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The HIV virus, also known as the human immunodeficiency virus, is one of the most serious diseases that can easily be mistaken for a cold or the flu. Unfortunately, there are more and more infected people in the world who do not realize that they are carriers. What should I know about HIV? Why is it worth doing a virus test? We check whether it is possible to cure it completely, and how to protect against it.
The HIV virus is called the human immunodeficiency virus, which is one of the retroviruses. It permanently impairs the functioning of the human immune system. Due to its inoperability, the body cannot cope with the slightest infection.
It is the result of an attack on certain types of white blood cells – CD4 T lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages located mainly in the blood, bone marrow, central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Infection most often occurs through blood or contact with secretions (especially during sexual intercourse with an infected person), but this is not the only way.
The HIV virus was not recognized until 1983, although it had already been noticed that some people had problems with the immune response to the smallest infections. The first tests that allowed the diagnosis of HIV were carried out in 1985, also in Poland. It turned out that 11 people were infected.
In Poland, the institution dealing with people infected with HIV is the National AIDS Center. In 2019, according to epidemiological data, 24908 people were infected, 3734 people had AIDS, and 1424 died.
Infecting a person with HIV while being a deliberate carrier is subject to criminal liability.
Types of HIV
Before we get into how you can become infected with HIV, there are two types of human immunodeficiency virus, HIV-1 and HIV-2, that are worth mentioning. HIV-1 is most common in European, Asian and North American countries. The HIV-2 virus particularly affects Africa, including South Africa. It is estimated that over 30% of women may be HIV positive.
The risk of infection increases especially among people traveling to countries with a high percentage of people infected with the virus, mainly receiving medical care and having unprotected sexual intercourse.
Find out about the diagnosis of HIV in 1981.
HIV infection can occur primarily through contact with the blood or saliva of an (rarely) infected person, mainly during sexual intercourse with an infected person (contact with semen or vaginal discharge).
The human immunodeficiency virus can also be infected through vertical transmission from mother to child (during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding). Drug addicts who use dirty syringes and needles, and inject contaminated drugs can also be infected.
While it is difficult to speak of a risk group for HIV, there are a number of factors that increase the risk of contracting the immunodeficiency virus. Belong to them:
• accident;
• first aid without gloves;
• blood collection in the laboratory;
• using unproven beauty and hairdressing salons (a razor or scissors may be the source of the virus);
• non-compliance with hygiene in countries where the risk of infection increases.
It is also worth mentioning that many myths have arisen around the HIV virus. Being in the same room with an infected person or simply touching it will not make us carriers. It is similar with:
• using the same toilet;
• insect bite;
• use of public swimming pools;
• traveling together;
• work with an infected person;
• handshake;
• using combs and towels in hairdressing and beauty salons;
• a kiss with an infected person (if you are not in contact with blood or body fluids).
All sexual contact carries a risk of contracting HIV. People who have been diagnosed with the virus are obliged to inform their partner about it. If they fail to do so, they may be deprived of their liberty under the relevant section of the Criminal Code.
For this reason, it is worth protecting not only against HIV, but also other sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are still the best form of contraception. For their operation to be effective, they must be properly worn. In addition, condoms should be made of suitable high-quality materials. Their effectiveness is confirmed by the so-called “Mixed couples” (one of the partners is infected with the virus, which was confirmed by an HIV test).
If you want to check whether you are infected with HIV, order the STD test kit, which includes two tests: for HIV, and for mycosis, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis.
For pregnant women who wish to reduce their baby’s risk of contracting HIV, studies have confirmed that a Caesarean section should be performed prior to labor. Antiretroviral therapy also minimizes the risk. In order for the expectant mother to be sure that her child will not be infected, and at the same time there is a possibility that the woman is pregnant, it is worth taking an HIV test.
The first symptoms of HIV infection
The first symptoms of HIV infection are unusual, as they are similar to a cold or the flu. Therefore, it is very difficult to recognize the virus initially. The first symptoms of HIV infection include, in particular:
• general body weakness;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• pharyngitis;
• low-grade fever or fever;
• headache;
• mouth ulcers;
• lack of strength during intense exercise;
• sweating at night;
• apathy;
• enlargement of the liver and spleen.
Early HIV symptoms are associated with an acute retroviral infection that lasts two to four weeks. However, the above-mentioned first symptoms of HIV infection may not appear, which may lull the patient’s vigilance and make it difficult to quickly diagnose the spread of the virus in the body.
The next stage of infection is persistent generalized lymphadenopathy developing around the eight month after infection. In this case, the symptoms of HIV begin to worsen:
• lymph nodes increase in size;
• there is a noticeable weight loss;
• ulcers appear in the intimate area;
• fatigue and body weakness increases.
The HIV asymptomatic period usually lasts eight to ten years. During this period, the immune system partially rebuilds, but the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases more and more. In addition, the lymph nodes are still enlarged, especially in the groin area.
Regression is a product of various factors. Some people have symptoms that indicate AIDS (clinical period C). The second group of patients is entering clinical period B, which is characterized by:
• diarrhea for more than a month;
• essential thrombocytopenia;
• viral infection (such as widespread or recurrent shingles);
• listeriosis;
• pelvic inflammatory disease;
• inflammation of the peripheral nerves.
HIV test – how to do it?
If you develop symptoms or suspect you have been infected with HIV, see your GP as soon as possible, who will refer you to an HIV screening test by taking venous blood.
There are two types of HIV testing:
• a test to detect antibodies produced after contact with the virus;
• a test that aims to detect not only antibodies but also the HIV p24 antigen.
In addition to a personal referral, you can go to a HIV test anonymously to a selected consultation and diagnostic point.
On Medonet Market you can safely and conveniently buy INSTI HIV HIV Shipping Screening Test.
People who want to donate blood must undergo mandatory HIV testing.
HIV test – price and results
The human immunodeficiency virus test is a free test. After the blood sample is returned to the laboratory, an analysis is performed, after which the patient receives the results of the HIV test. The result can be negative (negative) or positive (positive). HIV negative test means that no antibodies and no infection antigen were detected in the blood sample. HIV positive test it does not have to be a confirmation of an infection. It can mean pregnancy, infection or autoimmune disease, or a mistake in drawing blood. Therefore, the test must be repeated.
In Poland, there are also tests that can be performed at home, but their sensitivity is not sufficient, so the HIV test is best done in a laboratory.
It is also worth remembering that in the early stage of HIV, the so-called serological window meaning that during the first test, neither the antigen nor the antibodies were detected due to their small number in the body.
The HIV serological window can last 12 weeks, so it is best to test for HIV at the earliest three months after the accident or other risky behavior.
If the patient has received a test confirming the presence of HIV in the body, he is referred to a consultation clinic. There he makes an appointment with a doctor. Its main goal is to determine which stage the HIV virus is in. For this purpose, apart from the test results, the doctor conducts a detailed interview with the patient. On its basis, it will decide whether symptomatic treatment can be implemented.
Due to the low social awareness, patients in an advanced stage, which indicates the development of HIV into AIDS, usually go to consultation clinics in Poland.
Treatment for HIV depends on which phase the patient is in. Early stage can be introduced treatment of asymptomatic HIV infection (antiretroviral therapy), however, it is mainly dependent on the CD4 cell count and HIV viral load, which is the number of antigens in the blood of the infected person. Antiretroviral treatment consists of two groups of drugs that are designed to prevent new mutations in HIV.
Pharmacotherapy is associated with side effects, therefore, in addition to treating symptoms, treatment of complications of antiretroviral therapy is introduced.
In the case of infection, psychological help is also very important, as well as the support of loved ones. Especially since it is not possible to cure HIV completely. However, taking medication regularly can make the patient live longer. For untreated people, the maximum life expectancy is 10 years.
To find out if you are infected with HIV or other viruses that cause STDs, do the diagnostic test package – Sexually Transmitted Diseases. The results are compiled from a blood sample. The package can be purchased on Medonet Market.
Find out if you can live to seventy with HIV
HIV and pregnancy – the impact of the virus on the child
The risk of contracting HIV (vertical transmission) to a child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding is very high. For this reason, it is common for women to have tests before pregnancy to make sure their baby is not infected. Appropriate treatment to minimize HIV viral load is very important in mothers who carry the virus. The risk of vertical transmission increases especially in women who want to have a natural childbirth.
HIV-infected newborns are treated from the age of 3 months. Otherwise, they may not survive even a year. They are discharged from the hospital only when HIV viral load decreases and the number of CD4 lymphocytes increases.
A newborn baby receives not only antiretroviral drugs, but also vaccines according to a special vaccination calendar.
A child infected with HIV can function normally with appropriate pharmacotherapy. It is up to his parents whether they want other family members to know about the infection. They also do not have to inform schools or kindergartens. However, it is worth remembering that a child infected with HIV cannot receive live vaccines.
There are many myths not only around HIV but also around AIDS. An HIV-infected person who is unaware of it can infect people. Above all, however, if HIV is left untreated, it leads to AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency (impairment) syndrome.
It is worth emphasizing that HIV is not the same as AIDS.
It is the last stage of untreated HIV infection, which leads to numerous infections and neoplastic changes.
Secured sexual intercourse is paramount in protecting against HIV infection. It is important to reduce the risk, including the use of disposable gloves during first aid, the use of proven beauty and hairdressing salons, and extreme caution in countries where the risk of infection is the highest.
Otherwise, a person who is afraid they may have been infected can take a combination of three antiretroviral drugs within 72 hoursthat are effective in preventing the spread of pathogens in the body.