HIV or Human immunodeficiency virus is the virus that target and alter the immune system and increase the risk and impact of other infections and diseases. As the immune system weakens, then the infection might progress to an advanced stage and the illness is called AIDS.
The WHO or World Health Organization also advises that, without treatment the virus might increase the risk of getting life- threatening infections and cancers. A person living with HIV can restart a new life with treatment. Once the person is infected with HIV, the virus stays inside the body for life.
Also Read:-Yoga For Menstruation : Top 8 Health Benefits Of Yoga On Women’s Premenstrual Syndrome
In the given article, we explain the causes and symptoms of HIV/AIDS:
HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus):
HIV or Human immunodeficiency virus is the virus that can lead to AIDS(Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if not treated early. If the person becomes infected , then the virus weakens the immune system and the person getting life-threatening infections. Over time if treatment not occur, HIV can destroy so many of cells that the body can’t fight off infections and cancers.
AIDS(Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus):
AIDS or Acquired immunodeficiency virus is the most advanced stage of HIV. Once the HIV infection develops into AIDS, then the immune system is too weak to fight off infections and poses a greater risk. This is the last stage when the infection is very advanced and if left untreated will lead to death.
Symptoms:-
The infections caused by viruses, fungi, and bacteria causes the more severe symptoms of HIV. The initial symptoms of HIV may include:-
- joint pain
- fever
- weakness
- red rashes
- sweats(especially at night)
- tiredness
- weakness
- enlarged glands
- weight loss
- muscle aches
- thrush
Causes:-
The virus is spread from one person to another through certain body fluids, including:
- breast milk
- blood
- vaginal secretions
- semen
- anal fluids
The several main causes of this transfer of fluids are :-
- Sexual intercourse with a person who has HIV while not using a condom or HIV medication.
- Sharing equipment for injectable drugs, hormones and steroids with an HIV infected person.
- A women living with HIV has recently given birth might transfer the disease to the newborn during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
- The risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusion is extremely low that have effective screening procedures in place for blood donations.
Without proper and consistent treatment of HIV, peoples living with this disease can develop AIDS sooner. The immune system is damaged and it is harder to fighting off infection and disease at that time. Antiretroviral therapy helps to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others and a person with HIV can maintain chronic HIV infection without developing AIDS for decades.