Every December 1, the whole world commemorates world AIDS day. This commemoration aims to give strength and enthusiasm to AIDS sufferers as well as educate the public about the dangers of AIDS. The fact is that most people in the world are still not educated about AIDS, and many of them even equate HIV with AIDS. Therefore, let's thoroughly peel the myths and facts related to HIV and AIDS.
What is HIV?
HIV and AIDS are very closely related. That is one of the reasons why many people still misunderstand it. Basically, HIV is a condition that can cause AIDS. HIV itself stands for a type of virus, namely Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV specifically attacks and destroys CD4 cells which are an important part of the human immune system to fight infection.
When CD4 cells decrease, the function of the immune system will weaken drastically. As a result, when someone is infected with HIV, their body will experience various infectious diseases from fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other harmful pathogenic germs. Unfortunately, the presence of HIV in the patient's body cannot be ruled out, moreover long-term HIV infection that is not diagnosed or treated properly can increase a person's risk of developing AIDS.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is short for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome . AIDS is a collection of symptoms that appear when the stage of HIV infection has reached a very severe stage. Usually this condition is marked by the emergence of other chronic diseases such as cancer or various opportunistic infections that appear along with the weakening of a person's immune system.
What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?
- Dry cough to sweat at night
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A rash appears on the skin
- Sore throat and canker sores
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Fever to chills
- Stomach ache
- Frequent vomiting
- Muscle ache
Myths VS HIV/AIDS Facts
- Myth: Someone who is HIV positive can be seen from their body anatomy or physical condition.
Fact: Physically and behaviorally, someone infected with HIV still looks like a healthy person.
- Myth: Pregnant women infected with HIV will definitely pass it on to their babies.
Fact: HIV transmission from mother to child is vertical transmission. However, the risk of transmission can be minimized by immediately taking preventive measures. In fact, there are still many cases of babies born healthy even though their mothers are HIV positive.
- Myth: Patients will die soon after being found to be HIV positive.
Fact: Many people with HIV can live as long as people without the virus if they take the right therapy and medication regularly.
- Myth: Only intimate relationships can transmit HIV.
Fact: Even though the risk is low, sex or oral and anal intercourse and sharing needles can potentially transmit the HIV virus.
- Myth: HIV only affects young people who actively use illegal drugs and are sexually active.
Fact: The HIV virus can attack all ages, from infants, toddlers, adolescents, adults, to the elderly.
- Myth: You can get HIV by sharing food, plates, cups or toilet seats with someone who is infected with HIV.
Fact: The HIV virus cannot survive outside the body for long and cannot be transferred by sharing cutlery, food or toilet seats.
- Myth: Mosquitoes can be a medium for transmitting HIV.
Fact: Until now, no research results have proven that an insect that has bitten someone with HIV can transmit it to other people.
Those are the things you need to know about HIV and AIDS. WHO ( World Health Organization ) stipulates that HIV testing must be self-aware, confidential, directed, accurate, and linked to appropriate treatment. If at risk of being infected with HIV, patients are advised to immediately get a thorough HIV examination. To do an HIV test, we can consult and get a counseling session first with an expert health worker. Let's welcome a better future and further self-education regarding the diseases around us so that they can be treated in the most appropriate way. #LiveExcellently
Article written by dr. Meirda Retna Kencana (VCT Counselor at EMC Hospital Tangerang)