Correct Understanding of HIV-AIDS

01 December 2024

by: dr. Nabilah Dian Eliyani

Halo, Sahabat Premier!

dr. Nabilah Dian Eliyani

Have you ever heard about HIV-AIDS, but still don't understand about HIV-AIDS? Although access to information is getting easier to get, there are still many myths that cause fear, especially those circulating about HIV-AIDS.

A proper understanding can help us maintain our health and protect ourselves from the disease, through this article let's discuss what AIDS is, how it is transmitted, and the preventive steps that can be taken. Come on, let's discuss more about HIV-AIDS!

HIV AIDS

What is AIDS?

It starts from an infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that is not treated properly so that the virus mutates into a more advanced stage called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a syndrome caused by a weak immune system, until now no treatment has been found for a total cure for HIV-AIDS sufferers.

 

What causes AIDS?

AIDS can occur due to HIV virus infection, HIV damages white blood cells or called CD4 cells which causes the body's immune system to weaken and the body has difficulty fighting infections. HIV that is not treated properly will develop into AIDS within 10-15 years.

 

How is AIDS transmitted?

As explained above, AIDS is a secondary infection caused by the HIV virus that is not treated properly. HIV is transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids infected with the HIV virus such as sperm, vaginal fluid, and breast milk, through needles used by more than one person, and free sex.

 

What are the symptoms of AIDS?

  1. Persistent nausea and vomiting
  2. Diarrhea that lasts more than 1 week
  3. Cold sweats at night
  4. Fungal infections of the skin and mouth
  5. Excessive fatigue
  6. Canker sores in the mouth, anus, or genital area
  7. The appearance of reddish, pink, purple, or brown spots on the mouth, nose, and eyelids
  8. Swollen lymph nodes that do not heal

 

How is AIDS diagnosed?

The doctor will diagnose HIV-AIDS through anamnesis of symptoms experienced by the patient, in addition to the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) test to detect HIV antibodies. If the result is positive, further confirmation tests are carried out with the Western Blot test. 

 

How is AIDS treated?

Until now, there is no treatment that can cure HIV-AIDS completely, but AIDS treatment is carried out to stop the spread of the virus and support HIV-AIDS sufferers to be able to live normally and productively. Someone who has been detected with HIV must undergo early treatment so that the HIV virus does not develop into AIDS. HIV treatment can be done using antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).

 

How to prevent AIDS?

Things to do to prevent AIDS is to prevent transmission of the HIV virus, this can be done by avoiding direct contact with blood and body fluids of HIV sufferers. Never use shared needles and have free sex. Early detection and proper treatment can prevent HIV from mutating into AIDS.

 

With a better understanding of HIV-AIDS, we can all be wiser in protecting ourselves and preventing HIV transmission, do not let uncertainty or stigma hinder steps to get the right treatment.

If Premier Friends feel the need for further consultation or examination, Premier Jatinegara Hospital is ready to provide the best health services with complete facilities and professional medical personnel.

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HIV virus