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Pathogen

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-28 23:19:29 UTC

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-28 23:19:33 UTC

Acute HIV infection is the earliest stage of HIV infection, and it generally develops within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV. During the acute stage the infection spreads and multiples at a very rapid rate.

Symptoms- Fever, Headache, Rash.

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-28 23:22:33 UTC

The second stage of HIV infection is chronic HIV infection. During this stage the infection is still spreading and multiplying but at a very low level, which is sometimes referred as the asymptomatic stage.

Symptoms- may not have any noticeable symptoms

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-28 23:29:24 UTC

Stage 3 HIV, also known as AIDS, is the most advanced stage.

AIDS occurs when the body is no longer able to fight off the infection. People with AIDS can have a high viral load and may easily transmit HIV to others.

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-28 23:33:01 UTC

There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. With proper medical treatment and medication regimen people can live a normal life and can even go undetected if diligent with treatment.

TREATMENT

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-28 23:43:22 UTC

The treatment for HIV is called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines. ART cannot cure HIV, but HIV medicines help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. ART diligence can make HIV viral load so low it can be undetectable.

Long Term Effects

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-28 23:48:36 UTC

Over time, the infection takes a toll on the body, putting the person with HIV at greater risk for health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, bone disease, liver disease, cognitive disorders, and some types of cancer.

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-28 23:58:42 UTC

Complications of HIV infection in neonates and pediatric populations occur as a result of their immunocompromised status.

If the mother is in undetectable status it is safe to get pregnant and breastfeed without fear of infecting the baby.

Infants who are infected with HIV often have no symptoms for the first 2 to 3 months.

What is HIV?

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-29 00:06:13 UTC

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by bodily fluids, most commonly unprotected sex. The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists. There is treatment called ART, which can make the virus undetectable if diligent with treatment. If a person’s viral load is so low that a standard lab can’t detect it, this is called having an undetectable viral load.

mbiglane3783_ — 2023-11-29 00:11:15 UTC

Practice safe sex

Minimize sexual partners

Get tested

If infected take medication as prescribed and get routine lab work done