HIV-and-AIDS
HIV is the virus that causes the incurable disease known as AIDS. HIV is also called the 'AIDS virus'. This virus was discovered in 1981 and millions of people have since died worldwide. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Treatments are possible with HIV inhibitors that in many cases are capable of preventing or delaying the disease of AIDS. HIV and AIDS are not (yet) curable. However, transmission of HIV can be prevented.
AIDS
Aids stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This means that the immune system of humans no longer functions properly. Normally, the immune system stops infections. In case of infection with a virus, your body makes antibodies that will kill the infection. However, the AIDS virus is so persistent that the body does not succeed. The AIDS virus does its devastating work and breaks down the immune system. The result of this is infection.
Transmission
The virus is found in blood, vaginal fluid, semen, pre-cum and breast milk. There is no risk in the day-to-day management of HIV-positive people. The risk of infection does occur in unsafe actions with blood, semen, vaginal fluid and pre-cum. Actions that are unsafe:
- unsafe sexual contact:
- vaginal intercourse without a condom. (the risk of HIV infection is also present without ejaculation);
- anal sex without a condom;
- oral sex, in which sperm or menstrual blood comes into the mouth;
- mutual use of sex toys, without cleaning them in between.
- the use of unsafe blood products
- blood transfusions with contaminated blood
- injecting with previously used needles for drug use
- transfer from mother to child
Treatment
The standard treatment of HIV consists of 3 or 4 different HIV inhibitors. These should be taken once or twice a day. This depends on the overall clinical picture. There are currently pregnancy-friendly HIV inhibitors with a view to a possible future pregnancy.
Follow these guidelines:
- do not skip taking taking the inhibitors;
- take no less than prescribed;
- stick to instructions;
- take them at the right time.
Also see these information articles: · Candida infection · Chickenpox · Chlamydia · Hepatitis B · Rubella · Toxoplasmosis · Vaginal infections
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