HIV
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that causes AIDS. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus is spread through sex and blood. HIV leads to a weakened immune system. A healthy immune system is important to prevent infection from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. HIV can be prevented through measures like using a condom or medication such as PrEP.
How do you get HIV?
HIV is spread through semen, vaginal fluid, anal mucus, blood, and breast milk. People can be infected by HIV after anal or vaginal sex, sharing needles, semen or vaginal fluid getting into cuts or sores, and being born to a mother with HIV.
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HIV infects cells of the immune system including CD4 T cells. The infection makes these cells unable to fight infection as part of a healthy immune response.
What are symptoms of HIV?
Symptoms of HIV infection can be different in each person. Common symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and diarrhea. These symptoms do not last long and go away on their own. During this time the virus is growing in the body and the person can infect others. It is important to be aware of these symptoms and get tested while also taking caution to not infect others.
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Following the initial infection, HIV can lead to AIDS or Acquired Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome. This causes fevers, weight loss, and infection with various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Daily medication is available that allows patients with HIV and AIDS to live long and healthy lives.
How can I prevent getting HIV?
HIV infection can be prevented by using condoms and practicing safe sex. Additionally, any needles that are used should be clean and not shared with others.
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HIV can also be prevented with a medication called PrEP or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is made up of two medications tenofovir and emtricitabine which prevent the virus from growing and multiplying in cells. PrEP is taken before a person is infected with HIV and can reduce the risk of infection from sex by 99% and needles by 74%. When taking PrEP, people will visit their physicians regularly for HIV testing and to check for rare side effects.
What should I do if I think I was exposed to HIV?
It is important to schedule an appointment with a medical professional for HIV testing as soon as possible. A medication called PEP or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis can be used to prevent infection after someone was exposed. In order to be effective, PEP is usually taken within 72 hours (3 days) after someone was exposed to HIV.
