According to the global statistics report of HIV/Aids, there are about 36.7 million people currently living with HIV/Aids and about the total of 35.0 million people have died since the start of the epidemic. (From 1981-till date)
HIV is a life-threatening virus, which attacks the body`s CD4 cells and weakens its immunity shield that guards against infection and illness. The virus enters into the body through certain bodily fluids, and the condition is life-long.
Although the disease is not contemporary, there is still no cure for it. However, there are specific treatments available to reduce or stop the progression and save the lives of people from its devastating effects. Thanks to the recent development in the sector of medical science.
Speaking of the advancements, there has been a significant development in the diagnosis of the HIV 1 virus, as researchers have successfully applied Southern Blotting to identify the presence and the emergence of the AIDS-causing virus. The technique is used to study a particular type of DNA in a specific DNA sample. The diagnosis technique is also applied to study several viral and bacterial infections. For more information on HIV and Southern Blotting, you can consult the experts at MyBioSource.
The symptoms of HIV do not happen overnight, and there is a timeline to the signs including the early stage, chronic, and the final stage. Here is a guide describing the HIV symptom timeline:
Early Symptoms in Primary HIV
The primary stage is also known as ARS or acute retroviral syndrome. At this stage, the bloodstream contains more potent levels of the virus and can easily be transmitted to other people. This stage causes flu-like infections, which makes it more likely for the patient to think of it as severe flu instead of HIV. Fever is yet another most common symptom during the early stage of HIV.
Other symptoms during the primary stage include a sore throat, headaches, excessive fatigue, chills, muscle pain, maculopapular truncal rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
If someone has experienced any of the symptoms, it is better to seek medical help as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent the condition to become worse.
Chronic HIV
HIV is considered chronic once the patient crosses the acute infection stage, which also indicates that the disease is ongoing. This stage is known as the asymptotic stage. The virus becomes more active but reproduces slowly and steadily at this stage.
Symptoms of chronic HIV might vary and can sometimes be much more severe as compared to that of the ARS stage. People with the advanced chronic HIV stage may experience a series of weight loss, coughing or breathing difficulties, diarrhea, high fever, and excess fatigue.
Those living with HIV should take appropriate precautions and follow their treatment plan with care to prevent the transmission of HIV and other diseases.
AIDS: The Final Stage
The regular testing and diagnosis of HIV along with the medication is critically important to the ongoing quality of life and health, as well as, to the progression of the disease.
AIDS is primarily known as Stage 3 HIV; it develops when the infection has drastically weakened the immune system of the body. As per research, when the CD4 levels fall below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of the blood, the condition is accounted as AIDS.
The symptoms of AIDS include severe chills and night sweats, persistent high fevers, white spots in the mouth, severe fatigue, rashes of different colors, significant weight loss, memory problems, pneumonia, regular coughing and breathing problems, and persistent headaches.
According to the medical professionals and researchers, most people who are diagnosed with AIDS have developed the disease because of no treatment within ten years of the early stage. At this point in the HIV timeline, the body is vulnerable to an eclectic range of infections and the weak immune system is not able to fight them off.
Specific Lifestyle Changes Can Help Slow The Progression Of The Virus
Apply a lifestyle that boosts your body’s immune system to fight against infection. These lifestyle factors can play a significant role in the purpose.
- Try to live happy and stress-free; because stress weakens the immune system and amplifies the chances of other diseases to attack.
- Avoid infections and get regular vaccinations as per your doctor’s advice.
- Quit smoking as it is more prone to infections like candidiasis and pneumonia, or other chronic diseases.
- Exercise regularly as it has many benefits on health such as a healthy metabolism, a lower risk of heart disease, improved circulation, better sleep, less stress, and many more.
- Eat a healthy diet with moderate or no alcohol intake. It will boost the immune system and guard against infections and amplify the chances of progress in the treatment.
Prescription Medicine For The Treatment
Different classes of drugs can be used to treat HIV depending on the person’s condition. The doctor will decide the prescription drugs on the virus strength. Following are some medicines that people usually take in their treatment.
- A complete HIV regimen multiclass combination drugs (Triumeq, Juluca, Stribild, Genvoya)
- Integrase inhibitors (Tivicay, Vitekta, Isentress)
- Cytochrome P4503A (CYP3A) inhibitors
- Chemokine co-receptor (CCR5) antagonists
- Entry inhibitors
- Protease inhibitors (Evotaz, Kaletra, Lexiva)
- Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)( Sustiva, Intelence, Edurant)
- Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)( Ziagen, Combivir, Emtriva, Videx)
Final Thought
Finally, the key to dealing with HIV in the best possible manner is to carry on with a healthcare provider that will take care of the regular treatments along with the diagnosis and medications. Hopefully, now you have got a brief idea regarding how HIV affects the body and how you can deal with it.
Remember, HIV is a virus; It’s the stigma that turns it into a deadly disease. So, let`s join hands, to fight, protect, and give the victims a chance to live, a reason to smile and a healthy tomorrow.
Say no to HIV stigmas!
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