What to Expect When You Have HIV

Freddie Mercury wrote some of Queens greatest hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love
and We are the Champions. Queen was able to produce 18 number one albums and 18 number one
singles. They also sold over 150 million albums worldwide, which helped make Mercury one of the most
famous rock vocalists of all time. Earvin Magic Johnson won three MVP awards in the 1980s, along with
winning five NBA championships for the Los Angeles Lakers. In 1996, he was one of 50 basketball players
who were named the Greatest Players in NBA History, and then in 2002, he won a place in the Basketball
Hall of Fame. Liberace was one of the most famous performers in the world. In fact, between 1950 and
1970, he was the highest paid entertainer in the world. He particularly excelled in playing the piano, learning
how to play the instrument at a very you age. These people are all excellent and accomplished in their
respective fields. Unfortunately, that is not the only thing that they have in common. They were all
diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV.

Mechanism of HIV

HIV is a retrovirus that infects cells in the body, and it also causes acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome, or AIDS. AIDS is the most severe manifestation of HIV. The direct effect of the virus in the body
is that it destroys helper T cells, which are cells that trigger immune responses. Without these cells, the
bodys immune system is weakened, which is the reason why AIDS patients become more prone to
infections and other rare illnesses.
Basically, when the virus enters the cell, it takes over the cell. DNA is created from the virus, which
is then integrated into the host cell. Once that is done, the virus will be able to create new virus particles.

Transmission, Signs and Symptoms of HIV

HIV/AIDS is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast
milk. Proper transmission is done through direct transfer of these fluids, which means to say that casual
contact will not effectively transmit the virus. Sexual contact that does not involve the secretion of any bodily
fluids will not cause any harm. The highest possibility that one can contract the virus is through intercourse,
and the risk is even higher when it involves penetration through the anus. The use of latex condoms
decreases the risk but does not completely eliminate it. Those who are sexually active must be mindful of
the fact that oil based lubricants cannot be applied when latex condoms are being used because it will
dissolve the latex. The use of contaminated needles can also transmit the virus, as well as transfusion of
contaminated blood and exposure to mucous membrane.
Those who have HIV/AIDS experience a number of signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms
include, but is not limited to, opportunistic infections, which are infections caused by pathogens (germs, in
colloquial terms), swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, a rare type of pneumonia caused by a fungus, and a
cancer-like phenomenon known as Kaposis sarcoma, where abnormal tissue grows under the skin. Their
immune system also becomes significantly weaker, which makes their bodies more susceptible to
infections. In extreme cases, some patients experience dementia and slurred speech.

Prevention of HIV Transmission

One of the ways to avoid the transmission of HIV is through teaching people about safe sexual
practices. They must be taught about the importance of using condoms, as well as the proper way to use
them. People who are sexually active must also be taught to reduce their sexual activities, especially those
who take part in high-risk activities.
Places that have been touched by blood or other bodily fluids must be cleaned immediately. The
virus may be inactivated using peroxides, alcohols or any other disinfectant. Heat may also be used to clean
and sterilize these areas.
Medical professionals who handle HIV patients must work with extreme care. Accidents involving
syringes and needles happen often, so workers must be taught how to avoid them.
Pregnant women must also take care, and must be recommended for a test for antibody to HIV.
However, women who are not yet pregnant but want to be must postpone their plans. The risk of
transmitting the virus to the fetus while the baby is still in the womb and after the baby is born is estimated to
be 30% to 50%. It is also possible for the baby to contract the virus as it is being born. Mothers with HIV
must also be mindful of the fact that HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.

Further Knowledge for HIV-Infected Pregnant Women

Because the baby has a high chance of contracting the virus, it is not safe for HIV infected women
to have children. However, for those who already have the virus and are already pregnant, they may lessen
the risk by taking a drug called zidovudine. The possibility of the baby getting infected is estimated to drop to
5%.
As for the method of delivery, it is better for the baby to be delivered through cesarean section. HIV
can be transmitted through vaginal secretions, so if the baby is delivered in the traditional manner, it will
have to pass through the vagina, and it will come in contact with the substances in the vagina. However, the
method of delivery also depends on what drugs the mother is taking. It is best to consult a doctor.
When the baby has already been delivered, there are three blood tests that are done to know
whether or not the baby has been infected with the virus. The first is done a few days after the baby is born,
the second is when the baby is one month old, and the third is when the baby is two to four months old. If
one of the tests comes back positive, another test is conducted. If two of the tests are positive, then the
baby has contracted that virus. If all three of the tests turn out negative, then the baby did not get infected.

HIV in the Philippines

In 1995, a woman infected with HIV from the Philippines expressed her desire to have children with
her husband who is not infected with the virus. She was from Kalibo, Aklan, in the central part of the
Philippines. She did not care for the consequences of her actions, as long as she is able to have a baby.
This announcement definitely shocked people; it even made it to the newspapers. This was when HIV in the
Philippines not rampant. HIV was rapidly spreading in Asia and the Pacific around this time, but the
transmission of the virus in the Philippines was slow. It was estimated that 0.04% of adult Filipino were
infected with the virus, and a majority of the infected were men. It was said that the epidemic did not spread
in the Philippines at this time because not a lot of males engage in intercourse with female prostitutes, not a
lot of couples take part in anal sex, and there were few people who use drugs that require syringes and
needles.
Over time, the amount of people that has been infected with the virus has increased. Between
2001 and 2009, the amount of people who have contracted the disease increased by 25%. However,
compared to other countries in Asia, it can still be said that HIV is not rampant in the Philippines.

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