What is AIDS? Understanding HIV and Access to Treatment

What is AIDS

What is AIDS?

                   AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. AIDS refers to a collection of symptoms and illnesses that appear when the immune system is severely damaged and can no longer fight off infections and diseases.

How is HIV Transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted through contact with the following bodily fluids:

  • Blood

  • Semen

  • Vaginal fluids

  • Breast milk

The most common modes of transmission include:

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse

  • Sharing needles or syringes

  • From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

Important Note: HIV is not spread through:

  • Shaking hands

  • Hugging

  • Kissing

  • Sneezing or coughing

  • Sharing toilets, utensils, or other personal items

Symptoms of AIDS

  • Pneumonia
  • Memory loss, depression, or neurological disorders
  • Chronic diarrhea (more than one week)
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Recurrent fever
  • Night sweats
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Skin rashes or lesions in the mouth, nose, and eyelids
  • Sores around the lips, genitals, or anus
  • Swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)

          These symptoms may also be caused by conditions other than AIDS. The best way to know your HIV status is to get tested.

Global HIV Statistics (2023)

  • 39.9 million people living with HIV globally

  • 1.3 million new HIV infections

  • 630,000 deaths related to AIDS-related illnesses

  • 1.4 million youth living with HIV

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What Are HIV Antiretroviral Medications?

Antiretroviral (ARV) medications work by inhibiting the replication of HIV and protecting the immune system, particularly T-cells. When taken correctly, ARVs can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 99%.

ARVs are categorized by their mechanism of action:

  1. NRTIs (Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors):
    Prevent the virus from converting RNA into DNA.
    Examples: Tenofovir (TDF), Emtricitabine (FTC)

  2. NNRTIs (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors):
    Block reverse transcriptase function.
    Examples: Efavirenz (EFV), Rilpivirine (RVP)

  3. INSTIs (Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors):
    Prevent viral DNA from integrating with the host DNA.
    Examples: Dolutegravir (DTG), Bictegravir (BIC)

  4. PIs (Protease Inhibitors):
    Prevent the virus from assembling new virus particles.
    Examples: Lopinavir/Ritonavir (LPV/r)

PrEP and PEP: Preventive HIV Medications

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

  • Taken daily before potential HIV exposure.

  • Suitable for:

    • Men who have sex with men

    • People with HIV-positive partners

    • Sex workers

    • Individuals with multiple sexual partners

    • IV drug users

    • Individuals diagnosed with STIs in the past 6 months

  • Nearly 100% effective when taken consistently at the same time every day.

  • Patients must:

    • Avoid sex for 2 weeks before starting

    • Undergo HIV, liver, and kidney function tests

    • Return for follow-up testing after 1 month and every 3 months

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

  • An emergency medication taken within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure.

  • Taken for 28 consecutive days.

  • Suitable for:

    • Unprotected sex with someone possibly HIV-positive

    • Victims of sexual assault

    • Needle-sharing incidents

  • Reduces the risk of infection by over 80% when taken promptly

  • Patients must undergo:

    • HIV, Hepatitis B, liver and kidney function tests

    • Repeat HIV tests at 1 and 3 months after completion

Before Taking HIV Medication

  • If the exposure occurred more than 72 hours ago, PEP is not necessary — but an HIV test should be done after 14–21 days.

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals must inform their doctor to receive a safe medication regimen.

  • All HIV medication must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified doctor with regular blood tests to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Where to Access ARV, PrEP, and PEP

  • Public hospitals under national health coverage

  • Private clinics or HIV specialty centers

  • Community clinics or NGOs offering confidential services

All medications must be prescribed by a physician and accompanied by risk assessment and HIV testing before initiation.

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Source by: pptvhd36

Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth)