04/03/2025
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🔹 Causative Agent – Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 (T-helper) cells.
🔹 Stages of HIV Infection –
Acute Stage: Flu-like symptoms appear within 2-4 weeks of infection.
Chronic Stage: Asymptomatic phase; virus multiplies slowly.
AIDS (Final Stage): Severe immune suppression leads to opportunistic infections and malignancies.
🔹 Modes of Transmission –
✅ Unprotected s*xual contact (semen, vaginal fluids, re**al fluids)
✅ Blood transfusions (if not screened)
✅ Sharing contaminated needles or syringes
✅ Mother-to-child transmission during birth or breastfeeding
🔹 Symptoms of AIDS –
⚠️ Chronic weight loss (HIV wasting syndrome)
⚠️ Recurrent fever and night sweats
⚠️ Persistent diarrhea
⚠️ Frequent infections (TB, pneumonia, candidiasis, etc.)
⚠️ Skin rashes and neurological issues (HIV encephalopathy)
🔹 Diagnosis –
🧪 ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) – Initial screening test
🧪 Western Blot / PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) – Confirmatory tests
🧪 CD4 Count & Viral Load – Determines immune status and disease progression
🔹 Treatment: No Cure, But Controllable!
💊 ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) – Reduces viral load, improves immunity, and prolongs life
💊 Prophylaxis & Management of Opportunistic Infections
🔹 Prevention is Better than Cure!
✅ Safe s*x (Use condoms, regular partner screening)
✅ Pre-exposure (PrEP) & Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for high-risk individuals
✅ Blood screening before transfusion
✅ No needle sharing
🔹 Myth vs. Fact –
❌ HIV spreads through casual contact (hugging, shaking hands, sharing food) – FALSE
✅ HIV is manageable with early diagnosis and ART – TRUE
Regular testing, awareness, and prevention can END AIDS! 🏥💙
Medical world
