What HIV Does to the Body | And Should You Get Tested?

Summary

This script delves into HIV, a retrovirus that targets the immune system, particularly CD4 cells. It discusses transmission through bodily fluids and varying risks associated with different sexual practices. The video also covers the importance of testing, prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in managing the disease. It emphasizes the significance of early detection and treatment, highlighting that with proper care, individuals with HIV can lead a healthy life.

Takeaways

• 😷 HIV is a serious sexually transmitted infection with no cure and can lead to death if untreated.
• 🌟 HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a retrovirus that uses RNA instead of DNA and targets the immune system, specifically CD4 cells.
• 💉 HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, but not through casual contact.
• 🚫 The risk of HIV transmission varies with different forms of intercourse, with receptive anal intercourse being the highest risk.
• 👨‍❤️‍👨 Men who have sex with men are more likely to get HIV due to a higher likelihood of engaging in anal intercourse.
• 🔍 Females are more susceptible to HIV due to the larger surface area of the vaginal lining and potential for longer exposure to infected semen.
• 🩺 Nonsexual bloodborne exposure to HIV carries a different set of risks, such as through blood transfusions or needle sharing.
• 🤒 Early symptoms of HIV can be mild and flu-like, often going unnoticed and leading to further transmission.
• 🛡 Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can slow HIV progression significantly, helping maintain CD4 cell counts and prevent illness.
• 🛑 Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are preventive measures using antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.
• 🧪 Regular HIV testing is crucial, especially for high-risk individuals, and the timing of testing is important for accuracy.

Q & A

What does HIV stand for and what type of virus is it?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a type of virus known as a retrovirus, which uses RNA to encode its genetic information instead of DNA.

How does HIV primarily infect the human body?

HIV primarily infects the human body by targeting specific white blood cells called CD4 cells, often referred to as helper T cells, which are crucial for the immune system's function.

What are the main routes of HIV transmission?

The main routes of HIV transmission include unprotected sex, sharing needles with drug use, mother-to-child transmission through breastfeeding and childbirth, and through blood transfusions with infected blood.

Why is receptive anal intercourse considered the highest risk activity for HIV transmission?

Receptive anal intercourse is considered the highest risk for HIV transmission because the mucosal lining of the anus and rectum is thinner and more prone to tears and abrasions, facilitating the virus's entry into the body.

How does the risk of HIV transmission compare between receptive anal intercourse and vaginal intercourse?

The risk of HIV transmission is higher in receptive anal intercourse compared to vaginal intercourse due to the thinner mucosal lining in the rectum and the larger surface area of the vaginal lining that can be exposed to the virus.

What is the estimated risk of HIV transmission through receptive penile-vaginal intercourse?

The estimated risk of HIV transmission through receptive penile-vaginal intercourse is one transmission per 1,250 sex acts.

How does the risk of HIV transmission from nonsexual bloodborne exposure compare to sexual exposure?

The risk of HIV transmission from nonsexual bloodborne exposure, such as a blood transfusion with infected blood or needle sharing with injection drug use, is generally lower than the highest risks associated with sexual exposure, but still significant.

What is the significance of the 'acute phase' of HIV infection?

The acute phase of HIV infection is significant because it is when people have a higher viral load and tend to shed more of the virus, making them more likely to spread the infection.

What is the purpose of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in treating HIV?

The purpose of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is to dramatically slow the progression of HIV by reducing the amount of virus in the body to a very low level, which helps maintain CD4 cell counts and prevents illness.

What is the concept of 'undetectable viral load' and its significance in HIV transmission?

An 'undetectable viral load' means that the amount of HIV in the body is so low that a test cannot detect it. Studies have shown that there is virtually no risk of transmission through all forms of intercourse if a person has an undetectable viral load.

What are the differences between pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is initiated prior to exposure and used for people continually at high risk of getting HIV, while post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is taken within 72 hours of a high-risk exposure to prevent contracting HIV.

Who should consider getting tested for HIV?

Anyone with a known exposure to HIV, those showing signs and symptoms consistent with HIV, individuals as a routine screening during pregnancy, and healthcare workers after an accidental needle stick should consider getting tested for HIV.

Why is it important to wait for the right time to get tested for HIV after a high-risk exposure?

It is important to wait for the right time to get tested for HIV after a high-risk exposure because tests like the fourth-generation HIV test cannot detect the virus until about 15 to 20 days post-exposure, ensuring better accuracy.