Abstract
The current paper is dedicated to the research and analysis of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Within the scope of this research, the overview of the disease, its causes and symptoms as well as diagnosis and treatments are covered. This virus cannot be fully treated, but it can be controlled so that the late stages would be prevented. This virus stays in the organism of the infected person forever. It that can be transmitted in several ways, especially through sexual contact with an infected person. The treatment process begins as soon as the presence of HIV virus has been detected. A number of tests have to be taken. It is also possible to cure probable HIV presence at the very early stage. The brief overview of the abovementioned aspects will allow the reader to learn about the specifics of the HIV.
Overview
HIV belongs to the retroviruses and is a lentivirus that, if left unattended, can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (Douek, Roederer and Koup 471). This virus stays in the organism of the infected person forever (FPA 2). Even though modern medicine cannot offer full treatment of this disease, its clinical control can allow the patient to live long. Being HIV positive means having a weak immune system and thus being at a great danger in case of an infection (FPA 3).
Symptoms and Causes
HIV is a virus that can be transmitted in several ways, especially through sexual contact with an infected person (FPA 3). Heterosexual as well as homosexual forms of contact allow the virus to be shared, even though women have lower risk of getting it from other women (FPA 4). Besides, HIV can also be transmitted by sharing needles or medical equipment with an infected individual. Sharing of saliva, food, drinks, towels, or hugging cannot be the cause of gaining HIV, despite popular beliefs. HIV has no visible symptoms or signs. 70-90% of infected individuals experience flu or fever shortly after being infected (FPA 5). Rash, severe soreness and fever occurring at the same time can be the initial indicators of the virus’ presence.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In order to be diagnosed with HIV, a patient needs to pass a series of tests. In order for the test to be valid, one month has to pass after a possible infection (FPA 6). In the course of this procedure, HIV antibodies and antigens in the organism of the patient are tested. It is enough to gather some blood from the patient for this test (FPA 7). The results can be shared with a patient in a number of ways that are chosen by the patient personally. In order to avoid a false positive, HIV tests are usually run a number of times (FPA 9).
The treatment process begins as soon as the presence of HIV virus has been detected. First of all, the stage of infection has to be determined with the help of additional tests. Afterwards, a personal doctor will be assigned to monitor the progress of the virus. It is impossible to get rid of the infection forever. However, there is combination therapy, or, more specifically, antiretroviral treatment (ART), which controls the progression of the virus and can prevent HIV infection of later stages (AIDS) (FPA 9-10). In addition, patients are treated for the prevention of the most common diseases that HIV positive people get. It is also advisable for a patient to undergo a course of anti-HVI treatment if there has been a recent possibility of infection. It is necessary to address a doctor or a nurse who will determine whether the patient should be receiving this emergency treatment or not.
Works Cited
Douek, Daniel C., Mario Roederer, and Richard A. Koup. "Emerging Concepts in The Immunopathogenesis of AIDS". Annual Review of Medicine 60.1 (2009): 471-484. Web. 15 July 2016.
The Family Planning Association (FPA). HIV: Looking after Your Sexual Health. London: Crown Copyright Public Health England, 2014. Web. 15 July 2016.
