Introduction: The History of HIV and AIDS
AIDS is a disease that is caused by an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus can be transmitted from one person to another during unprotected sex, sharing needles, breastfeeding, or through contact with infected blood. It can also be passed on from a mother to her child during pregnancy or childbirth.
The first AIDS case was reported in 1981. In the early 1980s, AIDS began to spread rapidly in the United States and Western Europe as more people became infected with HIV.
What is HIV? What Causes it? It’s Impact on Society
HIV is one of the most deadly viruses in the world and also one of the most misunderstood. It is a virus that can be transmitted from one human to another by contact with bodily fluids.
The virus spreads through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. The virus infects cells in your body and changes them so they cannot fight off infections. As HIV multiplies inside these cells it destroys your immune system, making you more susceptible to life-threatening infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. HIV can also lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This happens when your immune system is too weak to fight off other illnesses.
How is HIV Diagnosed? How are New Cases Found & Treated?
HIV is diagnosed with a blood or oral test. HIV-positive people are also tested for other sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
New cases of HIV are found by looking for the virus in blood, vaginal secretions, or semen. People who have been exposed to HIV can be tested for the virus within 3 weeks of exposure and should get tested again 3 months later to see if they have become infected.
What Types of Medications are Used to Treat HIV?
The use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) has been a key factor in reducing HIV-related deaths and HIV transmission. ARVs help to control HIV by preventing the virus from multiplying, which reduces the amount of virus in your body.
Types of Medications:
– Antiretroviral therapy (ART)
– Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
– Combination therapy
– Protease inhibitors
– Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Some Facts about Antiretrovirals and Their Side Effects
Antiretrovirals are drugs that are used to treat various types of infections caused by a virus called HIV. They can also be used to prevent HIV infection.
Side effects of antiretrovirals depend on the type of antiretroviral and the person taking them. Some people may experience side effects more than others, depending on their health condition and age.
Some facts about antiretrovirals:
– Antiretrovirals are drugs that are used to treat various types of infections caused by a virus called HIV
– Side effects depend on the type of antiretroviral and the person taking them
– The side effects can range from mild to life-threatening
What Do Patients Think about Antiretrovirals and its Side Effects on Everyday Life?
Antiretrovirals are drugs that are used to prevent the HIV virus from multiplying in the body. These drugs have side effects on everyday life and it is important for patients to know about them.
Patients who are on antiretrovirals should be aware of the side effects these drugs can cause. The most common side effect that these drugs can cause is a decrease in appetite, which can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and an increased risk of illness.