How To Stay Safe From HIV-AIDS

New Delhi, November 30, 2018:

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a syndrome that is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The disease alters the immune system, making people defenceless against infections and diseases. This susceptibility worsens if the syndrome progresses.

According to UNAIDS

• India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world, with 2.1 million people living with HIV.
• In 2017, HIV prevalence among adults (aged 15-49) was an estimated 0.2%.
• In 2017, new infections increased to 88,000 from 80,000 and AIDS-related deaths increased to 69,000 from 62,000
• 79% of people living with HIV were aware of their status, of whom 56% were on antiretroviral treatment (ART).
• The HIV epidemic in India is driven by sexual transmission, which accounted for 86% of new infections in 2017/2018
• The three states with the highest HIV prevalence, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland
• Since 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 46% and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 22%.

CAUSES
HIV is a retrovirus which infects the vital organs and cells of the human immune system. The rate of virus progression varies widely between individuals and depends on many factors. These factors include the age of the individual, the body’s ability to defend against HIV, access to healthcare, the presence of other infections, the individual’s genetic inheritance, resistance to certain strains of HIV, and more.

HIV- AIDS transmission

• Blood transmission: people who inject drugs, sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood are prone to come in the contact of this virus.
• Sexual transmission: when a person comes in contact with infected sexual fluids (rectal, genital, or oral mucous membranes). This happens due to unprotected physical intimacy.
• Perinatal transmission: a mother can transmit HIV to her child during childbirth, pregnancy, and also through breastfeeding.

SYMPTOMS
Some people with HIV infection have no symptoms until several months or even years after contracting the virus. However, around 80 percent may develop symptoms similar to flu 2–6 weeks after catching the virus. This is called acute retroviral syndrome. The symptoms of early HIV infection may include fever, chills, joint pain, muscle ach, sweats (particularly at night), enlarged glands, red rash, fatigue, unintentional weight loss etc

MYTHS AND FACTS

There are many misconceptions about HIV and AIDS in our society. The virus CANNOT be transmitted from “casual contacts” like hugging, shaking hands, casual kissing, sneezing, touching unbroken skin, using the same toilet, sharing towels etc

DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is made through a blood test that screens specifically for the virus. If HIV has been found, the test result is “positive.” The blood is re-tested several times before a positive result is given. After infection with HIV, it can take from 3 weeks to 6 months for the virus to show up in testing. If a person has been exposed to the virus, it is crucial that they get tested as soon as possible. The earlier HIV is detected, the more likely the treatment will be successful. Being diagnosed with HIV can be very distressing, and feelings of anxiety or depression are common. If you feel anxious or have symptoms of depression, seek medical help immediately.

PREVENTION

• Exposure to body fluid: exposure to HIV can be controlled by taking precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated blood. Frequent and thorough washing of the skin immediately after coming into contact with blood or other bodily fluids can reduce the chance of infection.
• Drug injection and needle sharing: intravenous drug use is an important factor in HIV transmission in many countries. Sharing needles can expose users to HIV and other viruses, such as hepatitis C. Only use a clean, unused, unshared needle.
• Unprotected sex: having sex without a condom can put a person at risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Pregnancy: HIV-infected mothers can pass the virus through their breast milk. However, if the mother is taking the correct medications, the risk of transmitting the virus is greatly reduced.
• Safe transfusion of blood: NAT tested blood from repeat voluntary donors is the safest blood to prevent its transmission.
• Adherence: HIV treatment is effective if medication is taken as prescribed. Missing even a few doses may jeopardize the treatment. It is crucial to take medication correctly and take steps to avoid illness. People living with HIV should seek to improve their general health by regularly exercising, eating healthfully, and not smoking. HIV is a lasting condition, so it is important to be in regular contact with the healthcare team.

ROLE OF CARETAKER

Common misconceptions about AIDS and HIV are diminishing. However, the stigma of the condition persists in many parts of the world. People who are living with HIV may feel excluded, rejected, discriminated, and isolated.

• Learning more about AIDS is an essential first step for caregivers because of widespread myths and fears about the disease.
• Caregivers and other people in the home have to be careful to minimize their exposure to common illnesses such as the cold or flu, which could result in severe complications like pneumonia for someone with a compromised immune system due to HIV.
• Taking care of another person through a health crisis can use up your own energy reserves and can cause you to get sick. Get plenty of rest and exercise so you can be in optimal health.

(Author: Dr. Prashant Pandey, Associate Director, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Histocompatibility and Molecular Biology, Jaypee Hospital, Noida)