General Health
Living With HIV: A Full And Rewarding Journey
Dec
HIV Long-Term Outlook
The outlook for people living with Human immunodeficiency virus has significantly improved over the past two decades. Many people who are HIV-positive can now live much longer, healthier lives when regularly taking antiretroviral treatment.Kaiser Permanente researchers found that the life expectancy for people living with Human immunodeficiency virus and receiving treatment increased significantly from 1996 on. Since that year, new antiretroviral drugs have been developed and added to the existing antiretroviral therapy. This has resulted in a highly effective Human immunodeficiency virus treatment regimen.In 1996, the total life expectancy for a 20-year-old person with HIV was 39 years. In 2011, the total life expectancy bumped up to about 70 years.
What effect does Human immunodeficiency virus have on the body?
HIV attacks a specific type of immune system cell in the body. It’s known as the CD4 helper cell or T cell. When Human immunodeficiency virus destroys this cell, it becomes harder for the body to fight off other infections.When Human immunodeficiency virus is left untreated, even a minor infection such as a cold can be much more severe. This is because the body has difficulty responding to new infections.Not only does Human immunodeficiency virus attack CD4 cells, it also uses the cells to make more of the virus. Human immunodeficiency virus destroys CD4 cells by using their replication machinery to create new copies of the virus. This ultimately causes the CD4 cells to swell and burst.When the virus has destroyed a certain number of CD4 cells and the CD4 count drops below 200, a person will have progressed to AIDS.However, it’s important to note that advancements in Human immunodeficiency virus treatment have made it possible for many people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is transmitted through contact with the following bodily fluids, from most likely to lead to Human immunodeficiency virus transmission to least likely:
- blood
- semen
- vaginal fluid
- breast milk
Sex without a condom and sharing needles — even tattoo or piercing needles — can result in the transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus. However, if an HIV-positive person is able to achieve viral suppression, then they’ll be unable to transmit Human immunodeficiency virus to others through sexual contact.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person has reached viral suppression when they have fewer than 200 copies of Human immunodeficiency virus RNA per milliliter of blood.
How many people are affected by HIV?
An estimated 1.1 million U.S. people are living with Human immunodeficiency virus, but fewer are contracting the virus each year. This may be because of increased testing and advances in treatment. Regular antiretroviral treatment can reduce Human immunodeficiency virus in the blood to undetectable levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person with undetectable levels of HIV in their blood isn’t able to transmit the virus to a partner during sex.Between 2010 and 2014, the annual number of new Human immunodeficiency virus infections in the United States fell by 10 percent.Visit our site : mygenerix
FAQs
1 Can someone with HIV lead a normal life?
Yes! People with HIV can live a normal life with treatment and care. New medications keep the virus under control, and people can live long and healthy lives, with the ability to do whatever is most important to them.
2. Will I be able to have relationships and a family?
Yes you can! Many people with HIV have relationships, get married, and have kids. With the help of a doctor, there can be safe ways to have relationships and also be a parent.
3. How do I start telling people about my HIV status?
It’s your decision who you tell about your status. Starting with people you feel comfortable with is a good place to start. There are also support groups or counseling to assist with finding the right words or maybe even the best moment to tell.
4. How do I deal with the stigma?
It’s unfortunate and frustrating that stigma is still a problem, but it is a sign of the times. Building a support network is powerful. This can be used to build a positive support network, and combined with educating people about HIV and self-care, the stigma can be diminished.
