HIV is a virus that targets and progressively weakens the immune system. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
What is HIV?
- Virus Type: HIV is a retrovirus, meaning it uses RNA as its genetic material and reverse transcribes it into DNA after infecting a cell.
- Target: The virus primarily infects and destroys CD4 cells (T-helper cells), crucial for a healthy immune system. These cells help coordinate the body’s immune response by signaling other cells to perform their functions.
How HIV Works:
- Entry: HIV enters the body and targets CD4 cells.
- Replication: The virus fuses with the host cell and releases its RNA and enzymes.
- Integration: The newly formed viral DNA integrates into the host cell’s DNA with the help of an enzyme called integrase.
- Production: The infected cell then produces new viral RNA and proteins assembled into new HIV particles.
- Release: These new virus particles bud off from the affected cell and infect other CD4 cells, continuing the cycle.
Transmission:
HIV is transmitted by the exchange of certain body fluids from an infected person, including:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
- Rectal fluids
- Breast milk
Here are the most common ways HIV is spread include:
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Sharing syringes or needles or with an infected person
- From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding
Symptoms:
HIV infection progresses in stages:
- Acute HIV Infection: Some people experience flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after infection, such as fever, sore throat, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency): The virus is active but reproduces at low levels. People might not show symptoms for several years, but HIV is still active and can be transmitted.
- AIDS: If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, the final and most severe stage, characterized by a severely weakened immune system.
Diagnosis:
HIV is diagnosed through blood tests that testify to the presence of the virus in response to it.
Treatment:
- Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): The primary treatment for HIV, ART involves a combination of HIV medicines that helps to reduce the HIV viral load to undetectable levels, ultimatley helping to maintain immune function and prevent transmission.
- Management: With consistent ART, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Prevention:
- Safe Sex Practices: Using condoms and engaging in safer sex practices.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Taking HIV medications daily to reduce the risk of infection.
- Needle Exchange Programs: Avoiding shared needles and using sterile injection equipment.
- Regular Testing: Regular HIV testing, especially for high-risk individuals.
HIV is a manageable condition with modern medical treatment, allowing individuals to live full and healthy lives.
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