HIV
& AIDS
AIDS
(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Over time, the HIV virus
weakens the immune system by infecting and killing certain
white blood cells. It is only after the immune system
is significantly weakened that people with HIV get one or
more "opportunistic" infections. Before this happens, there
are essentially no symptoms or signs that indicate that
somebody is infected with HIV. Magic Johnson has become
an unofficial spokesman for this disease. A vigorous and
healthy man living with HIV, he got infected through heterosexual
intercourse and now is a major force in educating people
about this disease.
It
often takes many many years for somebody infected with HIV
to have their immune system weakened to the point where
these opportunistic infections (and unusual cancers) can
occur. Once somebody begins to get these infections,
they are said to have AIDS.
The
disease was first defined by the CDC (Centers for Disease
Control & Prevention) in 1981. It is estimated
that over a million Americans are infected with HIV (one
in every 250 people). Over 20 million people are infected
worldwide. In some areas of Africa, 1 out of every
2 people have HIV! Though this disease was first thought
to infect only homosexuals and IV drug users who share needles,
it has since become clear that anybody exchanging bodily
fluids (e.g., blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and possibly
even saliva) can get this infection. Most of the continual
spread of HIV is caused by unprotected heterosexual sex,
followed by homosexual sex, IV drug use, and transmission
to a baby by an infected mother.
Early HIV diagnosis and entry into health care system have
both individual and societal benefits: improved health and
productivity, reduced hospitalization costs, and decreased
transmission from persons who do not know their HIV status.
First,
those who learn of their infection can take steps to avoid
infecting others. Second, early treatment with new
anti-viral medicines can slow the progression of the disease.
Third, many of the opportunistic diseases can be prevented
before they occur by using antibiotics and other medicines.
Early
diagnosis of HIV is absolutely critical, so getting tested
by your doctor is important if you have any risk factors,
including a history of sharing needles, a history of unprotected
heterosexual intercourse, if you are a man who has sex with
men, or if you had a blood transfusion prior to 1987. Only
blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, other body fluids
containing blood, have been proven to spread HIV. (It is
felt to be particularly unlikely that one can catch HIV
through contact with saliva) You don't catch HIV from talking
to, working with, shaking hands, hugging, or kissing people
who have HIV or AIDS!
A
huge amount of ongoing research is being done to find a
vaccine to prevent non-infected people from getting HIV
if exposed, as well as finding better treatments and cures
for those already infected. Though excellent and continually
improving treatment is prolonging life and slowing the course
of this disease, HIV infection is still considered to be
nearly 100% fatal (even the Ebola virus isn't that vicious)!
|
|
|
Kaposi's
sarcoma on the trunk and leg of a patient with AIDS
|
Common
Signs & Symptoms
The signs & symptoms of HIV and AIDS are very different
depending on how damaged ones immune system has become.
When somebody initially gets exposed and infected by HIV,
they often have flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, feeling
lousy, swollen glands, etc.). These symptoms go away,
and most people have no idea they have this infection until
they are diagnosed with a blood test or they develop an
opportunistic infection or unusual cancer.
The
most common opportunistic infections include, Candida
albicans (caused by a fungus) throat and body infection,
Pneumocystis carinii (caused by a bacteria) pneumonia,
Toxoplasmosis (caused by a fungus) brain infection, Cryptococcus
(fungus) brain and body infection, Tuberculosis (bacteria)
lung and body infection, Cytomegalovirus (CMV, virus) eye
and body infection. The most common cancer associated
with AIDS is called Kaposi's sarcoma. Many other infections
(such as Herpes, HPV,
Streptococcal pneumonia, and Salmonella) occur in people
with AIDS.
|
|
|
|
Throat
infection with Candida albicans (thrush)
|
|
How's
it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by a blood
test that finds antibodies against HIV (meaning you
have been exposed to the virus and your body has developed
an immune response and is making antibodies in an attempt
to fight off the infection). Many times, people first
learn they have AIDS when they go to their doctor with one
of the common opportunistic infections or Kaposi's sarcoma.
How's
it Treated?
Currently there is no cure for HIV infection. Treatment
is geared towards both controlling the virus and treating
the opportunistic infections. Many new and exciting
anti-viral medications have had good success in slowing
down the progression of HIV infection by preventing the
virus from multiplying. Medications such as AZT, ddI,
ddC, and the newer protease-inhibitors have gotten a lot
of press since HIV was defined. Newer, less toxic,
and better medications are continually being introduced
and even more are on the way. Vaccine studies are
underway both for those uninfected (i.e., the general population)
and those already infected (to boost the immune system).
Taking good care of oneself (eating healthily, exercising,
etc.) also seems crucial in preventing the rapid progression
of HIV. Pregnant women who have HIV infection
should be treated with medicine during their pregnancy AND
at delivery as this has been clearly proven to markedly
reduce the rate of transmitting the infection to the baby.
How
do I avoid Getting It (Prevention)?
Avoiding exposure to bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal
secretions, etc.) is the surest way to avoid getting HIV.
Abstinence or correct condom
use with a latex condom will prevent transmission of
HIV from one person to the next. Pregnant women
who have HIV infection should be treated with medicine during
their pregnancy AND at delivery to minimize the risk of
spreading it to their baby.
Additional
Information
A terrific site for information on HIV and AIDS is called
aidsmap.
Get additional information on this and other diseases by
clicking here.
