TALK TO AN EXPERT
+91 9236407378
Mobile Menu
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system becomes severely weakened, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
How HIV is Transmitted
Sexual Contact
HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Blood Exposure
Sharing needles or syringes, receiving contaminated blood products, or using unsterilized medical equipment can transmit HIV. Accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings are also a risk.
Mother-to-Child Transmission
An infected mother can pass HIV to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Other Body Fluids
HIV can also be present in other body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. However, it is not transmitted through saliva, tears, or sweat unless these fluids contain blood.
Symptoms of HIV
Acute HIV Infection (Stage 1):
- Symptoms: Within 2-4 weeks after infection, some people experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash, muscle aches, and fatigue. This stage is also known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or primary HIV infection.
- Viral Load: During this stage, the virus is multiplying rapidly, and the viral load (amount of HIV in the blood) is very high, making the person highly contagious.
Chronic HIV Infection (Stage 2):
- Asymptomatic Period: After the initial acute stage, the virus continues to multiply at lower levels but may not cause symptoms for years. This stage is also known as clinical latency or the asymptomatic phase.
- Progressive Immune Decline: Over time, the immune system becomes progressively weakened, leading to more frequent infections and illnesses.
AIDS (Stage 3):
- Severe Immune Damage: AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³, or when certain opportunistic infections or cancers develop. Symptoms may include rapid weight loss, recurring fever, prolonged swelling of lymph glands, diarrhea, sores, pneumonia, and neurological disorders.
- Life-Threatening Infections: Common opportunistic infections include tuberculosis, pneumonia, and certain types of cancer like Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Living with HIV
Adherence to ART:
- Consistently taking ART as prescribed is crucial for maintaining an undetectable viral load and preventing the progression of HIV.
Healthy Lifestyle:
- A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can support overall health and immune function.
Mental Health Support:
- Coping with the emotional and psychological aspects of living with HIV can be challenging. Support from counselors, support groups, or therapists can be beneficial.
Homeopathic Care:
- Won Homeopathy offers individualized homeopathic treatments aimed at enhancing the quality of life for people living with HIV. These treatments focus on boosting immunity, managing stress, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
Regular Medical Check-Ups:
- Ongoing medical care and monitoring are essential for managing HIV effectively and addressing any complications early.
When to Seek Help
If you suspect you have been exposed to HIV, experience symptoms of acute HIV infection, or have risk factors for HIV, it’s important to seek medical advice and get tested. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the condition and preventing transmission. Alongside conventional medical care, exploring complementary therapies like homeopathy with providers like Won Homeopathy can offer additional support to enhance well-being and manage the condition holistically.