AIDS (HIV)

What is it ?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system. HIV’s extensive destruction of cells weakens the body substantially. Those infected become gradually more vulnerable to various “opportunistic diseases” and forms of cancer. After being infected with HIV, the host may live without any symptoms for several years (± 10 years). Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of infection. AIDS is incurable and will eventually prove fatal.

Disease transmission

HIV is most often transmitted through unprotected sexual relations. It can also be contracted through contact with infected blood. The disease may also be transmitted during childbirth or while nursing.

Geographic risk zone

Worldwide, particularly in Africa.

Map

Source: http://www.contraboli.ro/stuff/p/epidemia-hiv.png

Symptoms description

The first symptoms associated with HIV appear at the time when the virus first becomes active. These are known as retroviral syndrome, and the symptoms resemble those of influenza (flu).

The WHO divides the disease into 4 distinct stages, during which different symptoms manifest themselves.

Stage 1

No perceptible symptoms
Persistent swelling of lymph glands throughout the body

Stage 2

Weight loss
Minor skin eruptions (dermatitis, sebborhea, ulcerations)
Herpes within the last five years
Recurring respiratory tract infections

Stage 3

Weight loss
Chronic diarrhea without apparent reason, lasting over 1 month
Prolonged fever, without apparent cause, lasting over 1 month
Irregular whitish patches on the tongue (thrush)
Sever bacterial infections (e.g., lung infection)

Stage 4

Dry cough, fever and an overall change in the patient’s state of health (pneumocystosis)
Cerebral toxoplasmosis (attributable to parasites which may take 3 possible forms)
Cutaneous tumours, appearing as purplish-red patches on the skin
Lymphoma (cancer)
Bacterial infections

Health impact

HIV is a fatal illness.

Risks

In 2007, 33.2 million people worldwide were reported as HIV-positive or carriers of HIV.
In the same year, 2.5 more million people contracted HIV.
There were 2.1 million AIDS-related deaths around the world in 2007.
It is estimated that over 25 million have died of HIV/AIDS since the disease was discovered in 1981.
Africa in general, and sub-Saharan Africa in particular, remains the area of the world most heavily affected by this global epidemic. In 2007, again, it was estimated that 22.5 million people in this region had contracted the virus, 1.7 million of whom were new cases of infection, while 1.6 million died of the disease.

Prevention

There is no vaccine or treatment to prevent risk of HIV infection. The only 100% effective protection remains total abstinence from sexual relations or any activity during which body fluids might be exchanged. Obviously, few people choose this route. It is therefore crucial to adopt the following preventive practices:

Practice safe sex at all times. This means:

Wait as long as possible before you have sexual intercourse and, when you do, use a condom.
Limit the number of your sexual partners, and always use a condom.
Do not have sexual relations with any partner who hasn’t tested negatively for HIV. If you do, always use a condom.

Never use a syringe or an injectible substance unless you know for sure that it is sterile.

If you are having a tattoo or piercing done, or are undergoing acupuncture, make sure the materials and equipment being used are sterile.

Ask to be tested for AIDS if you are pregnant or if you have any reason to fear you might be infected. Prompt treatment can prevent your child from being infected.

Ask to be tested promptly if you have engaged in any risky practice, in order to avoid potentially infecting others.

If you think you may have been in contact with HIV, it is crucial to consult a specialist or your personal physician as soon as possible. The initial symptoms of the disease can be controlled. But the treatment is complex, exhausting and very expensive, and is available exclusively in developed countries. In some countries, you can’t even seek treatment until the virus becomes more active. Three different antiviral drugs help diminish the virus’s activity and protect the body temporarily.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that all travellers consult a travel health specialist before they go abroad. Your specialist will be able to advise you about various resources and options available so you can protect yourself effectively.

Vaccination : aids (hiv)

Recommended products

Condoms

Nota Bene

After infection by HIV, it may be several years before you show any symptoms.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection. Research shows that it takes about 10 years from the time the virus is contracted to the time when AIDS is diagnosed.
Your experts at the Clinique Santé-voyage would like to remind you that HIV can NOT be transmitted in through...
- Normal, everyday contact between friends
- Handshakes
- Kissing
- Hugging
- Coughing or sneezing
- Blood donations
- Swimming
- Use of a public toilet seat
- Sharing of kitchen utensils
- Use of a drinking fountain
- Insect bites
- Animals
One alarming fact is that the majority of people carrying HIV are not aware that they have been infected. As a result, they are more likely to transmit the disease.