Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system by infecting white blood cells in the body. It can be transmitted through certain bodily liquids like blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. It is important to note that tears, sweat and saliva, however, do not transmit the virus. Show
Over time, HIV can severely damage the immune system which makes it harder for the body to fight against infections and diseases. Most people are likely to be familiar with HIV, but not many may exactly know how it affects the body. As such, let’s explore further how the virus affects the body during the initial phase. What are the initial symptoms? The earliest phase of the HIV disease is called the acute stage. In this stage, some symptoms that you could experience are similar to that of the flu, such as headaches, fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. Other symptoms that could also arise are flat or raised, reddened bumps on the skin called maculopapular truncal rash and swollen lymph nodes. Not everyone will likely experience any of these early symptoms of HIV, and if they do, they will vary based on several factors such as age and health status. In addition, these symptoms are liable to change or worsen as the disease transitions from the acute stage towards the next one, which is the chronic stage. Coughing, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and high fever are a few of the more common ones that have been reported. What affects HIV progression? How severe the symptoms show up depend on the extent of the damage the disease has done to the immune system and the progression of the infection. Some people can progress through the phases of HIV more quickly than others. Several factors that can affect HIV progression is:
The progression of HIV can be delayed or slowed down by taking antiretroviral medications, undergoing HIV treatments and living a healthy lifestyle. How can HIV infection be prevented? As mentioned above, HIV is commonly transmitted by vaginal and anal sex, needle sharing and coming into contact with body fluids. Unless the disease has progressed, HIV does not cause noticeable symptoms until much later. It is recommended to get an HIV test at least once a year, and to always use a latex barrier when engaging in sexual activities. If someone has been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, getting post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be highly considered. As symptoms may take years to appear, it’s even more important to get regular STD testing in Singapore for early detection. Conclusion Getting tested regularly also can reduce transmission to others and slow down the progression of the diseases. With advances made in HIV treatments, people are living longer with the condition today and more importantly, preventing the disease from progressing to AIDS. Contact Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208 to address any of your health concerns. We offer sexual health check-up and essential healthcare services including wart removal. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, by sharing syringes, or during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV weakens the immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells, a type of white blood cell that is important for fighting off infections. The loss of these cells means that people living with HIV are more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. Today, effective anti-HIV medications allow people with HIV to lead long, healthy lives. When taken as prescribed, these daily medications, called antiretroviral therapy (ART), can suppress the amount of virus in the blood to a level so low that it is undetectable by standard tests. Why are people with HIV and AIDS at a higher risk for mental disorders?The stress associated with living with a serious illness or condition, such as HIV, can affect a person’s mental health. People with HIV have a higher chance of developing mood, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. For example, depression is one of the most common mental health conditions faced by people with HIV. It is important to remember that mental disorders are treatable. People who have a mental disorder can recover. HIV and related infections can also affect the brain and the rest of the nervous system. This may change how a person thinks and behaves. Also, some medications used to treat HIV may have side effects that affect a person's mental health. Situations that can contribute to mental health problems for anyone:
In addition, people with HIV include may also experience situations that negatively impact their mental health, such as:
Understanding how living with HIV can affect mental health and knowing what resources are available can make it easier for people to manage their overall health and well-being. What other complications can be caused by HIV?HIV causes significant inflammation in the body. This inflammation can cause neurological complications by damaging the spinal cord and brain, which form the central nervous system. Despite effective ART, people with HIV are still at risk for central nervous system diseases associated with HIV. These diseases can be neurological (affecting the nervous system) or neurocognitive (affecting cognition or mental processing). Severe neurological impairments such as dementia, brain atrophy, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) are less common in people who use ART, compared to people with HIV who are not on ART. However, there are still less severe forms of central nervous system diseases associated with HIV. Researchers are working to better understand how HIV affects the central nervous system. This information will be helpful to develop new treatments to improve the lives of people with HIV. Understanding which types of cells in the central nervous system are targeted by the HIV infection and how those cells are damaged may help shape efforts to prevent, treat, and cure HIV. Research efforts also focus on understanding why HIV is harder to eliminate in some tissues in the body and what strategies might be more effective on those cells. How can people with HIV improve their mental health?Research shows that HIV treatment should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis to achieve the best health outcomes. Following a treatment plan, such as taking the medications prescribed by a health care provider, is critical for controlling and suppressing the virus. Following the treatment plan can be difficult, but there are strategies that can help such as following a treatment plan, creating a routine, setting an alarm, and downloading a reminder app on a smartphone. Starting ART can affect mental health in different ways. Sometimes ART can relieve anxiety because knowing that you are taking care of yourself can provide a sense of security. However, coping with the reality of living with a chronic illness like HIV can be challenging. In addition, some antiretroviral medicines may cause symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness and may make some mental health issues worse. For these reasons, it is important for people with HIV to talk to a health care provider about their mental health before starting ART. These conversations should continue throughout treatment. People with HIV should talk with their provider about any changes in their mental health, such as thinking or how they feel about themselves and life in general. People with HIV should also discuss any alcohol or substance use with their provider. People with HIV should also tell their health care provider about any over-the-counter or prescribed medications they may be taking, including any mental health medications, because some of these drugs may interact with antiretroviral medications. Learn tips for talking with a health care provider about your mental health. Join a StudyClinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions, including mental illnesses. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individual participants may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future. Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. We have new and better treatment options today because of what clinical trials uncovered years ago. Be part of tomorrow’s medical breakthroughs. Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and if one is right for you. To learn more or find a study, visit:
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Last Reviewed: November 2022 Unless otherwise specified, NIMH information and publications are in the public domain and available for use free of charge. Citation of NIMH is appreciated. Please see our Citing NIMH Information and Publications page for more information. What are 3 ways that HIV can affect the body?Untreated HIV / AIDS can cause significant weight loss, often accompanied by diarrhea, chronic weakness and fever. Neurological complications. HIV can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, forgetfulness, depression, anxiety and difficulty walking.
How does your body react when you have HIV?The first 2-4 weeks after being infected with HIV, you may feel feverish, achy, and sick. These flu-like symptoms are your body's first reaction to the HIV infection. During this time, there's a lot of the virus in your system, so it's really easy to spread HIV to other people.
How fast does HIV spread in the body?People with chronic HIV infection may not have any HIV-related symptoms. Without ART, chronic HIV infection usually advances to AIDS in 10 years or longer, though in some people it may advance faster. People who are taking ART may be in this stage for several decades.
How can I stop stressing about HIV?Stress. Take care of yourself. Be sure you get enough rest and eat well. ... . Try physical activity. When you are nervous, angry, or upset, try exercise or some other kind of physical activity. ... . Talk about it. It helps to talk to someone about your concerns and worries. ... . Let it out.. |
How does hiv affect the body physically
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