What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a retrovirus that

causes HIV infection. Its entrance into the body lowers the immunity (body
defense system) or the ability to fight off disease.

HIV Infection is the successful entry of HIV in the human host, weakening
the immune system and leading to a spectrum of diseases.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a condition

characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms, caused by HIV
contracted from another which attacks and weakens the bodys immune
system, making the afflicted individual susceptible to other life threatening
infection.

How does HIV attack the immune system?

1.

The human body is protected by the White Blood Cells in the immune system.

2.

White Blood Cells in the immune system fight disease and germs for your body.

3.

Strong diseases make the body sick, but the white blood cells usually win in the end.

4.

HIV is a VERY strong germ that attacks the White Blood Cells themselves, weakening the body's defenses
against diseases and makes the body vulnerable to potentially life-threatening infections and cancers. HIV
then uses human cells to manufacture more of the virus, eventually killing the host & nearby cells and
overwhelms the immune system.

5.

After a very long struggle lasting years, HIV kills most of the immune system's White Blood Cells, leaving the
body unprotected.

6.

Many other (secondary) diseases attack (bringing about the condition of AIDS) and eventually kill the body

Solid Facts on HIV and AIDS

HIV is transmitted by:

having unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral), with someone

who is HIV positive. Unprotected, penetrative sex accounts for 80% of total
exposures to the disease worldwide;

having a transfusion with infected blood;

sharing syringes and needles with someone who is HIV positive for drugs and
tattoos or other skin
piercing tools such as razor blades and surgical instruments for circumcision
or scarification.

mothers to their unborn babies and through breastfeeding.

HIV is NOT transmitted through:

Kissing

Casual contacts or handshakes

Sharing living quarters, eating or drinking with an infected person

Mosquitoes and bed bugs.

HIV is transmitted through the following body fluids:

Blood

Semen

Vaginal/Cervical Fluids

Breastmilk

Stages of the HIV Disease

Stage I: PRIMARY INFECTION

o

Stage II: ASYMPTOMATIC ILLNESS

o

The patient may remain well for years

Stage III: SYMPTOMATIC ILLNESS

o

The patient starts experiencing flu-like symptoms

The patient experiences mild symptoms such as lack of energy, nights sweats, etc

Stage IV: ADVANCED DISEASES (AIDS)

o

The patient experiences opportunistic infections from bacterial,

mycobacterial, fungal, protozoal, viral and malignant sources that can
cause any of the following:

Swollen glands

Mouth infections

Brain infections

Skin diseases

Lung diseases

Loss of weight

HIV Detection and Testing

HIV can be detected through the following tests:

Antibody test - an indirect test measures the response of ones body to the
presence of HIV

Antigen test - a test that directly measures the virus

HIV Testing is voluntary, confidential and anonymous, with pre and post-test
counseling. The window period for testing is 6 months from the last exposure with
HIV.
There is NO vaccine and NO cure for HIV. Anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) may
only slow down the replication of the virus.
The A-B-C-D-E of AIDS Prevention

A - Abstinence

B - Be faithful (having a mutual monogamous relationship)

C - Careful Sex (No exchange of body fluids)

D - Dont share needles/ sterilized needles

E - Education and Information