HIV

HIV

According to the CDC, there are more than one million people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States. Someone gets infected with HIV in the United States every 9.5 minutes. The most disturbing fact is that one in five people infected with HIV do not know that they are infected. Therefore, it is important to understand the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for HIV infection.

In general, HIV is not an age, sex, sexual orientation, or race-specific virus. It can affect anyone at any age. The likelihood of HIV infection increases with the presence of the following factors:

• Unprotected sex - the risk of infection further increases in those with multiple sexual partners
• Those with existing sexually transmitted infections are more likely to get HIV infection
• Those who share syringes and needles to use intravenous drugs are at a greater risk of HIV infection
• Uncircumcised men are at a slightly greater risk of HIV infection that circumcised men

Some of the many symptoms of HIV may not appear until up to 10 years after infection. During the time between infection and appearance of symptoms, an infected person is still capable of passing the virus onto others. HIV symptoms often mimic symptoms of others diseases. Swollen lymph glands, sore throat, rashes, muscle aches or stiffness, yeast infection, mouth sores, headache, fever, fatigue, and diarrhea are some of the many symptoms of the human immunodeficiency virus infection. 

There is no permanent treatment or cure for HIV infection. However, through medications, the virus can be controlled. HIV treatment through drugs demands a disciplined daily regimen, but can greatly improve quality of life, and life span. Multiple pills are taken at different times of the day, for the rest of a person’s life. Initial side effects can include:

• Bone death
• Weakened bones
• Skin rash
• Shortness of breath
• Abnormal heartbeats
• Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting

Often, these diminish after the first few months of treatment, so it’s worth it to stick with a prescribed regimen. Although HIV infection may not be permanently treatable, by avoiding the above mentioned risk factors, you can protect yourself from being infected with HIV.