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[H427]Hiv & Aids Symptoms

by Lavanay, Lav

HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the one of the worst diseases that the world is battling today. Till date, there has been no cure for this infection even though extensive research is being done on it. This article deals with the symptoms and medications that affects people afflicted with this deadly virus.

The complexity of the HIV infection lies in the fact that there is no specific symptom linked to it; thus detection becomes difficult. The only way to find out you have the disease is to test for HIV antibodies to be able to identify the disease. Some of the most common symptoms linked to it are rapid weight loss, unexplained fevers, night sweating, sudden loss of weight, loss of appetite, and swelling of the lymph nodes and sometimes even rashes though they not conclusively prove that one suffers from HIV. The main point to remember is that the infection can cause different symptoms in different people and that can confuse patients. The first sign of infection is an unexplained fever which comes 2-4 weeks after exposure. After that even if the person is infected, the patient continues normally without any symptoms. Yet the virus is active in the body destroying healthy cells. Eventually one day, the immune system is so destroyed that the patient falls in to full blown AIDS

The ELISA and the Western Blot are the most common tests recommended by doctors to identify HIV. When used in tandem and the results prove positive in a person, medical help is recommended. Though there is no cure for it as yet, medicines like AZT and Lamivudine are available in the market which can contain and isolate the virus to a very large extent. The HAART therapy is a grouping or a combination of 3 drugs that are used to combat the HIV virus effectively. This drug helps in minimizing the active concentration of the HIV virus in an affected person's bloodstream.

The HIV Virus is transmitted from one person to another mainly through body fluids. It's a common belief that Oral sex does not transmit the HIV Virus but this is untrue. People suffering from HIV should not be left in isolation rather should be provided with all the support that a family can provide to the patient to help deal with the situation. Family support forms the decisive factor in the mental preparation of a patient to deal with such a disease.

The age old clich'd adage ?prevention is better than cure? is the best antidote to prevent such a deadly disease. Even though there is no cure in sight for this deadly disease, a few simple suggestions can help you keep this disease at bay. Avoid multiple sexual partners or usage of protective measures (condoms) when sexually active with more than one partner. Avoiding sharing of needles are some of the most common ways that one can keep themselves out of HIV's reach.

Though many countries in recent times may have proclaimed that they have a conclusive cure for HIV; that fact is yet to be ascertained. If there was a cure a lot of people would be saved and the company which makes the cure could make millions. A large amount of money is spent every year on research and in the development of medicines to combat AIDS.

Causes of HIV:

The spread of HIV inside the body is in such a way that the virus splits the inherent cryptogram of the cells which are utilised by the immune system, especially cells called 'CD4 cells' and further utilizes the natural inherent matter in order to create replicas of itself. The body is able to create more of the'CD4' cells, but sooner or later the virus HIV would bring down the number of the 'CD4' cells to a very low level which in turn would end up in stopping the functioning of the immune system.

The spreading of the virus HIV outside the system is due to transmission of fluids from the body, like blood or semen. Thus this virus could be transmitted due to sexual intercourse, which would include even anal and oral sex. The risk of the transmission of HIV is there also in case of the sharing of needles while injecting illegal drugs. HIV can also be transmitted by the mother to the baby. But nowadays there are medications available wherein the possibility can be brought down. HIV is also transmitted by blood transfusions.

Symptoms of HIV:

The first stage of the infection is called the 'primary HIV infection'. The persons infected by this virus, about more than half of the people develop the symptoms, generally in about 15 to 45 days of the infection. The symptoms would comprise of pain in the joints, fever, muscle pain, sore throat, and swelling in the glands, getting tired out faster than usual and appearance of a spotty rash on the chest.

Generally the symptoms are quite mild and you would tend to link them to some other problem like fever or cold. These symptoms do not show any increment for a long period. This is called 'Asymptomatic HIV infection'.

This virus is internally growing and even damaging the immune system. If the virus is left and not treated, it in turn will bring down the number of the CD4 cells in the body to a very low level and this would cause the immune system to stop functioning. This damage caused to the immune system generally happening in over a period of ten years. This in turn would inexorably result in growing into a severe infection.

The symptoms of a severe infection would be, night sweats, dry cough, inexplicable loss of weight, high fever which would be enduringly long, vision would start getting blur, the mouth or the tongue would develop white spots, shortness in breath, constant diarrhea or even glands tend to swell up and this condition would continue for three or more months.

Treatment of HIV:

The first step would be getting referred to a HIV clinic and getting counseled. Then blood tests would be done regularly, these tests would be to keep a check on the viral load and the CD4 cell count. There is no vaccine or medication available which can cure HIV completely. But there are medications like HAART available in order to slow down the speed of the virus and also giving you a longer life span.

There are also various therapies done alone and also in combination with medication to give the sufferer a better life.

Article Source : life fitness x3 elliptical

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Both Lavanay & James S. Pendergraft are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Lavanay has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Financial Planning and Investments. Diagnosehivsymptoms.com is a health related blog dedicated to provide all the information about HIV and AIDS. Check out this blog to know more about. Lavanay's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.

James S. Pendergraft has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Alternative Medicine and Bacterial Vaginosis. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996.. James S. Pendergraft's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.