HIV is a life-threatening, degenerative viral infection of the immune system that leads to AIDS. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune cells of the body, destroying their ability to fight off disease. Because of the lowered immune response, other infections such as viruses, fungi or bacteria are able to cause severe disease. The common cold is easily contained and removed from the body by its immune system, but patients with HIV are unable to fight off disease so the common cold can actually be deadly to an infected person.
Early Symptoms
HIV has a long latency period, so many patients feel healthy for months after exposure. Most people have a brief period where they experience flu-like symptoms after two to three weeks of being infected. However, this varies among patients. Initial, first-phase symptoms of HIV are mild. A patient may experience no symptoms at all. Common warning signs of HIV infection are unexplained fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and a rash.
Mid-Stage Symptoms
In early stages, patients may feel mildly ill, but they are able to continue normal activity. Even though symptoms may not be obvious, the patient is still able to transmit the virus to others. The middle stage symptoms may last for several years, but the virus continues to replicate in the host's immune cells destroying the helper T cells which are a vital part of a person's immune system. During this time, chronic fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss and shortness of breath can occur.
Transmission
Although sexual transmission is the most well-known cause, the highest probability of HIV infection is among intravenous drug users. The chances of HIV infection are greatly increased with unprotected sex and intravenous drug use combined. Blood transfusions are another possibility for infection, but hospitals and blood banks have improved their screening for HIV antibodies in the blood.
HIV can be transmitted from mother to child. Approximately 600,000 infants are infected yearly with HIV from their mothers either from birth or through breast feeding. In the United States, most women are screened for HIV prior to giving birth, but the incidences are high in developing countries where tests are not available.
Treatment
With extensive research throughout the years, the medical community has developed potent anti-viral medication that extends HIV patients' lifespan by years. The goal of treatment is to suppress symptoms and lower the amount of viral particles detected in the blood. HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy) is known as "the cocktail" treatment for HIV. This mixture of anti-viral components is made up of three or more solutions that are customized to the patient's stage and symptoms.
Prevention
There is no vaccination for HIV, so preventative measures are the best way to control the infection. Always use condoms during sexual activity, and never share needles. If you're in a monogamous relationship, know your partner's status and get tested. Additionally, research in 2006 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed that circumcision in males reduced the possibility of transmission by 53 percent.
Tags: immune system, common cold, disease common, disease common cold, fight disease, immune cells, intravenous drug