Human immunodeficiency virus commonly known as HIV stays as a global health issue, it targets the patient’s immune system and makes it compromised due to which it loses its capacity to fight with infections. This results in various diseases like TB, cancer etc. The person with HIV becomes more prone to infections and gets frequently sick. There are thousands of myths that people were blindly following. In this blog, we will discuss about HIV, its symptoms, its transmission, preventive measures as well as the myth that people have been following for ages.
What is HIV?
HIV is the virus that specifically targets CD4 cells in immune system. CD4 cells are commonly known as T- helper cells. Which plays important role in body’s immune defense system against foreign antigens. This eventually results in a decrease in the no. of CD4 cells leads to impair immune system. If HIV remains untreated it gets in AIDS, which is the more severe condition, at this time immune system is so compromised that it was not able to handle a minor infection. There are two main types of HIV, that is HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most common and widely spread infection.
HIV transmission
HIV is transferred through specific body fluids from a person infected with the virus. The mode of transmission is, unprotected sexual contact, which follows vaginal, anal, and oral sex without condoms. Blood transfusions, yet it is rare but with many studies, it was proven that blood transfusions can lead to HIV transmissions. Some myths are very common among society that if you share food or touch the person who was having HIV can transmit its virus to you. Because of such myths, society is becoming so harsh toward the people who are suffering from HIV. They are discriminated against and even called untouchable in many areas such behavior is completely unacceptable, such things lower their confidence, and affect their mental well-being.
Symptoms associated with HIV
Symptoms depend on the stage of infection of HIV. the first stage is the acute stage, which occurs in 2-4 weeks after infection and gives symptoms like sore throat, fever, fatigue, and swallowing lymph nodes. these symptoms are more similar to flu’s symptoms. The second stage is the chronic stage in this stage a person may not show symptoms but can still transmit the virus. Third and the last stage called the AIDS stage, without treatment, HIV leads to AIDS. symptoms are immune system damage and life-threatening infections.
HIV awareness campaigns target various demographics, mainly young people who have a lack of information. Parents, Peer groups, and friends are the most promising groups that can motivate their loved ones and encourage them to fight this infection without the fear of getting judged. Open discussions can encourage and spread information about HIV among the youth about their health. This enables them to understand the concept of AIDS/HIV to avoid the myth associated with it. People need to understand that this is a serious issue that needs yearly screening and testing.
Prevention strategies
Prevention strategies are one of most effective strategies is safer sex practices, which include correctly using condoms during sex to reduce the risk of transmission. Regular testing for HIV and other STIs are important, but we know about HIV only, its status help in Early detection, timely intervention and proper management. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), this is a daily medication can help the individuals to reduce the risk of HIV and to prevent infection . Additionally, peoples are have HIV should go for Antiretroviral therapy(ART), consistent use of the ART can reduce the viral to others and improve the health of the individual.
Current challenges in HIV
Despite advanced treatment and prevention challenges most people still feel ashamed to open discussions about HIV as well as many individuals may avoid testing or treatment due to fear of discrimination or social abuse. We need to normalize it in society so that people can come forward if they experience any kind of symptom. Society needs to understand that HIV is not the thing that is transmitted due to unprotected sex only, many more reasons for HIV were already discussed above.
Conclusion
HIV remains a critical public health issue that needs to be addressed and make people fully educated about the concept of HIV, by understanding its transmission and detection, we can work together to reduce the myths and impact of the HIV/AIDS. An awareness association, and reachable healthcare services, promoting open conversations about HIV and its suggestions while promoting safe practices, continuous research into vaccines and cures hold promise for future to fight against HIV/AIDS. Together we can create more understandable, compassionate society that prioritize the well-being of society not their so called stereotype myths.
