A Brief Overview of HIV and AIDS

A Brief Overview of HIV and AIDS

This article is a brief overview of HIV and AIDS to people who are uninformed on this subject. We will not discuss the symptoms, prevention methods or tell you exactly how to avoid getting infected with HIV or AIDS. That said, we will go over some background information that should be known before diving into this extremely important topic.

Remedies

In the 1970s, there were no medications to treat people with HIV or AIDS. As a result, people infected with the virus had no hope of recovery from their diseases. With the onset of medical science, researchers have discovered some remedies for HIV and AIDS. But, unfortunately, they have not found a cure for all forms of the virus, which means the virus can’t be eliminated in a patient.

Although there is currently no cure for this virus, certain medications and therapies are available to treat the symptoms associated with the disease. In addition, by living a healthy lifestyle, you can help lower your risks.

How it Spreads

We know that HIV does not develop in a way that makes it contagious. You are not passing the virus on to another person through casual contact. You do need to be aware of your sexual activity, though, as it can pass on to others. Most sexually active people must make sure they do not have any sexual relations with someone who has HIV or AIDS.

HIV can be spread to different people through anal, vaginal, and oral sex. The virus may also be spread when you share utensils, towels, drinking cups, and other items with other people. It can also be passed on through a blood transfusion or childbirth. However, not everyone who shares these items gets the virus. Therefore, the only way to know whether you have contracted the virus for sure is by having a test.

The virus is usually contracted when one or the other person has one or the other type of open sore or broken skin. This break or sore can be very small or large. The area may also be itchy. In rare cases, the infection can be transmitted from one part of the infected person’s body to another person through direct contact. Some types of skin infections can also cause the same symptoms as HIV.

Antiretroviral Drugs

In the last couple of years, a few new medications have been developed to help with the symptoms associated with the HIV/AIDS infection. There are also a few anti-HIV drugs that the FDA has approved.

These drugs are called antiretroviral drugs. They work to suppress the virus and help lessen a person’s chances of passing it onto another person. Unfortunately, people who take these drugs often have to take them for the rest of their lives.

HIV Test

An HIV test is the best way to check to see if you have HIV. If you have been tested and found to be HIV positive, then you should begin treatment immediately. Many people believe that having HIV is not that serious. They think that they will not pass the infection on to a partner. Unfortunately, this is not true. HIV can lead to AIDs, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a more serious form of the disease.

Are You Worried You Have HIV?

If you are worried that you might be HIV positive, you should talk to your doctor and express your concerns. An HIV test will tell your doctor whether or not you have the infection. Your doctor may also recommend that you undergo treatment at a local health care center called an AIDS treatment center.

HIV

People often don’t realize that a blood test does not always tell the truth. It can sometimes show false results. This is because the HIV test measures the antibodies in your blood – not the virus. Therefore, it can be easy for the virus to replicate after being exposed to a needle.

If you have been tested and find out that you do have HIV, then you should start treatment right away. The earlier you start, the better. There are many options for HIV treatment, and there are many people who want to live a normal life, so don’t lose hope.