HIV/AIDS Are Things Really as Bad as They Seem? Part Two

In part one of this two part article we discussed how the thinking about HIV/AIDS has evolved in the last decades but also how it is still quite wrong in some aspects. We will now delve into some choices for protecting yourself and lifestyle choices that will help protect your loved ones.

Some people erroneously think they will know if they become infected with HIV/AIDS by the symptoms they will have. This is very wrong thinking. Some people may not show any signs of HIV until many years after they have become infected. While others may show symptoms in as little as ten days to a few weeks. The first symptoms are very similar to the flu or even mononucleosis. You may feel fever, fatigue, a sore throat and/or a rash. These symptoms will usually go away after a few days in the time you would expect the flu to lessen and no other symptoms return for several years. So you can see how it would be very easy to miss.

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. In the ER we encourage anyone with any fear of exposure or if lifestyle choices demand it, to be tested.

Unfortunately, once you have contracted HIV you can not be cured. But there is very effective and sophisticated treatment available. The goal is to keep virus levels low and to support and build up your immune system. Some treatment actually interferes with the proteins in your body that the HIV needs to reproduce itself. Other medications block the virus from inserting its genetic material into your immune cells. Your doctor will take into account your entire medical and physical history and decide on the best treatment.

It is NOT safe to have unprotected sex even if both you and your partner are HIV positive

Further erroneous thinking is that if you and your sex partner both have HIV already it is safe to have unprotected sex. There are still other sexually transmitted diseases. But also there are many strains of HIV, some stronger than others. Some strains can be resistant to HIV medications. You wouldn't want to make things worse than they already are. Also even if you are feeling well, have no symptoms and are under treatment you are still contagious. You can infect someone else. Once you have HIV, it is yours for life. You must be responsible for protecting others.

There is some hope for pregnant HIV positive women. Yes mothers can pass HIV to the unborn fetus or to the baby at the time of delivery. But that risk can be lowered by working with your physician and getting care and medication during your pregnancy. There are medications that pregnant women can take to treat their infection AND to protect the fetus against the virus.

Once you have become infected with HIV, it is yours for life, there is no cure

Due to the mere nature of HIV, that of a weakened immune system, there are many infections which they are vulnerable. One of the infections that has been dramatized by Hollywood is pneumocystis pneumonia. But also there is tuberculosis, candidiasis, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis. Of course, the best defense is a good offense, stay on your prescribed HIV medications. Some infections actually be prevented by these drugs. But there are some things that can be done outside of medication to protect you such as do not eat undercooked meat, make sure your water is clean and avoid litter boxes. Using common sense will go a long way.

You can get financial help when dealing with HIV/AIDS

Some people feel doomed to discover they have HIV due to not having insurance. This is no longer an issue, there are government programs, nonprofit groups and certain pharmaceutical companies that will help defer some of the expense of these medications. The reality is that these drug "cocktails" that HIV patients need to take, can cost $15,000 a year. Contact local HIV/AIDS service organization to get assist in qualifying for financial support.

The numbers are staggering, even in this late date, even with all the knowledge and technology available, about 56,000 people in the U.S. get HIV every year. And 18,000 infected people with AIDS die each year, even with treatment.

Anyone can get HIV, men, women, children, gay or straight, IV drug abuser or not.

Homosexual men make up 53% of new HIV infections each year. That is more than half the new cases diagnosed each year. Women are at 27% and 13% for children. Almost half of the newly diagnosed HIV infections each year are African American.

So although medical treatment has definitely improved in the last few decades. And the future is not as bleak for those who become infected. The problem is still of pandemic proportions. Please take it seriously and educate yourself and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Source:

WebMD

HIV and AIDS Health Center

CDC