The HIV virus is rampant in the developing world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), which leaves the body susceptible to a whole range of diseases and infections. Attacking white blood cells, HIV weakens the body's immune system and as yet, there is no vaccination against the condition.
Understanding HIV Prevention
The best way to prevent becoming infected from HIV, in addition to all other forms of sexually transmitted infections to practice abstinence. In Travel Health, Jones (2004) identifies HIV prevention methods, as follows:
- Avoid contact with blood products
- Never share needles or syringes
- Avoid unprotected sex with a new partner
- Pack sterile syringes for backpacking trips
Although, using condoms won't guarantee complete protection from catching the HIV virus, this is the next best thing to practising abstinence. Addicts are able to participate in needle exchange programs and free condoms are available from Sexual Health Clinics and Family Planning Clinics.
HIV - Symptoms and Treatment
Unfortunately, HIV may not result in any symptoms, making it crucial to get checked out at a sexual health clinic after unprotected sex, which involves a simple blood test. In Sexually Transmitted Infections - The Everything Guide, Heaton-Harris (2008) highlights the following symptoms of HIV and AIDS:
- Generalised illness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tiredness
- Diarrhoea
- Multiple infections - colds, chest infections
- Weight loss
- Poor concentration
- Small tumours on body/face
Treatment for HIV will typically involves antiviral medicines, which may be used singly or as a combination approach. after receiving a diagnosis of HIV, counselling is likely to be offered, to help come to terms with the health and lifestyle implications of the disease. Heaton-Harris (2008) acknowledges that reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as Retovor, Videx and Zeffix are commonly used within treatment, which include the following side-effects:
- sickness
- headaches
- insomnia
- diarrhoea
- possible nerve damage
In addition to reverse transcriptase inhibitors, HIV treatment will also likely include taking protease inhibitors. Heaton-Harris (2008) explains that this medication is used to prevent protease, an enzyme produced by the HIV virus, from growing. Forms of protease inhibitors, to be taken orally, include:
- Crixivan
- Kaletra
- Viracept
- Norvir
- Fortovase
- Invirase
As highlighted above, HIV is primarily a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although the retrovirus may be spread through blood products and sharing needles or syringes. The best method of HIV prevention is abstinence, followed by condom usage, although the latter does not guarantee protection. Following diagnosis by a blood test, treatment for HIV will typically involve a combination of antivirals, reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors.
Sources:
Heaton-Harris, N. (2008) Sexually Transmitted Infections - The Everything Guide Peterborough: Need 2 Know
Jones, N. (2004) Travel Health London: Rough Guides
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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