HIV, is a forbidden word. Once a diagnosis is made, sufferers are often avoided like the plague. But is this justified? Should those living with HIV be cast aside, facing discrimination and social exclusion?
What is HIV?
Simply put, HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s a virus that targets the human immune system, weakening it and making the individual more susceptible to life-threatening infections.
In our local dialect, HIV is often referred to as “Ujiagbe,” a term that reflects the severity and fear surrounding the disease. I used to believe that the stigma associated with HIV was justified, given the limited understanding of the disease in the past.
However, with significant advances in science and medicine, our perception of HIV must evolve. We now know that HIV is not a death sentence. Compliance with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing comorbidities can enable individuals living with HIV to lead long, fulfilling lives.
To comprehensively discuss HIV, it’s essential to cover several key aspects:
- Transmission: Understanding how HIV is spread.
- Risk Groups: Identifying individuals most at risk of contracting the virus.
- Symptoms: Recognizing common signs and symptoms associated with HIV.
- Prevention: Learning effective ways to protect oneself from HIV infection.
- Living with HIV: Exploring the way forward for those diagnosed with the virus.
By examining these critical components, we can foster a deeper understanding of HIV and promote a more informed and supportive community.
Transmission:
HIV is transmitted when the body fluids of an infected person come into contact with a compromised or breached barrier of an uninfected individual, such as:
– Open wounds
– Mucous membranes
– Damaged skin
This can occur through various means, including:
– Unprotected sex
– Sharing needles or syringes
– Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
– Blood transfusions from an infected donor
Groups at Risk of Acquiring HIV
While anyone can theoretically contract HIV, some individuals are more vulnerable due to their profession, lifestyle, or circumstances.
Low-Risk Transmission
Fortunately, HIV cannot survive for long outside the human body, typically only a couple of hours. This reduces the risk of transmission through casual contact.
High-Risk Groups
Certain groups are at a higher risk of contracting HIV:
Healthcare Workers: Frequent exposure to bodily fluids and sharp objects increases risk.
Laboratory Workers: Handling specimens like blood, semen and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can pose a risk if proper protocols are not followed.
Men Who Have Sex with Men: This group is disproportionately affected by HIV due to various factors, including social and behavioral aspects.
Transgenders: Social, economic, and cultural factors contribute to the higher risk of HIV transmission in this community.
Sex Workers: Although there is debate about the level of risk, sex workers are often considered a high-risk group due to the nature of their work.
IV Drug Users: Sharing needles or other equipment can spread HIV, making IV drug users another high-risk group.
Here is the section:
Everyday Risks to Be Aware Of:
While the risk is relatively low, it’s essential to be mindful of potential transmission through:
1. Unsterilized clippers at the barbershop
2. Infected needles used for piercings or tattoos
3. Contaminated razor blades used for nail care or shaving
4. Infected needles used for hair extensions or other beauty treatments
Symptoms of HIV
HIV can remain dormant in the human body for years, silently destroying immune cells without noticeable symptoms. During this time, the virus progressively weakens the immune system, as measured by the decline in CD4+ T cells. Symptoms typically appear when the CD4+ count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. At this stage, the individual may experience:
- Unexplained Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea lasting over a month.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without apparent cause.
- Mucocutaneous Sores: Painful sores around mucous membranes, such as the mouth, eyes, and genitalia (e.g., herpes).
- Persistent Cough: A lingering cough, potentially indicative of tuberculosis (TB) or pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP).
- Skin Infections: Recurring skin infections, such as scabies, accompanied by intense itching.
- Fever: Recurring or persistent fever, often accompanied by night sweats.
- Fatigue: Prolonged and debilitating fatigue, making everyday tasks challenging.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin area.
- Muscle and Joint Pain: Persistent pain or stiffness in the muscles and joints.
- Neurological Issues: Confusion, memory loss, depression, and anxiety, which can be indicative of HIV-related neurological problems.
- Oral Thrush: A fungal infection causing white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and on the gums.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Women may experience PID, characterized by abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, and fever.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a clinical staging system for HIV, simplifying the classification of the disease into four distinct stages, ranging from Stage 1 to Stage 4. Stage 4 represents the most advanced phase of the disease, also known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
These symptoms signal the progression of HIV to a more advanced stage, emphasizing the importance of early detection, treatment, and management.
Preventive Measures
While there is no cure for HIV, various preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring the disease, especially for those in high-risk categories.
Education and Awareness
HIV education and awareness creation are crucial in preventing the spread of the disease. Understanding how HIV is transmitted and taking steps to protect oneself against risk factors can greatly reduce the likelihood of infection.
Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are effective preventive measures for individuals who are exposed or likely to be exposed to HIV.
Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission
Pregnant women can reduce the risk of infecting their newborns by attending regular antenatal visits and following their healthcare provider’s instructions during and after pregnancy.
Managing HIV Infection
For individuals living with HIV, adhering to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and attending regular check-ups can significantly reduce their viral load, minimizing the risk of transmission to others.
Living with HIV
There are two main types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is more common and carries a worse prognosis, whereas HIV-2 is relatively milder and less common. It’s essential to note that individuals with one type of HIV can acquire the other type if they don’t practice preventive measures.
With early diagnosis, prompt initiation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), and treatment adherence, individuals with HIV can lead healthy and normal lives. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding risky behaviors are also crucial.
Individuals with HIV can get married to seronegative partners without transmitting the virus, especially if their viral load is low. However, they must practice safe sex, such as using condoms, to minimize the risk of transmission. Additionally, when planning to have children, they should explore options like assisted reproduction or adoption, ensuring that every child is planned and born safely.
Discrimination against people living with HIV is counterproductive and hurtful. Instead, they require love, support, and understanding. With a supportive environment, individuals with HIV can thrive.
As we have explored in this discussion, HIV is a manageable condition, and with the right treatment, care, and support, individuals living with HIV can lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
We extend our gratitude to the government for their efforts in making HIV treatment accessible and affordable, as well as to the NGOs working tirelessly to provide free and accessible antiretroviral therapy to those in need. However, there is still much work to be done. Let’s join forces to break down the stigma surrounding HIV and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society.
