Typically, once an individual has become sexually active, periodic testing for
HIV
and other
STDs
is highly recommended. Especially those with multiple partners. As the number of sexual partners increases, so does the risk for contracting an STD. As the likelihood of contracting an
STD
increases, the need for testing for all STDs is extremely important.
Sexually active adults should keep in mind that a partner may unknowingly transmit an
STD
to them due to the lack of noticeable symptoms. Lack of symptoms, however, does not eliminate or even reduce transmission of an STD from one person to another and it certainly does not mean someone is STD free. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and especially HIV are a few of the
STDs
that can be transmitted when no symptoms are present.
It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans, 20% of the population, suffer from allergic diseases. Allergy is a common cause of acute and chronic illness, accounting for approximately 16.7 million physician office visits annually and an estimated 4 million days of lost time at work and school. In addition to producing chronic respiratory problems, allergy can interfere with normal growth and development, may cause physical disability, and poses substantial social and economic burdens, the latter of which have been estimated in the US to exceed $6 billion a year for allergic rhinitis alone.
Treatment Available:
Most people who are HIV positive will seek the advice of an infectious disease physician who can discuss treatment options.
Symptoms:
Acute HIV:
mild flu-like symptoms about 2-6 weeks after initial infection.
Advanced HIV:
swollen glands in neck, armpit, or groin, continued fever or night sweats, weight loss of more than 10 pounds (when not dieting),heavy, continual, dry cough that is not from smoking or has lasted too long to be cold or flu related, increasing shortness of breath, continuing bouts of diarrhea, thrush (a thick whitish coating on the tongue or in the throat) which may be accompanied by a sore throat, recurring vaginal yeast infections, unexplained skin rashes (ie: psoriasis or seborrhea), and herpes infections that may last longer than usual.
HIV HIVstands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus that causes AIDS.
HIV
is different from other viruses because it attacks the immune system. Our immune system gives us the ability to fight infections.
HIV
destroys a type of white blood cell that the immune system must have to fight disease.
HIV Testing
Once HIV enters the body, the body starts to produce antibodies.
HIV tests
look for these antibodies rather than the virus itself. There are many different kinds of HIV tests, including rapid tests and home test kits. All
HIV tests
approved by the US government are very good at finding HIV.
How do HIV tests work?
The most common tests use blood to detect HIV infection. Using saliva or urine are also available. Some tests take a few days for results, but rapid
HIV tests
can give results in about 20 minutes. All positive
HIV tests
must be followed up by another test to confirm the positive result. Results of this confirmatory test can take a few days to a few weeks.
Symptoms of HIV Infection
Many people who are infected with
HIV
do not have symptoms for many years.
The only way to know is to be tested for HIV. Someone can look and feel healthy but can still be infected. 25% of the HIV in the United States do not know that they are infected.
How is HIV Transmitted and not Transmitted.
Not Transmitted
HIV is a fragile virus. It cannot live for very long outside the body. As a result, the virus is not transmitted through day-to-day activities such as shaking hands, hugging, or a casual kiss. You cannot become infected from a toilet seat, drinking fountain, doorknob, dishes, drinking glasses, food, or pets. You also cannot get HIV from mosquitoes
Transmitted
.
HIV
is transmitted in 3 main ways:
· Having sex (anal, vaginal, or oral) with someone infected with HIV
· Sharing needles and syringes with someone infected with HIV
· Being exposed (fetus or infant) to
HIV
before or during birth or through breast
feeding
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HIV - AIDS
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