disease complaints immune system hiv aidsThe term AIDS is the abbreviation for "Acquired ImmuneDeficiencySyndrome". It is an acquired immune deficiency of the body. This immune deficiency is caused by the immunodeficiency virus HIV (Human Immunedeficiency Virus).
The HI virus has the ability to attack certain cells that are responsible for the body's own defense against pathogens. The virus invades these cells and causes them to produce new viruses. As a result, the affected cells can no longer fulfill their defense function and are eventually destroyed.
The immune system is not able to remove the HI virus from the body, although a few weeks after the infection, defense substances (antibodies) are formed against the invaded virus. At some point, the immune system is no longer able to defend itself against the overwhelming power of the viruses and collapses.
How do you get infected?
To become infected, infected blood, seminal fluid, or vaginal fluid must enter the body. The virus is not transmitted during normal cohabitation, such as when shaking hands, hugging or kissing cheeks. The most common way of transmitting HIV is through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. Other possibilities are infection by infectious blood or by infected needles or syringes. Infected mothers can transmit HIV to their children during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
What are the signs?
The infection with HIV can be asymptomatic. However, about 10-20% experience flu-like symptoms 6 days to 6 weeks after infection, such as fever, headache, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. Even if there are no symptoms, the infected person can pass the virus on to others.
From ca. 3 weeks to 3 months after infection, antibodies can be detected in the blood. This is often followed by a symptom-free phase that can last about 8 to 9 years. Nevertheless, the virus continues to multiply during this time and destroys the immune cells.
How the infection is diagnosed?
The HI virus can be detected by a blood examination. The blood is tested for antibodies against the HI virus. Immediately after infection, however, the test is still negative, because the body needs some time to produce antibodies first.
Can an HIV infection be treated?
Unfortunately, an infection with the HI virus is still not curable, but it can be treated. There are a number of drugs that can inhibit the multiplication of HIV viruses and delay the course of the disease for a very long time.