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HIV and AIDS: fiction and reality
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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For a long time, the problem of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was a closed topic for society, but when the veil of secrecy fell, even more mysteries turned out to be caused by prejudice and lack of information.
HIV = AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that destroys CD4 immune cells that help fight infections and diseases. If a person with HIV is given the right treatment, they can live a long time before HIV causes AIDS. AIDS is a complex of diseases that occur against the background of a weakened immune system, in the last stage of the disease.
Infection through household contacts
HIV is not transmitted through hugs, sharing utensils or towels. There is a risk of infection through blood transfusions, but donor blood is carefully checked before the procedure. HIV is also transmitted through injections, sharing syringes, unprotected sex or unsterile tattoo equipment.
I don't have long to live
For each patient, the course of HIV infection is absolutely individual. Some people develop AIDS within a few months, while others can live for many years and the infection will not affect them in any way. Regular visits to the doctor and following all his recommendations and instructions will help prevent the development of AIDS.
HIV symptoms = 100% infection
For some people, it can take from 10 days to several weeks from the moment of infection until the first symptoms appear, and some live with the infection and do not even suspect it, not observing any signs. The only way to know for sure whether HIV is in the body is to get examined and tested for HIV.
HIV is curable
Unfortunately, scientists are working on creating a vaccine, but today there is no medicine that could eradicate HIV infection. However, there is therapy that can slow down the activity of the virus and help the body's defenses function normally. Some drugs affect the proteins necessary for the virus and inhibit its reproduction, others prevent the introduction of the virus's genetic material into the cells of the immune system.
Anyone can get infected
It is true that all people are at risk of infection, regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation.
[ If both are infected, then sex is safe.
Even if both partners are infected, this does not mean that you do not need to protect yourself. Condoms can protect against other STIs and drug-resistant strains of HIV.
HIV positive woman can give birth
Infected women can transmit HIV during pregnancy or childbirth, but this risk can still be reduced by receiving appropriate treatment.
HIV-associated infections
A weakened immune system becomes a target for infections such as TB, Pneumocystis pneumonia, toxoplasmosis, candidiasis and cytomegalovirus. Taking prescribed medications can reduce the risk of contracting other infectious diseases. It is also better to be careful and not eat undercooked meat or drink contaminated water.