HIV & AIDS

Largely believed to have evolved from primates, specifically the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) in the 1940s originating in the Republic of the Congo. Possibly came from humans coming into contact with primate flesh and blood when hunting them. The first ever case was found in a man in the Congo in 1959, and the first strains of HIV in the USA were detected in the 1970s.

Simian Immunodeficiency Virus:: virus in primates HIV/AIDS is largely believed to have originated from, likely spread to humans during contact with primate flesh and blood when hunting.

Means human immunodeficiency virus, causes many symptoms throughout the body.

HIV develops into AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, does drastic things to all parts of the body and causes the person to slowly wither away, can vary depending on the person

Hasn’t really been around for long as the first reported case was in 1981. 37.9 million people are currently living with it, and it affects all people regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

US, India, Russia, and some places in Africa have the most people with HIV.

4,500 adults are infected every year, most commonly in younger people.

HIV Statuses:

  1. Status Unknown :: Never tested for HIV or not tested since last possible exposure
  2. HIV Negative :: No HIV detected on last test
  3. HIV Negative and on PrEP :: No HIV detected on last test and using PrEP medication
  4. HIV Positive :: HIV detected during last test
  5. HIV Positive and Undetectable :: HIV detected on last test and treatment used daily to prevent transmission to others

HIV vs AIDS

HIV :: A preventable viral STI that can be transmitted from one person to another though bodily fluids, and cause AIDS if left untreated.

AIDS cannot be transmitted and can be prevented.

HIV weakens the immune system by targeting white blood cells.

Opportunistic infections can take advantage of your body’s weakened immune system

Antiretroviral medication cannot get rid of HIV, but can lower its effectiveness.

HIV+Opportunistic infection=AIDS

Body tries producing antibodies to fight off HIV, which causes flu-like symptoms.

T-Cells are lowered from 600-1000 per mm3 of blood in a healthy person to 200 or below.

Symptoms may not appear foro years, but when they do they may include diarrhea, headaches, weight loss, night sweats, fever, tiredness, or swollen lymph glands.

When AIDS develops it causes opportunistic infections such as various cancers and infections

Can be spread through blood, semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breastmilk.

Can enter body from lining of the anus, rectum, vagina, or cervix, penis opening, mouth with sores or bleeding gums, or cuts or sores.

Can be spread via sexual contact, sharing needles, childbirth and breastfeeding, or occupational accidents.

Risk of HIV can be reduced by using barrier methods, knowing the status of sex partners, avoiding sharing needles, PrEP, and PEP.

PrEP:

Short for Pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Prevention strategy in which HIV negative people at risk take an oral pill once a day before coming into contact to reduce their risk of infection.

99% effective when used before, 92% effective after.

Can be taken by anyone, including teens.

PEP:

Short for Post-exposure prophylaxis.

Prevention option for someone who thinks they’re been recently exposed.

Must be started within 72 hours after exposure.

It can take 2 weeks to 6 months for a test to detect HIV after exposure.