HIV & AIDs

HIV/AIDs

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (also known as T cells), which are crucial for fighting off infections. Over time, HIV can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to defend against infections and certain cancers. If left untreated, HIV can progress to the advanced stage known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

How HIV Spread?

Sexual Transmission: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.

Blood-to-Blood Contact: Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood, or receiving blood transfusions or organ/tissue transplants from infected donors before proper screening, can lead to transmission.

Mother-to-Child Transmission: HIV can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Symptoms:

Acute Stage:Some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and rash, within 2-4 weeks of infection.

Asymptomatic Stage: HIV may remain asymptomatic for years, although the virus continues to replicate and damage the immune system.

Advanced HIV (AIDS): Without treatment, HIV progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), characterized by severe immune suppression and opportunistic infections. Symptoms include weight loss, chronic diarrhea, night sweats, fever, and recurrent infections.

Impact of HIV:

Health Impact: HIV weakens the immune system, making individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

Psychological Impact: Living with HIV can lead to stigma, discrimination, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Socioeconomic Impact: HIV/AIDS can strain healthcare systems, affect productivity due to illness or caregiving responsibilities, and lead to economic hardships for individuals and families.

Prevention and Treatment Impact: Efforts to prevent HIV transmission, such as education, condom use, needle exchange programs, and antiretroviral therapy (ART), have contributed to reducing new infections and improving the quality of life for people living with HIV. However, access to treatment and support services remains a challenge in many regions.

HIV Treatment in Delhi

Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which tries to reduce the HIV virus's reproduction, boost immune system performance, and stop the progression of HIV-related diseases, is a common component of Dr. Vinod Raina's HIV treatment in Delhi. HIV testing, counseling, starting antiretroviral therapy (ART), tracking treatment response, managing HIV-related comorbidities, and support services are just a few of the services that Dr. Vinod Raina and his colleagues offer.