Itsanutha

Archive for the ‘AIDS & HIV’ Category

Deciding to get tested for HIV can be a scary experience. You know that you may have been exposed, or you just suspect it, and you are wondering if your life is going to change. You may be tempted to put off getting tested just so you don’t have to face any bad news. However, putting off an HIV test is never a good idea. If you even suspect that you may have been exposed to this disease, you need to get tested right away. Putting off an HIV test may mean the difference between an early death and having a high quality of life with the right antiretrovial drugs. It also may cause you to spread HIV to any sexual partners that you have, thus putting their health in jeopardy as well.

With HIV, there are actually few to no symptoms in the early part of the disease, which makes it impossible to tell if you have contracted the virus until it may be too late to treat it. Once HIV causes AIDS, you may experience symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, and glandular swelling, but the outcome will be much better if you get tested and can start treatment before these symptoms are evident. Unfortunately, there are a few different ways in which this disease can be transmitted and if you have ever had unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners, used dirty hypodermic needles, come into contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, or had unprotected anal sex, immediate HIV testing is highly recommended.

Though getting tested for HIV and facing the fact that you may have contracted this disease is scary, it is definitely something that you should do immediately. Fortunately, it is very easy to get tested and you can be assured of 100 percent confidential results when you choose to get tested at a confidential STD testing site. Confidential STD testing sites are designed to provide you with exceptionally convenient service and with the most rapid results possible. They can allow you to get a same day appointment to get the necessary blood work to test for HIV and to get the results of the tests within just a few days. This is a lot faster than doctor’s offices or other such clinics can provide results and can help you relieve your anxiety much more quickly.

With confidential STD testing, you not only get to find out your HIV status within a very quick time frame, but you can also take advantage of the knowledgeable and caring staff to get answers to any questions you may have and to talk about any concerns. STD testing services employ counselors to help you deal with the results of your tests and to help you deal with anxiety, fear, or other such issues over getting tested or if you test positive. While you still may be anxious over the test, this support will help you get through it and to help you figure out the best ways to stay healthy in the future.

Confidential STD Testing services also provide you with 100% confidentiality. This means you don’t have to worry about your personal information falling into the wrong hands. Your test results are only given to you and nobody else even has to know that you are getting the test done. This allows you to get any STD testing done without embarrassment.

Remember, early detection of HIV is absolutely essential to keeping in good health. Don’t delay if you think you have been exposed- make sure to schedule an appointment for an HIV test today.

HIV is a type of STD that is considered to be one of the most dangerous. HIV when becomes complicated leads to AIDS. These two diseases are fatal. There are no cures yet for this disease. And treatment can only control the effects of the disease. So, what better way to do is to avoid getting infected with it.

HIV is transmitted through sexual contact with someone who is already infected. In addition, one may also get infected by using medical equipments used by an infected person such as syringes. So, how can it be prevented?

STD and HIV prevention is not just about wearing a condom when engaging into sexual activities. It is more about taking intelligent decisions to take care of yourself and your partner as well. Part of that prevention may require taking an STD test for you and your partner. This is making sure that you do not get both of you get infected with the disease. Prevention is also about being prepared for your actions. If you want to have sex, then use protection. Prevention is still better than cure. It is your responsibility to protect yourself from diseases that can threaten your life.

What will make one doubt his or her health condition? Only few symptoms show if one is infected with HIV. So it will be hard for one to discover or notice that he or she got infected. So, if you are having sex with multiple partners, active sex life and does not use latex protection during sex, then it is nu the right time to take the effort to have an STD test. There is a lot of HIV testing clinics around that has specialists on STD and HIV who can help you with your health condition. They offer accurate and reliable HIV testing, screening, counseling and treatment for patients.

HIV is a sensitive matter to talk about even with health specialists. This gives the patients the feeling of fear, pain and shame. That is why it is important that the patient should be comfortable with his or her consulting doctor. The patient may also be required to share some sensitive information to the doctor. This is part of the treatment given to HIV patients. The doctor needs to know the history before he or she can come up with a specific treatment for the patient.

This is why health offices have come up with a more private method of testing and treatment for the HIV patients. Hospitals, health offices and HIV testing clinics now offer anonymous, private or confidential HIV testing. This is to provide confidentiality to their patients who want to have more privacy on this matter.

Oftentimes, people think of the stigma attached to having an STD test which hinders them to take it. And this is why STD is spread out to other people. People are not aware that they are already infected and still continue to engage in unprotected sex. The best way to stop the spread of HIV and STD is through those STD and HIV tests.

Did you know that many STD’s aren’t routinely tested for at your doctor or office visit? Most test for
STD’s are done at your request or if you’re pregnant. A pregnant woman with an STD such as Herpes or HIV is at risk of transferring the virus to her unborn baby resulting in severe illness or death. Because of the rising epidemic of HIV infected individuals and herpes cases today, it is very important to get tested. This is especially so because Herpes and HIV are incurable; with HIV being potentially fatal. People fear getting tested but once you know your status it can empower you to take better care of yourself and be more responsible.

Let’s start with testing done for Herpes. If you have sores on your genitals, a sample can be taken and cultured. The virus multiplies and can be seen under a microscope. Another test involves a solution which contains antibodies that is added to the sample. The virus multiplies and glows when viewed under a special microscope. The only drawback with this type of testing is that the virus is detected only in it’s active form. These test can also tell you what type of herpes you have and how you were infected. HSV 1 can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex and HSV 2 can be transmitted through intercourse or anal sex.

As stated above, the culture detects the herpes virus in it’s active form. False negative results are
possible if the sores have begun healing or if this isn’t your first outbreak. Blood test for herpes are done
when there are no symptoms and are more accurate. However, if you are newly infected it may not show up for several weeks since it takes time for antibodies to the virus to show up in the blood. That is why if you suspect you may be infected you should have a repeat test several weeks after the first one.

The HIV test most commonly used in the US is the EIA or enzyme immunoassay formerly known as (Elisa). This test on blood samples looks for antibodies(http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibodies) to the HIV virus. A positive EIA must be confirmed with a Western Blot(http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_blot)on the same sample. HIV test using oral fluids are obtained from the mouth with a special device. Saliva isn’t used for testing but oral fluids found in the mouth. The test is similar to the EIA test done on blood. If the test is positive then a Western Blot is done on the same oral sample to confirm the results.

There are rapid HIV screening test but if reactive must also be confirmed by the Western Blot. Home testing kits are popular since being licensed in 1997, but only one has been approved by the FDA. The Home Access HIV 1 Test System is a home collection kit. The kit has instructions on how to obtain a sample, mailing it and how to obtain your results. There are supportive services available throughout this process.

The spread of HIV to the outside of the human body is due to the diffusion of fluids coming from the body such as blood or semen. Being so, this virus is transmitted via sexual intercourse, which would comprise even oral and anal sex. Another danger of transmitting HIV is that it is also possible while sharing needles in injecting illegal drugs. Furthermore, HIV can also be transferred by the mother to their unborn baby. But these days, there are drugs and medications existing in which this risk can be decreased. And HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions.

HIV and other viruses related with AIDS are usually transmitted via the direct contact of the bloodstream or mucous membrane with any bodily fluid containing HIV such as semen, vaginal fluid, blood, breast milk and pre-seminal fluid. HIV transmission may appear in the forms of oral, anal and vaginal sex, contaminated hypodermic needles, blood transfusion, fluid exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

There are preventive measures available for people who test negative for HIV. It is significant to understand all of the necessary details regarding HIV and its methods for transmission from person to person. You should also know about the diverse symptoms associated with AIDS. Another is the building of public awareness of HIV and AIDS by using educational programs. Having sex with a stranger can be very dangerous; make sure that your partner is negative for HIV. Then one should never have unprotected sex; using condoms are a must as latex condoms are generally more useful than polyurethane made condoms; HIV may also be passed on through the use of sharp instruments infected with the virus such as needles and syringes. Therefore, it is always a good idea to use new and sterilized syringes when injecting drugs, plus new blades should be used when shaving. And blood transfusion is also another mode of transmission for the virus, so it is better to use blood that has already been screened and has tested negative for STIs such as HIV.

There are also preventive measures that are available for those who are infected with HIV. The best method for prevention is total abstinence from sex; follow safe sex methods and practices like the usage of condoms and the avoidance of doing any forms of anal and oral intercourse. Sexual devices that have been used by people who are HIV positive should not be used by other people. Doing this, one can help prevent the further spread of the disease. Also, you should never share your syringes, needles, toothbrushes, razors or any other sharp objects with other people as these things can become a possible source of transmission; keep in mind that an a person that is HIV positive should never donate any of their organs–even blood–because such a donation can possibly cause the spread of the disease to others. And if the person with whom the HIV-positive person had sex with is pregnant, it is prudent to tell her the truth about your condition. In addition, early treatment and diagnosis can help prevent the spread of the disease within the woman as well as in the child.

Always remember to get frequent and regular STD check-ups at STD testing sites to know if you have the disease or not. Early detection and preventing it from spreading are the best ways to halt the growth of this disease.

Prevention is always better than cure. This principle holds a phenomenal significance when it comes to HIV/AIDS. AIDS is one such disease that does not have any permanent cure. Available treatment options are only effective in reducing the symptoms associated with the disease. In such scenario, it is important to have adequate protection so that you do not get the infection.

Preventive measures for persons who are HIV-negative

1. It is important to understand all details pertaining to HIV and the way it is transmitted from person to person. One should also have an idea about various symptoms associated with AIDS.

2. Creating public awareness regarding HIV and AIDS by means of educational programs

3. Having a sexual pleasure with a stranger can be dangerous. One should never enter into any such an act. Make sure your partner is not infected with HIV.

4. One should never engage in unprotected sex. One should always use condoms. Latex condoms are more useful than those made of polyurethane.

5. A circumcision performed under a medical supervision can reduce the risk of an HIV infection.

6. HIV can also get transmitted through infected needles and other sharp instruments. Hence, it is always good to use a clean and sterilized needle while injecting drugs. New razor blades should be used while shaving.

7. Blood transfusion is another important mode of HIV transmission. Hence, it is always better to have blood that has been screened and is negative for HIV and other STIs.

Preventive measures for persons infected with HIV

1. The best preventive measure is to completely abstain from having sex. Always follow safe sex practices such as use of condoms and avoiding any oral or anal intercourse. Sexual devices used by HIV positive individuals should not be shared with others. By this way, one can prevent the spread of this disease to others.

2. One should never shares needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes or blades with others. These items can become a potential source of transmission.

3. An HIV-positive individual should never donate blood or organs. Any such donation can cause the disease to spread to other individuals.

4. If the partner with whom an HIV-positive individual had sex is pregnant, it is always better to share with her the fact about your condition. An early treatment can help in preventing the disease within the woman as well as the child.

To an average individual, HIV spells AIDS. That is not, however, the case. HIV and AIDS are not very different, but the difference, inconspicuous though it may seem, is there. That may be why they usually go hand in hand. It is important however, to outline the differences. HIV is a virus; a lentivirus in actual fact, which is a subset of viruses called retroviruses or slow viruses; the virus that leads to AIDS. Scientific research proves that, AIDS is the final of four stages of HIV, the first three being the window stage, the seroconversion stage and the symptom-free stage respectively. HIV is called a retrovirus because it is a progressing virus. It invades the body through mucous membranes and blood stream (through blood to blood contact) and exists in bodily fluids- semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate or breast milk. Once in, the virus begins its journey into the body with the attack and destruction of the immune system cells thereby causing deterioration of the immune system. This inevitably leads to AIDS.

HIV is said to have originated from African, non-human primates and transferred to humans in the 20th century. There are 2 subtypes; HIV-1, which is a more virulent type and easily transmitted and is the cause of majority of HIV infections worldwide and HIV-2, which is less transmittable and largely confined to West Africa. These strains were found to have originated from Cameroun and Guinea Bissau/ Gabon respectively.

There are many ways through which HIV can be transmitted, but the major ones are through infected needles (or sharp objects), unsafe sex, breast milk and vertical transmission (also known as mother-to-child transmission).
However, it cannot be transmitted through handshakes, hugs, sharing the same mug or spoon with an infected individual, or sitting in the same chair.

HIV is a deadly virus which infects the most vital cells of the immune system such as the CD4+ T cells and macrophages. The infection causes a rapid drop in the number of CD4+ T cells by killing the cells and causing an increased rate of apoptosis (programmed cell death).

When the count of these cells (CD4+ T cells) drops below 200, and 2 or more opportunistic infections set in, then the individual can be diagnosed as an AIDS patient.

How then can HIV be treated?

In present day, there are a few drugs for treatment of the virus which are called antiretroviral drugs or anti-HIV drugs.

These drugs however require total commitment and must be taken throughout an individual’s life and at the right time too, because the virus can easily develop resistance to these drugs. They have also been known to give severe side effects which can now be reduced.
HIV may take about ten or more years to develop into full blown AIDS in an average person. This time interval ranges however, from individual to individual and well depends on having a reasonable diet.
Symptoms to show the presence of this deadly virus?

The most effective way to know if an individual has got the virus is to take a test. Some people however develop flu-like symptoms like rashes and swollen glands for a short period of time, but these symptoms do not necessarily depict the presence of HIV. Most often, individuals are asymptomatic and feel healthy, but can pass the disease on to other unsuspecting individuals. It is therefore important for an individual to take the test if he feels he might have chances of contacting the virus. The test may not be accurate if it is taken less than three months since the last exposure.

HIV has no current cure, but it CAN be prevented. As the saying goes

”Prevention is better than cure.”
The best way of preventing infection as recommended by the World Health Organization is ABSTINENCE. However, practicing safe sex (latex condoms are only about 85% effective when used correctly) when one cannot abstain from sex, avoiding sharing sharp objects with people is also recommended. These are few of the many ways of preventing the spread of this pandemic disease which affects about 0.6 percent of the world’s population.

Being diagnosed with HIV is not however, the end of the world. One can still have a full, normal, long and happy life with the virus being just a footnote in your existence. The first step to this life, is to get tested. A pregnant woman who has tested positive doesn’t necessarily need to pass it on to her unborn child. Antiretroviral drugs have been known to reduce this risk from 25 percent to 2 percent. There have been stories of particular people with HIV who have normal kids AND a pretty normal life.
Being HIV positive doesn’t make you less human than anyone else, it only means you have a virus that CAN be treated. People have been known to survive with this disease for over thirty years with good treatment. The key is early detection.

Different societies have different un-called for ways of ‘dealing with’ HIV patients. Some go as far as burning them. Other not so severe consequences of having the disease include estrangement from all forms of human life, even exile from the community. All these are not necessary, these patients are human like everyone else and alienation is not the way to banish the disease from the society. Each and every society should be more considerate to people living with this disease, it cannot be contacted by talking to them, and sharing with them and making them feel accepted. HIV is real, and people should be made aware of that fact. The earlier we all learn that we have to come together and fight it, the better.

An individual can live a normal life with HIV. It is JUST a virus.