ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS

Early HIV symptoms can include flu-like signs such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include weight loss, recurrent fever, and chronic fatigue, eventually leading to AIDS-related conditions. If you think you may have been exposed, get tested today! FREE HIV TEST

This usually refers to viruses that share similarities with HIV but are not the same. Examples include other retroviruses or viruses that affect the immune system, but they may not cause AIDS or have the same transmission routes.

HIV is primarily transmitted through:

• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
• Sharing needles or syringes.
• From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Blood transfusions (rare in countries with rigorous screening).
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HIV attacks CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell vital for the immune system). As the virus destroys these cells, the body becomes less able to fight infections and diseases. Over time, this can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

HIV is believed to have originated from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which infects chimpanzees. The virus was transmitted to humans when they hunted and consumed infected animals, likely in the early 20th century.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

HIV is a virus that specifically targets the immune system, weakening it and making the body more susceptible to infections and certain cancers.

HIV itself cannot be seen with the naked eye. Under a microscope, it appears as small spherical particles. Symptoms in a person can include flu-like signs in early infection, but specific visual signs vary widely among individuals.

Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but it can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). This treatment helps people with HIV live long, healthy lives and reduces the risk of transmission.

HIV is not typically transmitted through kissing. The virus is present in saliva, but in such low amounts that transmission is highly unlikely unless there are open sores or bleeding gums involved.

If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS, which can be life-threatening due to the body’s weakened immune system. However, with proper treatment, most people with HIV live long, healthy lives.

No, they are not the same. HIV is the virus that causes the disease, while AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely weakened immune system.

HIV-related rashes can occur, but they do not always itch. Rashes can vary in appearance and may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the stage of the infection.

Yes, modern HIV tests are very accurate, especially when done in a clinical setting. Tests can detect HIV antibodies, the virus itself, or viral RNA, depending on the type used.

With proper medical care and adherence to treatment, many people with HIV do not progress to AIDS and can live normal lifespans. Regular monitoring and treatment are essential.

Not necessarily. With effective antiretroviral therapy, many people with HIV never progress to AIDS. Regular medical care can help maintain a healthy immune system.

HIV is life-threatening because it attacks the immune system, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers. Without treatment, these can lead to severe illness or death.

HIV integrates itself into the DNA of the host’s cells, making it difficult to eliminate completely. Current treatments can control the virus, but they do not eradicate it from the body.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines on HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care to improve outcomes for people living with HIV globally.

WHO regularly publishes statistics on the global HIV epidemic, including prevalence, incidence, and treatment coverage, highlighting the ongoing need for prevention and treatment efforts.

The choice of HIV test can depend on factors like timing and the individual's risk factors. Common tests include antibody tests, combination tests (antibody + antigen), and nucleic acid tests (NAT). Schedule a free HIV at Orenda Health

Combination tests (4th generation tests) are among the most accurate because they can detect both antibodies and antigens, providing results earlier than antibody-only tests.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves medications like tenofovir and emtricitabine. When taken consistently, they significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

HIV is thought to have originated from the transfer of SIV from primates to humans in Central Africa. The virus has since spread globally, primarily through sexual contact, drug use, and mother-to-child transmission.

HIV is classified as AIDS when the CD4 cell count drops below 200 cells/mm³ or when certain opportunistic infections occur, indicating severe immune system damage.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and herpes (caused by the herpes simplex virus, HSV) are different viruses. HIV attacks the immune system, while herpes causes sores and blisters, often around the mouth or genitals. Both can be sexually transmitted, but they affect the body in distinct ways.

With appropriate treatment, HIV-positive women can have healthy pregnancies and deliver HIV-negative babies. Antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of transmission during pregnancy and childbirth