What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV/AIDS is the one sexually transmitted infection (STI)
that frightens people most because it is life threatening
and so far we have no cure. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency
Virus. Infection with HIV usually leads to AIDS (Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is not a disease,
but the name given to a complex group of illnesses that
happen because of a crippled immune system. The diagnosis
of AIDS is made by your doctor and based on a definition
set up by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). Infection with HIV can leave a person unprotected
to certain types of cancer and various infections that
are either not found or are mild in persons with normal
immune systems. Sometimes, HIV directly attacks the
nervous system and brain causing depression, disorientation,
dementia and other neurological problems.
Individuals may be infected with HIV for a long time
before they develop any noticeable symptoms of disease.
They can still transmit HIV to someone else. The time
between infection with HIV and diagnosis with AIDS
tends to be long, but varies from person to person.
The average is about 8-11 years
How do I prevent HIV/AIDS?
Sexual transmission of HIV can be prevented by not
having sex or having sex only with one uninfected
person who only has sex with you. All other sexually
active persons need to greatly reduce the risk of
acquiring or transmitting sexually transmitted infections
(STIs), including HIV infection, by the proper and
consistent use of latex or polyurethane (a type of
plastic) condoms when having vaginal, anal, or oral
sex.
HIV and AIDS and Sexual Relationships
People living with HIV or AIDS can have many different
reactions to their diagnosis that can affect their
sexual relationships. Some think that HIV means an
end to their sex lives,and vow to remain celibate.
Others discontinue safer sex practices because they
think that once they have HIV, they don't need to
worry about anything else. Still others are so concerned
about transmitted the virus to another person that
the stress affects sexual functioning. A diagnosis
of HIV does not at all mean that a person's sex life
needs to end. Your HHMP Doctor can advise about about
safer sex precautions people with HIV can take to
reduce the risk for HIV transmission to a partner,
HIV reinfection, co-infection with other STIs, and
more. It also discusses how the physical symptoms
that accompany HIV disease can affect sexual functioning,
and what people living with HIV can do to combat these
in order to experience sexual pleasure and intimacy.
For HIV Treatment, Research & Development, See Also:
HIV Treatment Studies
AIDS - New Treatment Guidelines (Toronto 2006)
AIDS - Virological, Immunological, and Lipid Markers Maintained With Dual-Boosted Protease Inhibitor Therapy (Toronto 2006)
Sexual Health
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
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