Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( HIV )

Definisi
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the virus that causes AIDS. The HIV infection will
gradually destroy the body's immune system, making it vulnerable to a whole range of infections
and cancers.
Sign and Symtomns
The only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.
You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether you have HIV. Many people who are
infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for 10 years or more. Some
people who are infected with HIV report having flu-like symptoms (often described
as the worst flu ever) 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. Symptoms can include:

- Sore throat
Swelling of the lymph nodes, liver or spleen.
Skin rash.
Thrush (white patches in the mouthie fungal infection/thrush).
Recurrent, persistent or unusually severe infections. (, cold)
Persistent fever or diarrhea (, cirit birit).
Failure to grow.

Is there treatment available?
There is currently no cure for HIV infection.Combinations of antiviral drugs and immune booster
drugs are used to resist infection, stay healthy and prolong life.
Prevention
Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
Avoid unsafe sex or sexual promiscuity( ).
o practice monogamy (u and yr wife only).
o use condoms.
Management
Adherence. HIV treatment is effective if the patient is committed and constant in taking the medication on time. Missing
even a few doses will jeopardize the treatment. A daily methodical routine has to be programmed to fit the treatment plan
around the patient's lifestyle and schedule. "Adherence" is sometimes known as "compliance".
General Health. It is crucial for patients to take medication correctly and take steps to avoid illness. Patients should seek
to improve their general health and reduce the risk of falling ill by practicing regular exercise, healthy eating, and not
smoking.
Additional precautions. HIV-infected people should be extra cautious to prevent exposure to infection. They should be
careful around animals, avoid coming into contact with cat litter, animal feces. Meticulous and regular washing of hands is
recommended.
Long-term condition. HIV is a lasting condition, and therefore patients have to be in regular contact with their healthcare
team. Treatment plan is reviewed regularly.
Psychological. Common misconceptions about AIDS/ HIV are diminishing. However, the stigma of the disease persists
in many parts of the world. People infected with the virus may feel excluded, rejected, discriminated and isolated.

Lymph node, liver, spleen

Skin rash

Thrush (white patches in the mouthie fungal infection/thrush).