INTRODUCTION

HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus is found in sexual fluids
such as pre-ejaculatory fluid and vaginal lubricating fluid in addition to semen, breast
milk, blood. To get HIV, the virus needs to enter the bloodstream. The skin is our main
defense organism, functioning as an armor, preventing germs from the environment to
have access to the interior of our body. HIV treatment plans may involve taking several
pills at specific times every day for the rest of your life. Each medication comes with its
own unique set of side effects. It's critical to have regular follow-up appointments with
your doctor to monitor your health and treatment
AIDS "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome"

AIDS is an infectious disease transmitted by a virus called HIV (human

immunodeficiency virus). To have AIDS you need to be infected with the HIV virus;
there is no possibility of someone having AIDS without being HIV positive. As this
virus attacks the body's defense cells, the body becomes more vulnerable, either for a
simple cold to more serious infections such as tuberculosis or cancer, making it difficult
to treat of these diseases. The individual diagnosed with the AIDS virus is called HIV
positive, and taking the medications correctly can have a good quality of life.

HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus is found in sexual fluids
such as pre-ejaculatory fluid and vaginal lubricating fluid in addition to semen, breast
milk, blood. HIV attacks and destroys immune system cells that fight disease and leave
the body defenseless against infection and cancer. An individual having HIV is not the
same as having AIDS, as there are many HIV-positive people who live years without
presenting symptoms or developing the disease.

AIDS- YOUR CAUSE

AIDS is a consequence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. When virus

infection occurs the immune system begins to be attacked and is divided into phases:

 First stage (acute): HIV incubation takes place, time of exposure to the virus until
the first signs of the disease appear. This period varies from 3 to 6 weeks.

 Second phase (asymptomatic): marked by the strong interaction between defense

cells and the constant and rapid mutations of the virus, but the body does not
weaken, but is enough to allow new diseases, as the virus matures and dies in a
balanced way . This period can last for many years.

 Third phase (initial symptom): due to the frequent attack, the defense cells begin to
function less efficiently until they are destroyed. The body becomes increasingly
weak and vulnerable to common infections. This phase is characterized by the high
reduction of the CD4 T lymphocytes (white blood cells), which get below 200 units
per mm³ of blood. In healthy adults, this value ranges from 800 to 1,200 units.
AIDS - YOUR TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION

To get HIV, the virus needs to enter the bloodstream. The skin is our main defense
organism, functioning as an armor, preventing germs from the environment to have
access to the interior of our body. If there are no wounds, the simple contact of blood or
other contaminated fluids with whole skin is not sufficient for HIV transmission.
Therefore, any situation in which HIV-contaminated fluids can come in contact with the
bloodstream is at risk of contamination.

In practice, almost all cases of HIV transmission are summarized as follows:

 Unprotected sex with someone infected.

 Receiving blood transfusion of contaminated blood.
 Accidents with infected needles.
 Needle sharing for intravenous drug administration.
 Transmission from mother to fetus in pregnancy.

To prevent transmission of AIDS you need to:

 Use a condom, male or female in all sexual contact.

 Use the condom additionally, nonoxynol-9 spray spermicide to increase protection if
you have sexual contact with an HIV-positive patient.
 Do not share syringes.
 Avoid contact with blood or secretions of a contaminated individual.
 Identify and treat any sexually transmitted disease because they increase the risk of
contamination with the HIV virus.
AIDS- TREATMENT

There's no cure for HIV/AIDS, but many different drugs are available to control the
virus. Such treatment is called antiretroviral therapy, or ART. Each class of drug blocks
the virus in different ways. ART is now recommended for everyone, regardless of CD4
T cell counts. It's recommended to combine three drugs from two classes to avoid
creating drug-resistant strains of HIV.

The classes of anti-HIV drugs include:

 Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) turn off a protein

needed by HIV to make copies of itself. Examples include efavirenz (Sustiva),
etravirine (Intelence) and nevirapine (Viramune).
 Nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are faulty
versions of the building blocks that HIV needs to make copies of itself. Examples
include Abacavir (Ziagen), and the combination drugs emtricitabine/tenofovir
(Truvada), Descovy (tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine), and lamivudine-
zidovudine (Combivir).
 Protease inhibitors (PIs) inactivate HIV protease, another protein that HIV needs
to make copies of itself. Examples include atazanavir (Reyataz), darunavir
(Prezista), fosamprenavir (Lexiva) and indinavir (Crixivan).
 Entry or fusion inhibitors Tblock HIV's entry into CD4 T cells. Examples
include enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) and maraviroc (Selzentry).
 Integrase inhibitors work by disabling a protein called integrase, which HIV uses
to insert its genetic material into CD4 T cells. Examples include raltegravir
(Isentress) and dolutegravir (Tivicay).
When to start treatment

Everyone with HIV infection, regardless of CD4 T cell count, should be offered
antiviral medication. HIV therapy is particularly important for the following situations:

 You have severe symptoms.

 You have an opportunistic infection.
 Your CD4 T cell count is under 350.
 You're pregnant.
 You have HIV-related kidney disease.
 You're being treated for hepatitis B or C.

Treatment can be difficult

HIV treatment plans may involve taking several pills at specific times every day for the
rest of your life. Each medication comes with its own unique set of side effects. It's
critical to have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your health
and treatment. Some of the treatment side effects are:

 Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

 Heart disease
 Weakened bones or bone loss
 Breakdown of muscle tissue (rhabdomyolysis)
 Abnormal cholesterol levels
 Higher blood sugar

Treatment for age-related diseases

Some health issues that are a natural part of aging may be more difficult to manage if
you have HIV. Some medications that are common for age-related heart, bone or
metabolic conditions, for example, may not interact well with anti-HIV medications. It's
important to talk to your doctor about your other health conditions and the medications
you are taking.
CONCLUSION

AIDS is an infectious disease transmitted by a virus called HIV (human

immunodeficiency virus). To have AIDS you need to be infected with the HIV virus;
there is no possibility of someone having AIDS without being HIV positive. AIDS is a
consequence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. When virus infection
occurs the immune system begins to be attacked and is divided into phases. There's no
cure for HIV/AIDS, but many different drugs are available to control the virus. Such
treatment is called antiretroviral therapy, or ART. Each class of drug blocks the virus in
different ways. ART is now recommended for everyone, regardless of CD4 T cell
counts. It's recommended to combine three drugs from two classes to avoid creating
drug-resistant strains of HIV.