HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a disease that can be contracted by any person due to an exchange of bodily fluids like blood, semen or breast milk with an infected person.
Hence HIV cannot be transmitted through air or touch or even shared cutlery. Using condom during sex and using new and unused injections can help in avoiding contraction of HIV. However, unprotected sex and breastfeeding can lead to a spread of HIV.
If HIV is not treated, it can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Once you have HIV in your body, you will have it for life. It attacks the immune system of the body especially the cells that help in fighting against infections i.e. CD4 cells. Over time, and if not treated, HIV destroys the CD4 cells so badly that the body cannot fight against these infections. Hence, the body tends to acquire cancer or other infections that weakens the body severely. AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection.
So far, there is no permanent cure for HIV infections but proper medical care can control this virus. Antiretroviral therapy or ART is used to treat HIV. This medicine has proved to be highly effective in prolonging the lives of many people who were had HIV infection. If the treatment is started immediately after contracting the virus, it can not only help in keeping the infected people healthy but also reduce the chances of spreading the infection. The ART treatment was introduced in the mid-1990s and with this treatment people with HIV infections can live as long as people who are not infected by HIV. However, before the introduction of this treatment, the progress from HIV to AIDS was as fast as just a few years.
A person can live a long and healthy life even after contracting HIV just by following some of the precautions:
Start The Medical Care At An Early Stage
Take the treatment right after you are diagnosed of HIV
You must know that there is no cure for HIV but taking the treatment right after you are diagnosed of HIV can slow the progression of the virus immensely in your body. The ART treatment is recommended for everyone who contracts this virus. You must visit your doctor regularly and use the medicine as prescribed to you. Earlier the medicines had many side-effects but with medical advancements, treatment with modern medications is much better. You also have an option to change your medications if if you have too many side effects. However, you must be very open with your doctor and change it only with their consultation.
Talk About Your Infection Openly
Open Communication
Although HIV is still seen as a stigma in many societies, it is important to be open about your HIV status with your partner so that you can take precautions to have a healthy family. In some states, it is against the law to not inform your partner about your HIV status. It is possible that your partner or family might be uncomfortable when they learn about it but proper communication will help against the spread of this virus and to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your whole family.
Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
You must maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper dose of vitamins and minerals required by your body. You must avoid too much salt, sugar and fat. Including lots of vegetables and fruits can help you maintain a balanced diet. You must also exercise regularly and keep yourself fit. Practicing Yoga can also help you bring a proper balance in your body and mind. The most important thing is to not give up under any circumstances. You must have the right motivation to fight against the infection by maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine.
Make Sure Others Don’t Contract This Infection
Safe Sexual Intercourse
Once your contract the HIV virus, it is important that you know all about the spread of HIV infections so that you make sure that others around you don’t contract it. HIV can easily spread through bodily fluids like semen (cum), blood, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The higher the viral load of HIV in your body, higher are the chances of transmission. The overload of virus happens only if you don’t take proper medication right after contracting it. Therefore, you must urge your sexual partner to get tested for HIV and also take all the precautions to ensure that it is not transmitted. Using a condom while having sex and urging your partner to take medications to prevent HIV is the right way to go about it.
Hence, you can be assured that life does not end with HIV. You can still have your life goals and stay positive after contracting the virus. Just a few modifications in lifestyle and openness can help you in living a fulfilling life even after contracting HIV.
