Tag Archives: AIDS

What Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?

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Paper with Hiv aids and red ribbon. Medical conceptSometimes, people mistakenly use the terms AIDS and HIV interchangeably. The two conditions are related but different.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV can be transmitted through:

  • Unprotected sex
  • Contact with bodily fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids
  • Sharing needles with an infected person
  • Transfusion of contaminated blood products

HIV can also be transmitted from an HIV-infected mother to a child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

When a person is infected with HIV, the virus weakens and gradually destroys the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections and diseases. The symptoms of HIV include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fevers
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Rash
  • Muscle aches
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat

HIV can be treated through antiretroviral therapy (ART), which includes a combination of HIV medications. ART prevents the virus from multiplying and reduces the amount of HIV in the blood.  If HIV is left untreated, it can progress to the chronic stage of infection or clinical latency and eventually the onset of AIDS.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV. The immune system is severely damaged at this stage. Opportunistic infections, which are infections that are uncommon in people with healthy immune systems and certain cancers, are more likely to develop. These illnesses may include:

  • Recurrent pneumonia
  • Candidiasis
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Kaposi sarcoma
  • Lymphoma
  • Cryptococcal meningitis
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Wasting syndrome

If you are at risk of contracting HIV and are experiencing symptoms of infection, you should see a doctor.  Your physician will ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle, conduct a physical examination, and order a series of tests to determine a diagnosis.

There is no cure for HIV; however, it can be managed through ART, medication monitoring, and applying lifestyle changes that help support the immune system.

 

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

World AIDS Day

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World AIDS Day has been recognized on December 1st every year since 1998. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as one of the eight official global public health campaigns.

The focus of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the HIV infection.

Although the campaign extends throughout the year, World AIDS Day is the day when many events take place throughout the world to bring attention to this serious disease. The observance is recognized with educational programs on AIDS prevention and control.

In recognition of World AIDS Day Flushing Hospital Medical Center is sharing the following facts:

  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the body’s immune system. If not treated properly, HIV can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
  • It has been estimated that 1.2 million people in the United States and 36.7 million people worldwide are presently living with HIV. In the United States, one out of eight does not know that they are infected.
  • The virus is either transmitted when certain bodily fluids come in contact with a mucous membrane within the body or a cut in the skin or through the sharing of needles and syringes of people who are infected.
  • HIV can only be transmitted by way of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids or breast milk.
  • HIV virus is not spread by water or air, mosquitoes, ticks or other insects, saliva, tears, sweat, sharing a toilet seat or by simple person -to- person touching.
  • There is no cure for HIV but there are ways to slow down its progression.

If you would like to speak to a physician about HIV and AIDS, or if you would like to be tested, you may schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital at 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.