What is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. A member of a group of viruses called retroviruses, HIV infects human cells and uses the energy and nutrients provided by those cells to grow and reproduce. When someone becomes infected with HIV, it begins to attack their immune system which is the body's defense against illness. This process is not visible.A person infected with HIV may look and feel perfectly well for many years, and they may not know that they are infected. Then, as the person's immune system weakens, they become vulnerable to illnesses, many of which they would normally fight off.
What Is AIDS?
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease in which the body's immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off certain infections, known as "opportunistic infections," and other illnesses that take advantage of a weakened immune system.When a person is infected with HIV, the virus enters the body and lives and multiplies primarily in the white blood cells. These are the immune cells that normally protect us from disease. The hallmark of HIV infection is the progressive loss of a specific type of immune cell called T-helper or CD4 cells.
As the virus grows, it damages or kills these and other cells, weakening the immune system and leaving the individual vulnerable to various opportunistic infections and other illnesses, ranging from pneumonia to cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines someone as having a clinical diagnosis of AIDS if they have tested positive for HIV and meet one or both of these conditions:
- They have experienced one or more AIDS-related infections or illnesses.
- The number of CD4 cells has reached or fallen below 200 per cubic millimeter of blood (a measurement known as T-cell count). In healthy individuals, the CD4 count normally ranges from 450 to 1200.
How is HIV transmitted?
There are several possible ways of contracting HIV:· through unprotected (i.e., without a condom) penetrative sex;
· through using and sharing syringes, needles, and other injecting equipment;
· through using and sharing non-sterile piercing or tattooing equipment;
· through using and sharing razors and/or tooth brushes where there is a visible trace of blood;
· from an HIV-positive mother to her (unborn) child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
Thus, HIV is transmitted through blood, sperm, vaginal secretions and a mother's milk, but not through other bodily fluids (such as saliva, sweat, tears, urine and feces).
How HIV is not transmitted?
HIV and AIDS-related issues cause fear and anxiety, which are often exaggerated. People are afraid of becoming HIV positive through routine, everyday contact. In fact, these fears are groundless and contact with persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is absolutely safe. The routes of HIV transmission are well documented and have been empirically demonstrated. HIV cannot be transmitted:· through shaking hands or by hugging;
· through sweat or tears;
· through coughing or sneezing;
· by using the same plates or bed linens;
· by using the same toilet and/or bath;
· through sporting activities;
· by being in the same room;
· in public transport;
· through animal or insect bites; or,
· through kissing/saliva. This is because the viral concentration in saliva is too low to allow for transmission of the virus. In all HIV/AIDS studies, there has been no documented and/or reported case of transmission occurring in these ways.
Taking precautions
It is possible to prevent becoming infected with HIV. There is a simple and accessible way to protect your own health and the health of your partner - that is, through safer sex practices.Safe sex means that somebody else's blood, sperm or vaginal secretions can not enter your blood stream.
This means that you can:
· kiss
· lie close together, cuddle
· caress or massage one other
