HIV transmission and Diagnosis :

This article will discuss various aspects of HIV transmission and diagnosis; we will also briefly discuss the link between HIV and AIDS. 

The link between AIDS and HIV

A person who gets HIV can get AIDS. On the other hand, it is also good that people with HIV are more likely to develop AIDS. HIV progresses in three stages.

Stage 1: This is a painful phase, the first two or three weeks after the transfer.

Stage 2: Chronic phase or clinical latency.

Stage 3: AIDS

HIV reduces CD4 cell count; hence, the immune system weakens. The average number of CD4 cells in adults is 600 to 1600 per cubic millimeter. A patient with a CD4 cell count below 200 is confirmed to have AIDS. If a person has HIV, it will stay with that person for the rest of his or her life. With treatment, it will be administered, and without treatment, it will remain incurable and will eventually develop AIDS. Currently HIV has no cure; conventional medicine can only control it. If HIV has no cure, it is clear that AIDS has no cure. Regular treatment is very important for HIV patients; this treatment keeps CD4 cells counting higher. AIDS and HIV are related, but not identical. The symptoms of HIV vary in different stages; that is why it is difficult to understand.

HIV transmission

People with HIV inside them can spread it through their body fluids such as:

• Sperm.
• Blood.
• Breast milk.
• Real and vaginal fluid.

The ways in which a person transmits HIV to other people are as follows:

• For anal or vaginal sex; this is the most common form of transmission.
• Sharing various items such as injections, needles, or syringes.
• Sharing tattoo machines without interest properly every time you use them.
• During childbirth, childbirth, or pregnancy, a baby can be infected at birth.
• Breastfeeding.
• Before chewing baby food before giving it to the baby.

HIV can also be transmitted through transplants and blood transfusions. There are other forms of transmission, but the chance of transmission through those means is very limited.

• Oral sex; if an infected person has open sores or bleeding gums.
• Itching from an HIV-positive person; if a person has bloody saliva and open sores.
• Contact between mucous membranes, wounds and broken skin.

HIV diagnosis

Few tests need to be performed to detect HIV.

Antigen testing: This is the most common test for HIV. Results can be obtained within 19 to 46 days. This test examines human blood for antigens.

Immune Test: Within 24 to 91 days of transmission, people develop HIV antibodies found in saliva or blood. These tests are performed with oral swabs and taking blood samples.

Nucleic Acid (NAT) testing: NAT is a very expensive test, and is usually done when there are signs of HIV or other dangerous substances. The test directly searches for HIV.

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