HIV/AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) compromises the immune system by targeting CD4 cells, crucial for fighting infections. It spreads through unprotected sexual contact, shared needles, or transmission from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. If untreated, HIV progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a critical stage where the immune system is severely weakened, leaving the body vulnerable to life-threatening infections.

Although there is no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized HIV management, allowing individuals to suppress the virus, boost immunity, and live healthier lives. Hospitals in Mumbai and Mira Bhayandar offer cutting-edge HIV/AIDS treatment, including ART, early diagnosis, counseling, and comprehensive care to ensure patient well-being.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are essential for fighting infections. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, but it can also spread through contact with infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Without proper medical treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition that significantly weakens the immune system and hampers the body’s ability to combat diseases.

How Does HIV/AIDS Occur?

HIV infection occurs when the virus enters the body and begins to replicate. This can happen through various means, including:

Sexual Contact: Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person can lead to transmission.
Blood Exposure: Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV.
Mother-to-Child Transmission: An HIV-positive mother can pass the virus to her child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

Once infected, the virus gradually damages the immune system. If untreated, HIV can progress through three stages: acute HIV infection, clinical latency, and AIDS.

How Common is HIV/AIDS?

In the United States, approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV, and about 13% of them are unaware of their infection. Each year, an estimated 30,000+ individuals are newly diagnosed with HIV. Globally, millions are affected, highlighting the ongoing public health challenge posed by this virus.

Symptoms

HIV infection progresses in three stages, each with its own set of symptoms:

Acute HIV Infection: This initial stage occurs 2 to 4 weeks after exposure and may present flu-like symptoms, including:
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Mouth sores
- Night sweats
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
Clinical Latency Stage: The virus is still active but reproduces at very low levels. Many people may not experience symptoms during this stage, which can last for several years.
AIDS: This is the final stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged. Individuals with AIDS are more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

It’s important to note that some people may show no symptoms at all. The only way to confirm an HIV infection is through testing.

Treatment

While there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus. These medications work to lower the viral load in the body, allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives. ART has significantly reduced AIDS-related deaths in many developed countries, making it a cornerstone of HIV treatment.