HIVis the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the   virus that destroys and damages the defensive system/immune system of human body and leads to AIDS.

AIDSis Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which is the late stage of HIV. It comes when immune/defense system of human body is severely damaged and is unable to fight diseases & infections. It may take 5 to 10 years. “For HIV to convert into AIDS depending on the health of an individual.”

KEY POPULATION AT HIGH RISK OF HIV: –

The most at risk or high risk groups who are vulnerable to the HIV infection are:

  • People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs)
  • Sex workers.
  • Transgender
  • MSM (Man who have sex with man)
  • Mobile population/refugees.

SYMPTOMS:

Some of symptoms could be following, but these symptoms do not necessarily confirm the infection. Please remember only way to know the correct status is “to be tested, for HIV infection.” Some of the symptoms are:-

  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Unexplained and prolonged diarrhea for more than a month.
  • Recurrent/disseminated Skin infection /rashes.
  • Unexplained fatigue.
  • Unexplained and persistent fever for more than a month.
  • TB (lungs and outside lungs).
  • Oral thrush.
  • Harpies.
  • Swollen lymph nodes in arms pit neck or groin.
  • Night sweats.
  • Dry cough and or shortness of breath.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Skin, blood and cervical cancers.
  • Blindness, Meningitis, Anemia and pallor.

MODE OF SPREAD:

The virus usually spreads by:-

  • Sharing needles and syringe.
  • Contaminated body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk).
  • Unprotected sexual contacts including, male to male and or male to female.
  • Having multiple sex partners.
  • From infected mother to child during pregnancy birth or breast feeding.
  • Being stuck accidently with an HIV contaminated needles or sharp object.
  • Blood transfusion, blood products, organ/ tissue transplant infected with HIV.
  • Unsterilized medical and dental instrument.
  • Direct contact between broken skins, wounds & contaminated body fluids. of the infected person.
  • Tattooing or body piercing with unsterilized equipment.

HIV DOES NOT SPREAD BY:

  • Air or/and water.
  • Insects biting.
  • Salvia tears and sweats.
  • Hugging, shaking hands & sharing dishes.
  • Kissing.
  • Sharing bathrooms.
  • Coughing and sneezing.
  • Eating together &sharing utensils.
  • Swimming pools.
  • Sharing clothes.
  • Living to gather.

HOW TO PREVENT:

  • Know your status, save yourself & others.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Never share syringes.
  • Use clean, sterilized & new needles.
  • Use safe razor & blades.
  • Follow A, B, C & D, approaches while having sex.
  • A: Abstain from sex.
  • B: Be faithful to your partner.
  • C: Correct & consistent use of condoms.
  • D: Delay in sex debut.
  • Adopt healthy life style.
  • Get tested.

WHAT DOES BEING HIV + MEANS

  • It means you can live healthy and normal life by using HIV medicines regularly on daily bases for rest of your life.
  • It means you are as a good citizen as anyone else with all basic rights under law of land and religion.
  • It means it is a treatable disease.
  • It means it is a disease like other treatable diseases.
  • It means it is not a punishment from nature but religion gives you and your family complete protection, dignity and rights to live a life in peace.
  • It means you can save many more people from getting infected.
  • It means you are an active and productive member of the society with equal rights like other citizens.
  • It means you have the right to social, economical, educational and health facilities like other members of the society.
  • It means you have to be more responsible in your life style

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE NEWLY INFECTED:

  • Don’t be panic.
  • Make a list of your question and discuss with doctors.
  • Know about the disease.
  • Accept the disease.
  • Find a support group in you locality.
  • Disclose your status to your partner/spouse.
  • Prevent others from getting infected.
  • Follow the treatment as per instructions of your doctor
  • Adopt healthy life style.