HIV : Understanding , Shielding and Living

Introduction

Since early 1980s, HIV has been a major public health concern due to its impact on the survival and well being of people with this virus. Although there has been steady progress in HIV treatment among people living with the sickness, it is still important to know how individuals can avoid contracting the virus and what once one is infected to expect.

What is HIV?

AIDS is caused by the HIV virus that attacks the body’s immune system including the CD4 cells (T cells) that conduct the defense against diseases and infections. The effects and complications of uncomplicated HIV infection can progress to…. Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS); a state that is characterized by severe compromise of the immune system. HIV is passed from one person to another through having unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles and from mother to the child through blood during child birth and through breast milk.

How to Protect Yourself from HIV

Finally, the best tactic against HIV is prevention leading to the conclusion that adequate prevention methods are the best way to fight HIV. Here are some key methods to protect yourself:Here are some key methods to protect yourself:

1. Condoms: To increase the chances of preventing HIV, it is advisable for the condom to be used each time there is an act of sexual intercourse.
2. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Its an antiretroviral used on a daily basis to people who are at risk of being infected with HIV and can actually prevent that.
3. Needle Exchange Programs: Communicable diseases such as HIV can be eliminated by avoiding the sharing of needles among persons who engage in drug injection.
4. Regular Testing: Being aware of your status and that of your partner is useful in prevention when the information is acquired early.

Immediate Steps After Diagnosis

1. Seek Medical Care:

   • Find a Specialist: It is very important to obtain a provider who has appropriate knowledge of HIV treatment. They will assist in the management of your treatment and in supervision of your condition.
   • Start Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): ART means AIDS reversible treatment which comprises of HIV medicines that assist to lower viral load in the human body. It plays a critical role to identify the virus and start the treatment in the earliest time possible.

2. Emotional Support:

   • Counseling: Suggested for whom the diagnosis was given is to consult a psychologist so that he or she can find ways of coming to terms with the situation. It is important that mental health services are available to clients diagnosed with HIV and many clinics provide this kind of specialized services.
   • Support Groups: Support groups imply that the person joins a group of people that go through the same thing as them, so it can provide support.

3. Educate Yourself:

   • Learn About HIV: Learning about the virus, how it spreads, and available modes of treatment could go a long way in informing one’s choices about their health.
   • Stay Updated: Research on HIV is still progressive. This information should include new treatments not previously listed and any other advancement in the line of treatments for the disease.

Managing Your Health

1. Regular Medical Visits:

   • Routine Check-ups: It is recommended that you visit your doctor as often as needed to check your viral load, CD4 count, and general condition.
   • Adherence to Treatment: It is important to note that missing doses regularly means that the virus starts to peak up again.

2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices:

   • Nutrition: C Lemon and other vitamins and nutrients that are contained in foods are important in boosting the health of an individual’s immune system.
   • Exercise: Such activity makes sense since exercise and other related activities has been linked to the enhancement of one’s general health.
   • Avoid Smoking and Substance Abuse: They do this by slowly blasting your immune system and also complicating your treatment plan.

3. Preventing Transmission:

   • Safe Practices: They should avoid spreading the infection to other individuals by indulging in unprotected intercourse.
   • Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U): If you have the viral load that has not been discovered or is very low, you cannot pass the virus through sexual activities. Taking your ART as prescribed will assist you to be virally suppressed and this reduces the chances of transmitting the virus.

Building a Support System

1. Disclose Your Status:

   • Who to Tell: Determining whom to tell about HIV positive status should be very central to the affected person. This might be members of your immediate family, close friends, or your spouse/Partner.
   • How to Tell: Be open for any kind of response. Counsel those people on HIV/AIDS in order to avoid discriminating them in the society.

2. Seek Peer Support:

   • Online Communities: Participate in online groups and social networks to find out how other people with HIV feel and receive recommendations from them.
   • Local Organizations: There are various associations of various local NGO’s which provide counseling, support and various programs for HIV positive persons.

Planning for the Future

1. Career and Financial Planning:

   • Workplace Rights: Learn your status with regard to discrimination at your workplace. Most countries have enacted legislation that is friendly to those with HIV or symptoms of the body affecting them.
   • Financial Assistance: Research on funds that provide funds for the treatment of the disease and covering other expenses.

2. Long-Term Health:

   • Regular Screenings: Maintain their other wellness exams for other diseases like the heart diseases, cancer or mental ailments.
   • Stay Informed: Get a full complement of details about new treatment and various research findings that may warrant improvement of your quality of life.

Conclusion

HIV is not a death sentence anymore but rather a beginning of a process that one has to undergo. Today, HIV positive people are encouraged to seek medical help, give themselves a loving support and make the right life choices to lead healthy, vibrant lives. Also, note that support is present, and research for HIV continues to go on to ensure that the lives of millions are positively impacted.