HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a virus infection caused by the HIV-virus. Two different types of this virus are known, HIV-I and HIV-II. HIV-II mostly occurs in the western part and Africa. HIV-virus infects the CD4-cells of the immune system. This results in a loss of these cells and a defective immune system.
The infection is transmitted between people by contact with infected blood and by sexual activity.
The infection occurs world-wide, but certain parts of the world are more infected.
At least 40 million people are infected.
- Africa with at least 25 million
- Asia with 6 million
- South America with 1- 2 million
- North and Central America with 1 million
- Europe with 1 million
Manifestations:
- Shortly after the infection the patient will develop flu like symptons. This illness will last for approx. one week and the patient will recover without any further symptoms.
- Now the patient will go into a phase where there will be very few symptoms and no noticeable cases of flu. Some will have small-enlarged lymph nodes. This phase will continue for about 10 years.
- After this a symptomatic phase occur where fatigue, weight loss, malaise, fevers, sweats and later on opportunistic infections and malignancies occur.
Diagnosis and treatment: Testing blood is the only diagnoses for the HIV-infection. Treatment with anti infective chemotherapy is not curative, but will prolong the a symptomatic phase.
Prevent HIV/AIDS infection by when abroad by:
- Omit blood transfusion
- Omit blood products
- Do not have injections
- Do not consult a dentist unless in an emergency and check they are fully approved.
- Omit piercing
- Omit tattooing
- Do not have acupuncture
- Safe sex
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