LET'S TALK HIV/AIDS With MEDICALMATTAZ

Just recently, I read in an article released by the United Nations that millions of people still don't know about or are not aware of the HIV virus and AIDS, it left me dumbfounded, I was totally surprised.

I had some reservations, but I got even more shocked when I got to discover that even quite a lot of people, even some scholars, (YES! You heard right, S C H O L A R S), don't know what the term HIV/AIDS stands for.

Majorly and generally, HIV/AIDS is known by many to be a disease, a pandemic, and that's all they know about it. But that's not all about HIV/AIDS, and that's why we're doing this. Oya, let's talk HIV/AIDS (from the basics of course).

WHAT IS HIV/VIRUS?

HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, while AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Now, let's take this with very simple approach. . .

HIV is a virus, while AIDS is the disease. Simple enough? (I take your answer to be a Yes). Okay, let's forge ahead.

HIV is a virus spread through body fluids that affects specific cells of the immune (defense) system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS.

BUT, HIV infection only leads to AIDS if left untreated. (The need for you to get tested as early as possible).

Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. That means that once someone is infected with HIV, the person has it for life.

Now enough of HIV, let's talk AIDS a little. . .

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, and not everyone who has HIV advances to this stage.

AIDS is the stage of infection that occurs when the immune system is badly damaged and the person becomes vulnerable to "opportunistic infections".

This might sound scary, but it's the ultimate truth: HIV leads to AIDS; both ultimately lead to death.

BUT, an infected person can live many years after been infected, even twenty years and more, ONLY, if effectively treated and managed.

DOES HIV/AIDS HAVE A CURE?

HIV has NO cure (at least for now), but there are some management therapies known as Antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART can, however prolong the lives of many people infected with HIV and lower their chance of infecting others.

It is IMPORTANT that you get tested early for HIV, to know your status so that medical care and treatment can have the greatest effect, in case it turns out positive.

All people living with HIV should start antiretroviral treatment as soon as they are diagnosed.

Don't forget #ITSABOUTTIME we talked about HIV/AIDS, and we've started already. Spread the news. Do stay with us.

#STAYHEALTHY