17/08/2020
HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) is a s*xually transmitted infection caused by the human immonideficiency virus.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the severe stage of HIV characterized by different opportunistic infections. HIV/AIDS also known as "hi fiveđź‘‹" remains the world's challenge claiming over 5million lives annually. HIV can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, vaginal & re**al fluid. There are 3 main stages of this viral infection.
1. PRIMARY STAGE
The primary stage also called the "sero conversion period" occurs 2-6weeks on exposure. It is characterised by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue etc which is also refered to as "acute retroviral syndrome". This occurs 2-6weeks on exposure to the virus.
SECONDARY STAGE
The secondary stage also called clinical latency is a very infectious stage but infected person do not show symptoms. The virus is actually at work killing the CD4 cells in the body & destroying the immune system. CD4 Cells are a type of White Blood Cells responsible for immune defense. As the CD4 Cells reduces opportunistic infections may set in.
TERTIARY STAGE
The advance stage of HIV infection is AIDS. This is usually when the CD4 Count is very low & the immune system is seriously damaged. At this stage, you'll be experiencing all the "AIDS-defining Illnesses" such as skin cancers, pneumocystic pneumonia etc. One may also experience unreasonable weight loss, severe long lasting diarrhea, bleeding you can't explain, yeast infections etc.
RISK FACTORS
1. Infants born to mothers with HIV infection
2. People who received HIV-infected blood or organ transplant
3. Sharing infected drug injectables.
4. Married to HIV infected Individuals.
5. Homos*xuals
6. Sharing s*x toys, razors etc.
7. Having multiple s*xual partners.
8. Sexually active people below age 25yrs.
GENERAL SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
1. Fever
2. Fatigue
3. Headache
4. Joint pains
5. Swollen lymph
6. Skin rashes.
7. Sore thro
