: 

✅Rapid weight loss 

✅Recurring fever or profuse night sweats 

✅Extreme fatigue 

✅Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck 

✅Chronic diarrhea 

✅Sores on the mouth, anus, or genitals 

✅Pneumonia 

✅Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders 

If treatment is not given, a person's average life is less than three years once they've developed AIDS. 

Section 4: HIV Testing and Diagnosis 

Early diagnosis is important. The only way The only way to know for sure that someone has HIV is by getting tested.

Types of HIV Testing:

1. Nucleic Acid Test (NAT): 

NAT is a test that looks for HIV in the blood. NAT can identify HIV very early (10 to 33 days after exposure) but is expensive and not commonly used as the first test done.

2. Antigen/Antibody Test: 

Antigen/antibody tests detect both HIV antibodies and antigens (proteins made by the virus). This test is most reliable and it will see results 2 to 6 weeks after exposure.

3. Antibody Test: 

Antibody tests look for HIV antibodies only, which generally come about 3 to 12 weeks after exposure.

Places to Get Tested:

Hospitals and clinics

Community health centers

Home test kits

Mobile testing

Planned Parenthood centers

Always confirm with a follow-up test for any positive rapid or home test.

Section 5: Treatment Options for HIV

While there is still no cure for HIV, proper treatment can help control the virus. The standard course of treatment is called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

ART is taking a combination of HIV medicines every day. This treatment lowers the viral load to undetectable levels which will: 

Stop the progression of the disease. 

Lower the risk of transmission. 

Allows a healthy life for as long as you live. 

U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable

Individuals living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load can not pass the virus to their sexual partners. This amazing discovery has helped to reduce stigma and improve their mental health outcomes.

Section 6: Prevention Strategies

Prevention is still a vital strategy to prevent HIV infection. Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Use of condoms.

Consistent Use and Correct Use of them, every time during sexual activity helps to reduce the risk of HIV and other STDS. 

2. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PrEP is a prescription for a daily pill for people who are at high risk for HIV. If taken as prescribed,PrEP decreases the chance of getting HIV from sex by about 99%.  

3. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

PEP is a short-term medication for people taken as soon as possible, no later than 72 hours after a high-risk event for potential HIV infection. PEP must be taken for 28 days to be effective.

4. Safe Injection practices.

The use of sterile needles and never sharing any syringes also helps 

to those barriers. Help debunk the myths about HIV in order to decrease stigma.

1. HIV can only be transmitted at:

a. During sex (whether penetrative or not)

b. Sharing drug injectables or mother-to-child (and even with mother-to-child, if a HIV positive person is engaging in treatment the odds of parent to child transmission are less than 1%). 

2. ALS (HIV testing):

a. Retesting is only for a new potential exposure with unprotected sex and/or drug use.

b. If the person has a HIV positive partner and both ENGAGE in monography with each other, there is no longer a need for ALS testing unless an exposure occurs.

3. Physical Health:

a. Treatment adherence to ART,

b. Regular doctor visits and lab work,

c. Management of other health conditions like Hepatitis, Tuberculosis Management, or Diabetes Management,

d. Diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle practices.

4. Mental Health Support:

7 .The psychological effects of an HIV 

positive diagnosis can weigh heavily. Therapy, support group, and honesty can make an incredible difference.

5. Disclosure/Relationships:

a. The decision about when and to whom you disclose your HIV positive status is personal. While it may be a legal requirement in specific jurisdictions to disclose your HIV regarding sexual engagements (ancillary to sexual activity), disclosing can enhance trust and faith for relationships. Individuals living with HIV can and do enjoy relationships, both happy and long-term. 

 

Section 8: HIV and Stigma

Stigma remains an enormous barrier to testing, treatment, and support. The myths, misinformation, and outdated beliefs contribute 

Stigma related to HIV/AIDS can lead to discrimination in healthcare, workplaces, and other community interactions.

Common Myths About HIV

Myth: HIV is only a problem for some groups.

Fact: HIV can affect anyone, including people of all genders, races, and sexual orientations.

Myth: You get HIV from casual contact.

Fact: HIV is not spread through touch, air, or water.

Myth: People with HIV cannot live long lives.

Fact: With treatment, life expectancy can almost be normal.

How to Address Stigma Regarding HIV/AIDS:

Educate yourself and others

Use inclusive and respectful language

Help create "HIV awareness" campaigns

Advocate for laws that protect HIV positive people

Section 9: HIV in a Global Context

In 2024, there were nearly 39 million people living with HIV globally, with over 1.3 million new infections every year. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest burden of new infections, with more than two-thirds of all people living with HIV residing there.

In the some countries (especially the U.S. and U.K.), all sexual health and HIV preventative services and testing are implemented; thus services were well utilized to reduce transmission. These education initiatives raised awareness, ART treatments were easier to be accessed, and preventive tools like PrEP became readily available.

The UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals are:

95% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status

95% of all people diagnosed with HIV will be on treatment

95% of all people on treatment will have an undetectable viral load curves

Achieving the 95-95-95 goals can help end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

Section 10: Future research and curing HIV

Researchers are searching diligently for a cure for HIV, with a number of new avenues for possibility including:

Gene editing (CRISPR)

Stem cell transplants (as seen with the rare occurrences of "Berlin" and "London" patient cases)

Therapeutic vaccines

Long-acting injectables (these may eventually take the place of daily pills)

Although there is not yet a cure, all of these situations add hope to a future of no HIV/AIDS anywhere.

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Conclusion: Knowledge is Power

HIV is not the mystery or boogeyman of a diagnosis it used to be. Now, with factual knowledge, early testing, treatment, and global pooling resources, HIV may be managed and eradicated in the future.

Whether you are living with HIV, you are supporting someone with HIV, or you are just wanting to learn more, remember: knowledge saves lives! Share knowledge, use knowledge, and be a consistent voice for awareness and compassion.