World AIDS Day 2024: From fever to rash—know about symptoms and ART treatment, a secret weapon against HIV

The fight against AIDS is not over yet; the globe continues to face the challenges of the deadly infection that is spread for several reasons. More than the risk factors of HIV, the social stigma embedded in society creates a major public health threat. To prevent the spread and to educate and make people aware of the infection, World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 every year.

It is a day to honour those who have lost their lives to the virus and to show support to those who are living with the disease. As we move forward to address the challenges and dangers of the infection, we need to understand the advancements in HIV care in India. HIV/AIDS remains a major public health threat, claiming an estimated 42.3 million lives across the world so far.?

What is HIV/AIDS??

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV tends to infect and destroy the cells of the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight other diseases.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, when HIV weakens the immune system, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Since HIV works backwards to insert its instructions into the DNA, it is known as a retrovirus.

Dr. Akash Sha, consultant pathologist at Neuberg Diagnostics, says, “Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. It can also reduce the dangers of spreading the virus to other individuals. ART is taken as a combination of pills every day or as an injection once every month or two months.”

Sneaky signs of AIDS: Know the symptoms of the condition?

A person can have HIV without having any signs or symptoms, and this is an important reason to get tested whenever you feel sick. Here are some common symptoms of AIDS:?

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Fatigue.
• Sore throat.
• Muscle aches.
• Night sweats.
• Rash.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Mouth sores.

Fighting AIDS: Antiretroviral Therapy or ART as a secret weapon against HIV

Dr. Sha answers some common FAQs on ART therapy and how it works:?

Q. What are the key factors that influence the success of ART therapy in suppressing HIV?

ART is a combination of HIV medicines that prevents HIV from multiplying, reducing the amount of HIV in the body. "This treatment reduces the risk of transmitting HIV and protects the body's immune system. The main goal of ART is to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels. This means that the level of HIV in the blood is too low to be detected by a test,” explains Dr. Sha.

Q. How do co-infections such as tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis complicate the treatment among people who have AIDS??

Persons with HIV-1 infection are at increased risk of active TB due to the reactivation of latent TB and more rapid progression to disease after TB infection. According to Dr. Shah, “The clinical presentation and course of active TB in HIV-1-infected persons are changed, especially in those with advanced immunosuppression (CD4 counts <200 cells·mm?3): initially active pulmonary TB can be asymptomatic; extrapulmonary TB is more detected; the clinical course is accelerated; it is more difficult to diagnose; and mortality is higher.”

Q. What are the psychological and social challenges that individuals face while undergoing treatment for AIDS???

Youths with HIV/AIDS face a variety of unique challenges that impact their mental, emotional, physicaland social well-being. However, these challenges and experiences may impact people differently across settings, populations, cultures, and the broader socio-economic and political contexts. “The findings indicated that youths with HIV/AIDS face complex life challenges, influenced by psychological, emotional, and social factors,” says Dr. Shah. These interrelated dangers impact their self-management, treatment adherence, and ability to create and maintain healthy social relationships.

Timely diagnosis and early treatment are critical to prevent further complications and improve survival outcomes in these individuals

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