What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects the immune system. HIV specifically attacks immune cells called CD4, reducing the body's ability to fight infections and other diseases. The virus can be passed to people in various ways, such as through blood, sexual contact, shared syringes or mother-to-child transmission.
HIV infection is usually asymptomatic and many people do not notice it for a long time. However, over time the immune system weakens, making the body more vulnerable to infections. If HIV progresses, the disease can develop into AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is a condition in which the immune system is severely damaged and the body is unable to cope with often dangerous infections and cancers.
Preventive measures used to prevent the spread of HIV include regular HIV tests, safe sex practices, compliance with hygiene rules and avoiding shared needles or syringes. In addition, it is important for HIV-positive individuals to receive appropriate treatment and support in order to slow the progression of the disease and improve their quality of life. Therefore, increasing HIV awareness in the community and adopting prevention strategies contribute to reducing and controlling HIV infections.
What are the Differences Between HIV and AIDS?
HIV and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are two different but frequently associated health conditions. HIV is a virus that affects the immune system. The virus weakens the body's defence system, especially by attacking immune cells called CD4 cells. HIV infection is usually asymptomatic and the person may not notice it for a long time. However, over time the immune system weakens, making the body vulnerable to infections.
AIDS is a condition that results from the progression of HIV infection. When HIV infection persists and the immune system is severely damaged, a person can be diagnosed with AIDS. AIDS usually occurs due to rare infections, cancers or other health problems in the body. In the AIDS stage, the immune system is often unable to function normally and cannot mount an effective defence mechanism against disease.
The main difference between HIV and AIDS is that HIV is the name of the virus and AIDS refers to a disease state. A person with HIV infection can lead a healthy life for a long time before progressing to AIDS if they receive appropriate treatment and care. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and management of the health status of HIV-positive individuals can prevent the development of AIDS and improve quality of life. Therefore, it is of great importance to spread HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention measures in the society.
HIV / AIDS Symptoms
HIV infection may initially be asymptomatic and the person may not experience any symptoms for a long time. However, as the virus progresses in the body, symptoms may appear. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms are often similar to those of a cold or flu.
If AIDS progresses, more serious and specific symptoms may occur. Symptoms of AIDS may include recurrent infections, weight loss, especially night sweats, skin lesions, prolonged diarrhoea and coughing. AIDS patients may also develop cancers and rare infections. HIV/AIDS symptoms may differ from person to person and may vary depending on factors such as general health status and immune system resistance.
HIV / AIDS Test
HIV / AIDS testing is a medical screening method used to detect the presence of HIV infection in an individual's body or to assess whether the infection has progressed to the AIDS stage. These tests are usually performed on samples of body fluids such as blood samples, oral fluid, saliva or urine. The most commonly used test types are HIV antibody tests and HIV direct virus detection tests.
HIV antibody tests detect antibodies produced when the body is infected with HIV. These tests are usually performed using a blood test or oral fluid sample and can detect antibodies in individuals who have been infected with the virus, usually within a few weeks to several months. Another type of test is HIV direct virus detection tests. These tests detect infection by directly detecting the genetic material or antigens of the virus. HIV / AIDS tests should be performed reliably and when a positive result is obtained, the individual should receive appropriate health care and counselling. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and support can prevent the progression of HIV infection and reduce the risk of transmission.
Treatment of HIV and AIDS
The treatment of HIV / AIDS requires a multidisciplinary approach aimed at controlling the spread of the virus, strengthening the immune system and improving the patient's quality of life. Today, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the mainstay of treatment to control HIV infection and prevent the development of AIDS. ART supports the immune system by stopping or slowing down the replication of the virus.
Antiretroviral drugs usually belong to different classes and are used in combination. This combination therapy provides a more effective treatment by acting on different stages of the virus. However, antiretroviral therapy can last a lifetime and can have side effects. For this reason, patients are regularly monitored by health professionals and medication is regularly monitored.
Not only the physical health but also the emotional and psychosocial needs of HIV-positive individuals should be taken into consideration. In this context, psychosocial support, counselling services and mental health support are important. In addition, HIV / AIDS patients should adopt measures such as protecting against infections, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding other infectious diseases. While the treatment process aims to improve the overall health and quality of life of the individual, social awareness and preventive measures are also critical to control the spread of HIV / AIDS.
How to Prevent HIV and AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are viruses that pose a serious global health problem. However, by taking precautions to prevent HIV and AIDS, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of being affected by these infections.
One of the main ways to prevent HIV is to follow safe sexual practices. This includes the use of condoms during sexual intercourse and encourages open communication between sexual partners. In addition, monogamous relationships can reduce the risk of HIV transmission. In addition, regular HIV testing in high-risk groups is also a preventive approach. Early diagnosis facilitates access to treatment and can control the spread of infection.
Another important way to prevent HIV infection is to pay attention to the use of clean syringes. Furthermore, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, HIV-positive mothers receiving appropriate medical support and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-baby transmission.
Prevention of HIV and AIDS is possible through informed sexual decisions, safe syringe use, regular medical check-ups and early diagnosis. These preventive measures play a key role in the fight against HIV / AIDS by individuals and communities. Conscious and responsible behaviour can reduce the spread of infections and constitute an important step in the fight against these diseases.
Countries with the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a health problem seen in many countries around the world. However, the regions where HIV/AIDS is most prevalent and the mortality rate is highest are generally located in Africa. This region bears a great burden of HIV / AIDS infections worldwide.
In particular, countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique face a challenging situation in the fight against HIV infection and AIDS. In these countries, high prevalence, rapid spread of infection and limited health infrastructure increase the impact of HIV / AIDS. AIDS-related mortality rates are higher in these regions.
Do you know that 1 December is World AIDS Day?
World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who've died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations, and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control. *
*Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_AIDS_Day
HIV is a virus that affects the immune system. AIDS is caused by the progression of HIV infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.