What is HIV?
HIV stands for: Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus that causes AIDS. The virus attacks the body’s immune system, and makes it hard for the body to fight off diseases and infections. If not managed with medication, HIV can lead to the disease, AIDS.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection when your body can no longer fight the life threatening infection and may lead to death.
What are the signs & symptoms of HIV infection?
The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection. For the first few weeks after initial infection, individuals may experience no symptoms or an influenza-like illness including fever, headache, rash, or sore throat.
As the infection progressively weakens the immune system, an individual can develop other signs and symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, diarrhoea and cough.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is present in blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breastmilk and other body fluids.
- Unprotected sex (vaginal, oral, anal) with a HIV infected person
- Transfusion of contaminated blood; and the sharing of contaminated needles, syringes, surgical equipment or other sharp instruments
- Vertical Transmission from a mother to her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding
You cannot get HIV from:
- Sharing Food
- Hugging
- Sneezing or coughing
How do I know if I have HIV?
The only way to know your HIV status is through a HIV test.
What is the benefit of a HIV test?
The only way to know your HIV status is through a HIV test.
If you learn that you are HIV positive, you can take steps before symptoms appear to access treatment, care and support, thereby potentially prolonging your life and preventing illness and health complications for many years.
If you know that you are infected, you can take precautions to prevent the spread of HIV to others.
Is there a cure for HIV?
There is no cure for HIV but there is effective treatment to reduce the risks of falling ill and developing AIDS.
What are Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs?
Antiretroviral drugs are used in the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. They fight HIV by stopping or interfering with the reproduction of the virus in the body, reducing the virus in the body.
What are the benefits of taking ARVs?
- Decreases viral load (the amount of HIV virus in the blood)
- Increases CD4 count (cells that protect our bodies from infection) Reduces chances of transmitting HIV
- Reduces a person’s chances of getting opportunistic infections
- Reduces the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child
What happens if I miss taking my ARV drugs?
Talk to your health care provider in case you have difficulty taking your medication
If you miss your ARVs more than once or twice in a month the HIV virus becomes stronger and may get resistant to the medication
Where can I get tested?
Free HIV testing services can be accessed at any government health facility or health centre
Adolescents and young people 15 years and above can give verbal or written consent to receive HIV testing and counselling services
GET TESTED FOR HIV TODAY!
Sources:
National AIDS Control Council http://nacc.or.ke/2016/10/17/frequently-asked-questions-about-hiv-aids/
World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs360/en/