HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a very dangerous virus. Doctors and scientists have long searched for a cure. Recently, scientists have made major progress in this area. He created an injection that prevents HIV infection. Scientists say this injection is up to 96% effective in preventing HIV infection.
The name of this injection is Lenacapavir. According to scientists, by taking two doses of this vaccine per year, the person will be completely protected from the risk of HIV infection.
According to data released by the American biopharmaceutical company Gilead and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the lencapavir vaccine was found to be up to 100% effective in preventing HIV infection during the phase trial. 3. This vaccine was successfully tested on 5,000 women in South Africa and Uganda.
According to the India HIV Estimation Report, 2023, more than 25,00,000 people are suffering from HIV in India. Every year, around 66,400 people fall prey to it.
Worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 4 million people suffered from HIV in 2023. This year, about 6,30,000 people died from it.
Today at Sehatnama we will talk about HIV. You will also learn that-
What is HIV? How is it spread? What are the ways to prevent it?
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. It targets the body’s white blood cells, which weakens the immune system.
As a result, the risk of diseases such as tuberculosis, serious infections and cancer increases. If HIV is not treated in time, it can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
The HIV virus infects the cells of the immune system and gradually weakens it. This reduces the ability to fight any type of disease.
While AIDS is a disease whose main cause is HIV infection. If the infection is not detected in time and treatment is not administered, immunity weakens and develops into AIDS. If HIV treatment is started at the right time, AIDS can be prevented. It is therefore very important to detect HIV infection in time.
Why does HIV spread?
HIV is usually spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, i.e. blood, breast milk and semen. It can be transmitted to children through infected pregnant women. There are many other reasons for its spread. Understand this from the graph below-
How to detect HIV?
Dr Ankit Bansal, consultant in internal medicine and infectious diseases at Delhi’s Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, says that by looking at someone you cannot tell whether they are HIV positive or not.
Flu-like symptoms usually appear within the first few days of HIV infection. Often, even if infected with HIV, a person does not have any symptoms. The only way to know is to take a blood test. Therefore, even after being sick for a long time or experiencing flu symptoms, a person should be tested for HIV.
How to avoid HIV?
There are many ways to prevent HIV infection. The most important of these is to practice safe sex and not share needles, syringes or other injection equipment. Apart from this, what are the other solutions, understand it from the graph below:
Can HIV be completely cured?
Dr Ankit Bansal says there is no perfect treatment for HIV yet. Although there are treatments for this. Thanks to them, the damage caused to the body by HIV can be significantly reduced. HIV treatment protects others from infection and also helps the infected person stay healthy.
If HIV is positive, antiretroviral treatment (ART) is given. However, after the successful testing of injectable Lencapavir, there is hope around the world that HIV will soon be properly treated.
Is HIV spread by contagion?
Dr Ankit Bansal explains that HIV is not an untouchable virus. Therefore, instead of staying away from people infected with HIV, one should show them sympathy and support. Understand from the indicators below which things do not pose an HIV risk.
By hugging an infected person. By eating together. By staying in the same room. By sharing utensils or clothing. By donating blood to an infected person. .
Can kissing cause HIV?
Dr Ankit Bansal explains that HIV is not transmitted through kissing. However, if the infected person has open sores in the mouth or bleeding gums, an infection may occur.
Can an HIV-positive person have physical relations?
Many people think that you can’t have sex after being HIV positive, but that’s not true. An HIV-positive person can have physical relationships like any other person. However, during this time it is important to use protection to prevent infection.
How to take care of yourself if you are HIV positive?
Don’t panic if you are HIV positive. Keep yourself mentally healthy. Keep in mind that even if one is HIV positive, one can live a happy life. To do this, continue to take your medications on time and follow your doctor’s advice from time to time.
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