Did you know that HIV came from chimps as far back as the 19th century? Human hunters were the bridge to this, as they would eat the meat or come into contact with the blood of monkeys and apes. HIV, fully known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that weakens the body’s ability to fight off infections. A non-curable but controllable disease. Therefore a person infected with HIV has a resultant weak immunity and if not treated will lead to AIDS- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome- the most severe phase of HIV infection.

The only way HIV is transmitted is through contact with body fluids- Blood, Semen, Vaginal fluids, Breast milk, that come from someone living with HIV fluids. These fluids have the highest concentration of the HIV virus. Therefore, having (anal, vaginal, oral )sex with a person living with HIV WITHOUT use of a condom, sharing of drug and tattoo needles with someone living with HIV and mother-to-child during birth and breast feeding are important ways of acquiring HIV.

Sweat, saliva, tears and pee do not cause HIV transmission!!!

GET TESTED!

HIV is somewhat of a silent and non specific disease in its early stages and symptoms only come about in advanced stages. At first, flu- like symptoms may show within 2-6 weeks after infection;fever, sorethroat, body rash, but thereafter may take several years for any other symptoms to show.

ACUTE SYMPTOMS(2-6 weeks)

Acute symptoms include headache,cough, sorethroat, swollen lymph nodes, fever, skin rashes,joint and muscle pain, diarrhea and vomiting, weight loss,

CHRONIC SYMPTOMS (varied time)

Also known as the asymptomatic or latent phase. There are few or no symptoms at all. Can last up to 10 years.

AIDS SYMPTOMS

Final stage of the infection.
• Persistent high fevers(37.8 degrees)
• Severe chills and night sweats.
• White spots in the mouth
• Genital or anal sores
• Severe fatigue
• Rashes that can be brown,red,purple,pink
• Regular coughing and breathing problems
• Significant weight loss
• Persistent headaches.
• Memory problems
• Pneumonia.

Don’t wait for symptoms to show up, get tested.

How do I get tested for HIV?

It’s very simple. It only requires that you could either visit the nearest VCT center and have a test done or simply order a self-test kit at the comfort of your home. A special device is used and it will give you results in 20-60 minutes.

How long should I wait to get tested for HIV?

With any suspicion get tested right away. The sooner, the better. If you think you’ve been exposed and your HIV test within the first 3 months was negative, get another test at 6months.

What if I test positive for HIV?

It’s all manageable and treatable. It’s all under your control. HIV treatment has revolutionized throughout the years, with simpler and better treatments incorporated and people are living longer and with a better quality of life than ever before.- podcasts. Therefore prompting immediate and consistent medical treatment is important here. The earlier you start it, the better the outcome. Building up a healthy lifestyle is a crucial key to improving your life. Doing what makes you happy and that which most importantly adds value to your health. Get this, physical exercise actually boosts your immunity. A healthy, balanced diet- nutrition tips, adequate & regular sleep patterns and most importantly, talking about it to your loved ones will all better your final outcome.

You can also talk to a counsellor through this link---

YES!

You can lead a normal life despite this. Doctors will help you take steps to lower the chances that you’ll pass the virus to your partner and to your child. The child will also be given some preventive medication right after birth.

No. At least not yet. Scientists are however working on it.

Condoms come in a variety of types- most common being latex. They are good at stopping HIV spread through sex but only when used every time you have sex and if used correctly. They prevent contact with body fluids that could spread the virus.

What is PrEP

This is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. Which is medication given to people at substantial riskof HIV infection as part of HIV prevention approaches. It is only taken for those who are HIV negative and do not have the acute symptoms of HIV.

PrEP Recommendations

It is mainly recommended for people who have:
• Sexual partner(s) who is a known HIV positive and is not: On treatment, Has been on treatment for less than 6 months, Suspected to be poorly taking the treatment and/or, Unknown or detectable viral load
• Sexual partner(s) of unknown HIV status and are at high risk of infection( have multiple sexual partners, has had STI, sex workers, inject drugs and live in HIV burden settings.
• History of recent STI in the past 6 months.
• Recurrent sex under influence of alcohol.
• Inconsistent or no condom use with persons of unknown HIV status.
• One of the partners is HIV positive and they are trying to conceive.
• Have been prescribed PEP and you report continued risk behavior or have used multiple courses of PEP.

Is PrEP safe

It is safe. But some people experience side effects. Diarrhea, Nausea, Headache, Fatigue, Stomach pain. Tell your doctor about any severe side effects or those that do not go away.

PrEP and Pregnancy

PrEP may be an option to help protect you and your baby from getting HIV while you are trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What is PEP

This is post-exposure prophylaxis. The use of medication to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection after potential exposure, given as soon as possible within 72hours after exposure.
It is given in;
• Accidental contact with blood through being pricked by a sharp.
• Shared needle, syringes, to inject drugs.
• If you’ve been sexually assaulted.

Side effects of PEP

• It is safe for use but may cause nausea in some people.