HIV: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that attacks the body’s immune system and if not treated it leads to cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It was first discovered and the first case recorded was in 1980’s at the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). On World Health Organization latest data (2022) shows that there are 39 million people with HIV across the world. 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV (Photo courtesy of Forbes)

HIV cases in the Philippines

In the Philippines there are 122,640 people diagnosed with HIV on the latest data from the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (2024). In 2017, the country declared HIV a national emergency.

Base on the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), the Philippines is one of the seven countries struggling to combat the increase of HIV epidemic wherein most of the reported cases were predominantly caused by sexual contact among men-having-sex-with-men (MSM).

Research shows HIV/AIDS can be transmitted sexually, through donated blood, injection drug use, and from pregnant women to their babies. 

How to know if you have HIV / Be alert for Symptoms 

Knowing HIV status helps to make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting the virus. HIV self-tests or in-person HIV tests on clinics are quick, free, and painless. After being in contact with someone in the past 2 to 6 weeks and experience the early signs or the Stage 1, it’s important to get a HIV test right away or see a doctor.

People might don’t know right away if they’ve been infected, 2 to 4 weeks after infection flu-like symptoms may show but these symptoms alone doesn’t mean people are infected with HIV. Some people have no symptoms at all.

Stage 1 |  Acute HIV Infection Symptoms

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Aching muscles
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A red rash that doesn’t itch, usually on the torso
• Fever
• Ulcers (sores) in your mouth, esophagus, anus, or genitals

Stage 2 |  Clinical Latency Symptoms

• Asymptomatic period where a lot’s going on inside the body.
• Untreated HIV on this stage will kill CD4 cells and destroy the immune system, that can be check through blood tests.
• People may not have any symptoms but can transmit HIV.
• HIV is still active and the amount of HIV in the blood goes up.

Stage 3 |  Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Symptoms

• Being tired all the time
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or groin
• Fever that lasts more than 10 days
• Night sweats
• Weight loss with no obvious reason
• Purplish spots on the skin that don’t go away
• Shortness of breath
• Severe, long-lasting diarrhea
• Yeast infections in the mouth, throat, or vagina
• Bruises or bleeding that can’t explain
• Neurological symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, balance problems, behavior changes, seizures, and vision changes.

Severe HIV infection and badly damaged immune system. Without treatment, typically live about 3 years or less if get another infection (WebMD, 2023). 

HIV: Cure / Treatment / Prevention

There is no cure for HIV, but can be control with HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART). Involves taking medicine prescribed by a health care provider, reduces the amount of HIV in the body and helps to stay healthy. Everyone with HIV should start the treatment no matter what symptoms or stages are (Mayo Clinic). 

What to do?

• Consult to a health professional 
• Start and stay on treatment an antiretroviral therapy or ART
• Eat healthy foods (fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein)

What to avoid?

• Physical sexual contact
• Raw meats, eggs and more

Once diagnose with HIV/AIDS, it needs to go under treatment and have a healthy lifestyle. It may have some side effects, but it still best to consult to a health professional first before taking any medication.

Source: WebMD Editorial

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]