HIV Guideline: Understanding HIV, Treatment, and Prevention

Table of Contexts

• HIV guideline : It's Not as Scary as You Think

• Understanding HIV and AIDS: Are They the Same?

• Is HIV Easily Transmitted? How Is It Spread?

• Preventing HIV Infection

• Treatment and Self-Care for HIV

• PPE Rash (Pruritic Papular Eruption): A Sign of Immune Deficiency

• HIV Testing

HIV guideline : It's Not as Scary as You Think

Here’s a guide to help everyone better understand HIV. Knowledge is power—the more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

When we talk about HIV, many people see it as a frightening and stigmatizing disease. However, today, HIV is much like any other chronic illness. With continuous antiretroviral therapy and good health care, people with HIV can live long and normal lives. It's not as terrifying or repulsive as many might believe.

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that, once it enters the body, attacks the immune system. It targets white blood cells (CD4 cells or T cells) that protect the body from infections. If the HIV virus destroys these white blood cells to a level where the body can no longer resist diseases, the immune system weakens, leading to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, swollen glands, or meningitis.

Understanding HIV and AIDS: Are They the Same?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): This virus attacks the immune system. Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS. Once infected with HIV, the virus remains in the body for life. There is no cure yet, but antiretroviral drugs can help keep the person healthy and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): This is a condition that develops when HIV has severely damaged the immune system, lowering CD4 cell counts below 200. The immune system becomes so weak it can't fight off diseases, leading to AIDS and other opportunistic infections like fungal infections in the brain or tuberculosis. AIDS has three stages:

• The initial stage where the body shows no significant symptoms.

• The second stage where the virus starts to damage the immune system, causing rashes, oral thrush, or shingles.

• The third stage where the immune system is severely compromised, leading to AIDS and potentially fatal opportunistic infections.

Is HIV Easily Transmitted? How Is It Spread?

HIV can be transmitted through contact with semen, vaginal fluids, lymph fluid, and blood. Here are the main transmission routes:

• Unprotected sex: This is the most common way HIV is transmitted. Not using condoms during vaginal or anal sex accounts for over 80% of HIV infections.

  
  

• Contact with blood or lymph fluid: This can occur through open wounds or using unsterilized sharp objects like tattoo needles, ear-piercing needles, nail clippers, or razors with someone who has HIV.

  
  

• Shared needles: This often occurs among people who inject drugs.

  
  

• Mother-to-child transmission: HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sputum, sweat, urine, or feces because these fluids contain very low levels of the virus. Therefore, casual contact like kissing, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet does not spread HIV.

Preventing HIV Infection

The most well-known methods for preventing HIV infection, as outlined in the HIV guideline, include using condoms during sexual activity and avoiding multiple sexual partners. However, if an unexpected situation occurs, like a condom breaking, there are two medications available for HIV prevention both before and after potential exposure: PrEP and PEP.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Taken before exposure to prevent HIV.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): An emergency antiretroviral taken after potential exposure, within 72 hours, for 28 days.

PrEP and PEP are not available over-the-counter and must be obtained from authorized medical facilities like Menness Clinic, where doctors will evaluate your situation, conduct a physical examination, and decide the appropriate medication.

Treatment and Self-Care for HIV

Currently, HIV treatment involves continuous antiretroviral therapy. If you test positive for HIV, consult a doctor immediately to start treatment. Consistently taking the prescribed medication and maintaining regular check-ups will help your body regain strength within about six months. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper rest will further enhance your health.

There are over 25 approved antiretroviral drugs, known as antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, which prevent the virus from multiplying and damaging the immune system. These drugs allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives without developing opportunistic infections.

Although HIV cannot be completely eradicated from the body, taking antiretroviral drugs continuously can suppress the virus, preventing it from attacking white blood cells and maintaining normal health.

PPE Rash (Pruritic Papular Eruption): A Sign of Immune Deficiency

PPE is a common rash in people with HIV, appearing on the face, arms, or legs when CD4 cell counts drop. The rash is red or flesh-coloured, itchy, and can appear anywhere on the body, often on the face, neck, arms, and legs. In some cases, it may be accompanied by seborrheic dermatitis, causing thick scaly rashes.

The main cause of PPE in HIV patients is a low CD4 cell count, leading to a weak immune system. If you notice such rashes, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.

HIV Testing

HIV testing can be done at most hospitals, including Menness Clinic. The process involves a simple blood draw from the arm, and results are available within a day. There are four types of HIV tests:

• Anti-HIV Test: Detects antibodies to HIV and provides results in 1-2 hours, but may not detect recent infections within the past month.

• NAT (Nucleic Acid Test): The most sensitive test, detecting HIV 1-2 weeks after exposure, typically used for blood donation screening.

• Rapid HIV Test: Provides results in 20 minutes for preliminary screening. Positive results require confirmatory testing.

• HIV Antigen Test: Detects early HIV infection within about 2 weeks post-exposure before antibody formation.

• Anti-HIV Test: Detects antibodies to HIV and provides results in 1-2 hours, but may not detect recent infections within the past month.

• NAT (Nucleic Acid Test): The most sensitive test, detecting HIV 1-2 weeks after exposure, typically used for blood donation screening.

• Rapid HIV Test: Provides results in 20 minutes for preliminary screening. Positive results require confirmatory testing.

• HIV Antigen Test: Detects early HIV infection within about 2 weeks post-exposure before antibody formation.

Regular HIV testing every 1-3 months is recommended for those at risk. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and better health outcomes. Testing at Menness Clinic is straightforward and quick, providing fast results.