Halley Williams by

What is HIV?

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 00:42:27 UTC

Hiv is a virus that attacks white blood cells. It can be a very difficult virus to fight off and it causes damage to the immune system.

HIV Symptoms

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 00:53:06 UTC

HIV symptoms can mimic the flu. The symptoms generally start two to four weeks after being transmitted. Some of the symptoms include, headache, fever, tiredness or fatigue, sore throat, rash, muscle and joint pain, ulcers in the genital area or mouth, night sweats and so much more.

Effects of HIV on newborn babies

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 01:11:08 UTC

There are 95% or more of transmissions of HIV in newborns. Their immune system is already weak at birth, so HIV makes it weaker. It is hard to diagnose HIV in babies until they are around 3-5 years old. Since it takes longer to identify HIV in children, this can cause increased infections, growth delays, cancers, and more.

How is HIV transmitted?

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 01:19:17 UTC

HIV can be transmitted through many different ways like, kissing, blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids, breast milk, and being bitten by someone with HIV.

Treatment of HIV

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 01:22:07 UTC

There are no cures for HIV, but they can give some medication that can help with the spread of HIV and the persons health. They call the medication antiretroviral therapy (ART) which consists of a regiment for the person with HIV. They have to take 3 or more pills a day.

How to test for HIV

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 01:22:34 UTC

There is a few ways to test for HIV. The healthcare provider may prick your finger or draw blood, swab the areas of sexual contact, ask for a urine sample, do a visual examination, or take oral samples. Anyone can do an at home test which takes 20 minutes or even mail in a test to a provider.

How to protect yourself against HIV

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 01:24:59 UTC

Internal or external condoms
Using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you don't have HIV- This 99% effective and is used when you are with someone with HIV or if you are prone to get HIV.
Maintaining an undetectable viral load if you have HIV- If there is no detectable viral load in your blood then HIV cannot be transmitted.
Starting HIV therapy if you are pregnant- Make sure to take the medication as directed to you and after having the baby they may give you some to give the baby for up to 6 weeks.
Avoiding breastfeeding if you have HIV
Avoiding shared needles or syringes
Using post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if accidentally exposed to HIV

Long term effects of HIV

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 01:27:44 UTC

Since there is no cure for HIV there so many effects that could happen to a person. These effects could be, accelerating aging, cancer, effects on lipid levels, and the infection can get worse and no longer respond to medications.

HIV Facts

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 01:28:09 UTC

HIV does not mean that you will die, make sure to take medication as directed by your doctor. This can help anyone live a long and healthy life.

Acquiring HIV does NOT mean you have or will have AIDS. There are medications that can help keep from HIV from progressing.

People CANNOT get HIV by being around people who are living with HIV. You cannot get HIV by from air, touch, sweat or tears.

HIV can be helped and slowed down with the proper medication.

Stages of HIV

hnwilliams02_ — 2023-11-26 01:34:28 UTC

The three stages of HIV are acute HIV infection, chronic HIV infection, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Acute HIV infection is the beginning which takes 2-4 weeks before a positive HIV test. Chronic HIV infection is the second stage of HIV which would start to attack and kill the immune system, also when they will start the HIV regiments. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the third stage of HIV and is the most life-threatening stage. This is where cancers and other infections are more common and seen the most.