What you Need to Know About Hiv

HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiencyinfected syringes are not used. Intravenous drug users
Virus. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDSand hemophiliacs are at high risk to get HIV.c. HIV can
as it is generally called, is the result of this virus. Whenbe transmitted from a mother to a child either in the
a person has AIDS, the immune system graduallywomb, during childbirth or duing breast-feeding. The
break downs. The patient then becomes highlychances of this happening have been reduced with
susceptible to infections and illnesses, which coulddrugs and other procedures.
even, be fatal. History dates its origin to June 5th 1981Some of the early symptoms include sinusitis,
in Los Angeles where the virus was found in fivebronchitis, otitis, pharyngitis, weight loss, dry cough,
homosexual men. It was then called GRID orunexplained fatigue, unusual blemishes on the tongue,
Gay-Related Immune Deficiency because peopleherpes zoster and oral ulcerations. During the more
thought it only affected homosexual people. Thisadvanced stages patients may have chronic diarrhea,
theory was soon blown to pieces when cases werecontinuous fever, extreme weight loss, oral hairy
reported from all over. Today, AIDS has reachedleukoplakia and candidiasis and pulmonary tuberculosis.
epidemic proportions. It has plagued most countriesIt is extremely important for people to be tested for
around the world and is considered a highly dangerousHIV. In some communities, partners are required to
disease.take the HIV test prior to marriage. This is because it
To gain a better understanding of HIV, we must firstnot only affects the infected individual but also can
explore how it is transmitted.a. HIV is a sexuallyspread to the spouse and the unborn child. It is difficult
transmitted disease. What does this mean? Thetelling someone you love that you have AIDS.
mucous membrane lines different parts of the bodyHowever, is very vital for their health and safety.
such as the lips, genital areas, nostrils etc. When theDoctors, nurses and Medicare professionals are also
mucous membrane comes in contact with sexualexposed to this virus as they deal with syringes and
secretions of an infected HIV patient, the virusneedles on a daily basis. If you have AIDS and if you
transfers from one to another. This is why the mainare looking for a doctor, then do some preliminary
cause for the spread of AIDS is unprotected sexualresearch on the doctor before you meet him or her.
intercourse.b. HIV is also transmitted through infectedThe doctor should be reliable and must be aware of
blood. Therefore, one has to take extreme precautionthe nuances of the field. You should choose a doctor
when undergoing blood transfusions. It is alwayswho you are comfortable with.
advisable to go to a reputed hospital or clinic where