HIV/Aids is an Immune System Disorder in which the body's ability to defend itself against infections, is greatly diminished. HIV is spread primarily through sexual or blood-to-blood contact. To put this simply, in layman's terms, the HIV virus enters the bloodstream and attaches itself to the service of a white blood cell (the CD4 cell's receptors). The virus then changes its genetic information into that of the white blood cell. The virus cannot be recognized by other white blood cells and is, over time, able to replicate itself into hundreds of HIV viruses. When the HIV virus has used the cellular material of the white blood cell, this breaks open and the new virus can, and does, spread through the bloodstream.

A person infected with HIV can go through five stages of the disease:
1. Primary HIV infection stage
2. A symptomatic latent phase
3. Minor symptomatic phase
4. Major symptomatic phase
5. AIDS defining conditions; the severe symptomatic stage.

Symptoms of Stage 1 are:
• Sore throat, headache, mild fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, swelling of the lymph nodes, rash and mouth ulcerations. The CD4 cell count is approx. 800-1200 cells/mm3.

Symptoms of Stage 2 are:
• No symptoms occur as this is the latent stage. The CD4 cell count is between 500 and 800 cells

Symptoms of Stage 3 are:
• Swelling of the lymph nodes/glands in the neck, armpits and groin.
• Occasional fevers, recurrent chest infections.
• Shingles, skin infections and rashes.
• Recurrent mouth ulcers
• Weight loss up to 10% of the person's usual body weight.
• Prolonged, unexplained fatigue.
The CD4 count is between 350 and 500 cells

Symptoms of Stage 4 are:
• Persistent and recurrent oral and vaginal Candida infections (thrush)
• Recurrent herpes infections eg cold sores
• Recurrent shingles infections (herpes zoster)
• Recurrent bacterial skin infections and skin rashes
• Fever that lasts for more than a month, night sweats
• Chronic diarrhea that lasts for more than a month
• Significant and unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal discomfort, headaches
• Thickened white patches on inside of the tongue
• Persistent cough and reactivation of TB
• Opportunistic diseases of various kinds
The CD4 count is between 150 and 350 cells

Symptoms of Stage 5 are:
• Continuous diarrhea, nausea and vomiting causing weight loss.
• Persistent recurrent vaginal candidiasis.
• Cold Sores and oral thrush
• Severe and recurrent skin infections
• Respiratory infections causing persistent cough, chest pain and fever.
• Pneumonia
• Weigh loss, tiredness
• Severe shingles
• Body pains, numbness or ‘pins and needles'
• Memory loss, poor concentration, headaches or confusion.
• Cryptococcal meningitis, presenting with fever, headache, stiffness of the neck, mental state change
• Infection causing brain damage
• Painless reddish brown swelling on the skin and mucous membranes
• TB
• Other sexual transmitted diseases (STD)
The CD4 cell count is below 200 cells.

The three main modes/causes of infection are:
1. Unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV infected person
2. Infection through contaminated blood or blood products
3. Mother – child transmission of HIV
via the placenta
during childbirth OR
through breastfeeding.

All these symptoms can be confused with many other illnesses, so the only way to be sure that you have, or have not, got AIDS is to be tested. If you are positive, then you can make a major contribution to your survival and quality of life by getting into an early treatment program in which Immune Enhancement is encouraged.

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) need to take good care of themselves in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle that will enhance their health status. People with HIV/AIDS can live healthier lives for a long period if adequate care and support is provided. Your immune system can be enhanced by medical treatment, food, rest and exercise. You can be better off and cope much better if you are happy and feel productive. Emotional support and a positive lifestyle will help you to avoid depression.

TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF ONESELF
You should try to do the following things for a healthy living

AVOID UNPROTECTED SEX
People living with the virus should endeavor to avoid having unprotected sex. You can be re-infested with the virus again and again if you indulge in an unprotected sex. The harm in this is that there are various species of this virus. Re-infestation is more dangerous than the initial infection. A lot of harm is associated with re-infestation because the rate of damage is doubled in the body. On the other hand, HIV negative individual may be infested with the virus if they indulge in unprotected sex.

STOP USING ALCOHOL, SMOKING OR THE USE OF HARD DRUGS
Prolonged use of alcohol, smoking and hard drugs facilitate the deteriorating effect of the virus and breaking down of the immune system. But, desisting from using these chemicals will enhance a healthy living. The devastating effect of the above drugs should be avoided in order to prolong life in HIV positive patients.

SEEK EARLY TREATMENT FOR INFECTIONS
Treating infections promptly encourages early healing of infections and eliminates prolonged treatment which may be costly.The people concerned should always have access to medical care any time in order to treat infections promptly.

HAVE PLENTY OF REST AND EXERCISE REGULARLY
People who take regular exercise are noted to have reduced their risk of developing about two dozen physical and mental health conditions. Adequate regular exercise slows down the aging process and therefore reduces the deterioration of the body. Having enough rest is one of the methods of treating mental health and also to improve the well-being of the body system.

EAT HEALTHY FOOD AND BALANCED DIET
Eating healthy food and balance diet helps you to keep your body strong. This helps you stay healthy and ward off infections. Also drink plenty of water regularly to enhance body metabolism.

How to Reduce Your HIV and AIDS risk
What is HIV?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system. A healthy immune system is what keeps you from getting sick.

Because HIV damages your immune system, you are more likely to get sick from bacteria and viruses. It is also harder for your body to fight off these infections when you do get them, so you may have trouble getting better. HIV is the condition that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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What is AIDS?
AIDS is a progression of HIV. When HIV moves into its final stages, it is considered to be AIDS. People who have AIDS are at an even higher risk of getting sick, and their bodies are even less able to fight off infections than people who have HIV. They usually die of an infection or cancer.
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How do people get HIV?
HIV can only be passed from person to person through body fluids, such as blood, semen and vaginal fluid. The most common ways HIV is passed are:
•By having unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex with an infected person.
•By sharing needles and syringes for injecting drugs with an infected person.
You may be at risk of getting HIV if you have any of the risk factors listed in the box below. Children born to infected mothers can also become infected during pregnancy.

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HIV/Aids is one of the most feared diseases. IFWT wanted to make sure you remembered to get yourself tested to make sure that you are HIV/Aids free… Hit the jump to read up on some of the signs and symptoms but most importantly don’t forget to stay protected!! Staying protected is the only full proof way to make sure that you don’t get infected!

Some people experience signs and symptoms of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as soon as they become infected, while others do not. When they occur, early signs and symptoms are often mistaken for the flu or a mild viral infection. Initial signs and symptoms of HIV include:
Fever
Headache
Tiredness
Nausea
Diarrhea
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin

Any symptoms from becoming infected typically resolve in one to four weeks.

As you can see, the signs and symptoms of HIV infection are similar to those for many different viral infections. The only way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV is to be tested. Many people infected with HIV do not have any signs and symptoms at all for many years.

Later Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDS:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the following signs and symptoms may be warning signs of late-stage HIV infection:
rapid weight loss
dry cough
recurring fever or profuse night sweats
profound and unexplained fatigue
swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
diarrhea lasting more than a week
white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
pneumonia
red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
HIV destroys the white blood cells that are required to fight infection. As the white cell count falls to dangerous levels, numerous infections and diseases emerge. It is at this point that a person is said to have AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
According to the CDC, as with an initial HIV infection, you cannot rely on these signs and symptoms to establish a diagnosis of AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS are similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses. AIDS is a medical diagnosis made by a healthcare professional based on specific criteria established by the CDC.

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Highlight of that specific aimed should be emphasized on Vitamins for HIV. This is fundamental to help people with HIV to improve and perk up their general health and help them cope with the side effects of their treatment and rehabilitation. HIV patients often lack specific vitamins including Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, E, and folate. Vitamins A, B, and E are effective in strengthening the immune system of a person, which is very much vital for HIV patients because a strong immune system can resist the development of further complication and infection.

Foods rich in Vitamin B1 include meat, liver, nuts and grains; while beans, vegetable and banana are rich in Vitamin B6. Eating soy products will provide supply of Vitamin B12. It is a common knowledge that citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are loaded with Vitamin C. This is one of the most essential vitamins for HIV patients because of the well-known antioxidant accomplishment of Ascorbic Acid. It is effective in clearing out cell and tissue-damaging particles. Research has shown that HIV-positive individuals are most likely Vitamin B12 deficient. As such, their bodies become more prone to infections. Vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to fatigue, neuropathy, depression, rashes, and anemia. On the other hand, taking an increased dosage of Vitamin B12 helps in the inhibition of lymphocytes and monocytes.

Vitamin A and its food form, Beta-carotene help in boosting the formation of helpful body chemicals that fights off the ill effects of HIV. Therefore, people that are HIV-positive should make it a point to take increased dosage of Beta-carotene or Vitamin A. However, there are studies showing that certain HIV-positive patients produce some negative effects when subjected to high dosage of Vitamin A. Therefore, it is important that patients consult with their doctors first so that the actual benefits of Vitamin A are assessed right on. HIV is a condition that affects the entire body of a person. And since it attacks the body’s immune system and doesn’t have a cure yet, doctors have decided that aggressive nutrition is what’s required. HIV-positive patients are required to take in substantial vitamins and minerals in their body to help in the fight against the ill effects of AIDS.

Vitamins should only be taken in recommended dosages especially vitamins in pharmaceutical form like pill or syrup and not from natural sources. Vitamin deficiencies in HIV patients put them at a greater risk of HIV disease advancing to AIDS and later on become more intense which may lead them to death. Because of this, it has been emphasized that requirements of vitamins for HIV patients should be higher than the average requirement for normal and healthy persons. Vitamin supplements can make up for deficiencies in vitamins of HIV patients. Intake of multivitamin supplements can provide positive effects in the condition of people living with HIV.

Over the years, cases of people living with HIV/AIDS have increased. Although treatment for AIDS and HIV exist, there is no known cure until today. People with AIDS are confronted with the problem of coping up with pressing health and income needs. They are also often placed in an uncomfortable situation by people who judge them based on their illness. Although there are only a few known ways of transmitting this disease, a lot of people are still unaware of this. As a result they shun away from them in times they are needed most. The worst part of having this disease is when family members or relatives are not able to give their support, be it financially or emotionally.

Hence, it is important to know that just like knowing that someone you care has cancer or deafness, having AIDS can let you know things about someone or about yourself that you haven’t really thought of. Who knows, you might actually learn something valuable about human nature from someone who has this disease.

AIDS can no doubt destabilize a society in various ways. It can change how society treats people with this illness, it can weaken the economy and it can shatter families and communities. AIDS can also financially injure you. So how can you comply with the complex and extensive treatment and cope with your daily expenses when you are physically unable to work? Fortunately, people living with AIDS can also claim for Social Security benefits. The programs that are often involved for people with AIDS are Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Although medical eligibility for these programs is the same, there are some differences between these two. Basically, you pay for SSDI with your Social Security taxes when you work. The amount of your monthly benefit depends on how much you earned when you were working. On the other hand, people who do not qualify for Social Security or whose Social Security benefits are low may qualify for SSI if they have low income and limited resources.

You need to discuss this with your doctor, when you are thinking of applying for Social Security. If you think you are ready to file for benefits, you can begin the application by contacting the Social Security Administration. Social Security is there to help you manage financially and help you receive the medical care you deserve. But sometimes, Social Security rules and regulations can be confusing and complicated to understand. It is, therefore, sometimes okay and necessary to seek legal help. Lawyers who have knowledge of the Social Security law can help you go through the process confidently and smoothly as much as possible.

Causes of HIV

The spread of HIV inside the body is in such a way that the virus splits the inherent cryptogram of the cells which are utilised by the immune system, especially cells called ‘CD4 cells’ and further utilizes the natural inherent matter in order to create replicas of itself. The body is able to create more of the’CD4′ cells, but sooner or later the virus HIV would bring down the number of the ‘CD4′ cells to a very low level which in turn would end up in stopping the functioning of the immune system.

The spreading of the virus HIV outside the system is due to transmission of fluids from the body, like blood or semen. Thus this virus could be transmitted due to sexual intercourse, which would include even anal and oral sex. The risk of the transmission of HIV is there also in case of the sharing of needles while injecting illegal drugs. HIV can also be transmitted by the mother to the baby. But nowadays there are medications available wherein the possibility can be brought down. HIV is also transmitted by blood transfusions.

Symptoms of HIV

The first stage of the infection is called the ‘primary HIV infection’. The persons infected by this virus, about more than half of the people develop the symptoms, generally in about 15 to 45 days of the infection. The symptoms would comprise of pain in the joints, fever, muscle pain, sore throat, and swelling in the glands, getting tired out faster than usual and appearance of a spotty rash on the chest. Generally the symptoms are quite mild and you would tend to link them to some other problem like fever or cold. These symptoms do not show any increment for a long period. This is called ‘Asymptomatic HIV infection’.

This virus is internally growing and even damaging the immune system. If the virus is left and not treated, it in turn will bring down the number of the CD4 cells in the body to a very low level and this would cause the immune system to stop functioning. This damage caused to the immune system generally happening in over a period of ten years. This in turn would inexorably result in growing into a severe infection. The symptoms of a severe infection would be, night sweats, dry cough, inexplicable loss of weight, high fever which would be enduringly long, vision would start getting blur, the mouth or the tongue would develop white spots, shortness in breath, constant diarrhea or even glands tend to swell up and this condition would continue for three or more months.

Treatment of HIV

The first step would be getting referred to a HIV clinic and getting counseled. Then blood tests would be done regularly, these tests would be to keep a check on the viral load and the CD4 cell count. There is no vaccine or medication available which can cure HIV completely. But there are medications like HAART available in order to slow down the speed of the virus and also giving you a longer life span. There are also various therapies done alone and also in combination with medication to give the sufferer a better life.