HIV Information

Date: July 2004

Diagnosis

HIV infection is diagnosed by laboratory testing of a blood sample. HIV antibodies do appear in sufficient levels the blood for 1 to 3 months after infection. It has been known to take up to 6 months to detect sufficient levels of HIV antibodies in the blood stream.

Transmission

There two main ways to become infected with HIV; having unprotected vaginal or anal sex, using a syringe or needle that has been used by someone already infected.

Women should note that HIV can be passed onto babies either during pregnancy or during child birth.

Other incidental contact such as fighting or sporting injuries where infected blood in transferred has been known as source for transmitting the disease, however it is considered uncommon or unlikely by many medical researchers and professionals.

Symptoms

There are no immediate symptoms that someone has contracted HIV. Some people report feeling flu like symptoms such as painful joints, headaches, fatigue. These symptoms are often ignored and treated as just another viral infection.

As the virus becomes more established, other symptoms may include:

• profuse night sweating
• swollen lymph glands
• loss of appetite
• red, pink, brown or purple blotches on or under the skin
• forgetfulness
• receding gums

You are strongly advised to a get a blood test to confirm these symptoms are actually because of an HIV infection as they could indicate a less serious condition.

Effects

HIV is life threatening and left untreated can result in AIDS. A combination of treatments can improve life expectancy for sufferers prevent the virus from reaching full-blown AIDS.

Women should note that HIV can be passed onto babies either pre or post natal and that children can contract the virus through breast-feeding. If you are pregnant, there are treatments and methods available that can prevent passing the virus to your child. You are advised to consult your doctor or medical professional to discuss the option available.

Treatment

There is no cure for HIV. There are many HIV medications on market greatly improving the life expectancy and the quality of life for those infected. Early medications inhibited the spread of virus through the body and delayed the start of opportunistic infections. Newer medications introduced attack replication cycle the virus at a later stage in its life cycle and these are called protease inhibitors.

As HIV can become resistant to any one treatment, many sufferers may be prescribed with more than one medication.

Prevalence

Approximately 5 million new cases of HIV were recorder in 2003. The United States and Western Europe account for around 100 000 of these new cases. Africa and South East Asia continue to be most prominent in the recorded statistics and travellers are advised to be especially vigilant when visiting these parts of the world.