GENERAL
Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society
AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) poses one of the greatest threats to mankind. AIDS is incurable and so it is imperative for each individual to know all about it .
HIV/AIDS is different from other illnesses because:-
HIV/AIDS affects people at the most productive age (15-49 yrs.)
AIDS is incurable at the moment particularly killing younger people.
There are no specific symptoms in the initial years. So the HIV infection goes unnoticed for several years. That is why AIDS is called a silent killer.
HIV infection is preventable.
Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS hinders with the prevention as well as care and support efforts.
It predominantly spreads through sexual contact Sexual behavior being in private domain, sex is a taboo in most of societies. Hence correct information dies not reach people.
We all need to know about HIV/AIDS as it can happen to any one.
Everyone can play a role in prevention of this infection.
HIV stands for:-
H= Human
I=Immuno-deficiency
V=Virus
HIV, after entering the human body, gradually destroys the immune system i.e. ability to fight infections/diseases.
As it is a human virus. It is found only in human beings.
There are no immediate and specific symptoms of HIV infection, generally.
HIV infection does not mean that a person has AIDS.
A = Acquired
I = Immune
D = Deficiency
S = Syndrome
AIDSis the later stage of infection with HIV. It is a condition in which a group of symptoms appear as the immune system becomes very weak.
It may take around 10-12 years from the stage of HIV infection to the stage of AIDS. This time varies from person to person, based on health status, life styles and ability to afford the treatment.
With the introduction of Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART), this duration can be further increased.
HIV infected people can live productive lives for years.
Life span of HIV positive people can be extended with the ART.
HIV can be transmitted through :-
Unprotected sex with an infected person.
Transfusion of infected blood or blood products.
Sharing of infected needles or syringes; and infected mother to her child during pregnancy, during birth or after delivery through breast milk.
These are the only four known routes of HIV transmission. This is because HIV is found in high concentration in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.
HIV does not spread through social contacts like: shaking hands, sharing equipment, eating from the same utensils, sharing toilets etc.
No. Mosquito does not inject its own or previously bitten person’s blood into the next person.
Mosquito injects saliva, which acts as a lubricant so the insect can feed efficiently.
HIV is not found in the saliva of mosquitoes.
Diseases such as yellow fever and malaria are transmitted through the saliva of specific species of mosquitoes but not HIV.
In simple terms, mosquito does not become a carrier of HIV after biting an infected person. Therefore, mosquito does not transmit the HIV infection from person to person.
There may be a possibility of risk in any situation in which skin piercing instruments are used, like in a barber’s shop, beauty saloons, tattooing, nose and ear piercing etc.
Centre for Disease Control, Atlanta recommends that instruments that are used to penetrate the skin should be used once then disposed off or thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
A person can avoid being infected by HIV through sex by:
A – By abstaining from sex : or
B – By having a faithful relationship with one partner (mutual faithfulness); or
C – By using condoms correctly and consistently.
Casual sex and sex with multiple partners is a high-risk behavior.
Anal penetrative sex has a higher risk Oral sex can also be risky.
Looking at a person you cannot know whether he/she is infected or not. So better avoid casual sex or use condom consistently and correctly.
Avoid sex under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Open mouth kissing is a low-risk activity as the concentration of HIV is very low in saliva.
HIV is not casually transmitted, so kissing on the cheek is very safe. Even if the other person has the virus, unbroken skin is a good barrier. No one has become infected from social contact such as dry kisses, hugs, and handshakes.
Prolonged open-mouth kissing could damage the mouth or lips and allow HIV to pass from an infected person to his/her partner(s).Kissing in presence of bleeding gums or ulcers in mouth can be risky.
Presence of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) can increase a person’s risk of becoming infected with HIV, about 3 to 10 times, depending upon the nature of STI.
STIs may cause discharge from the genitals or sores/ulcers on the genital areas. These conditions provide easy entry point to the HIV.
STI’s can be cured while HIV infection can not be. So timely treatment of STIs is essential.
People have several myths about STIs. They need to know the symptoms of STIs and take treatment from registered medical practitioner.
Use of condoms protects from both STIs as well as HIV infecti
STI symptoms in men
Discharge or pus from the penis..
Sores, blisters, rashes or boils on the penis.
Swelling in the genital area.
Pain or burning during urination.
Itching in and around the genital area.
STI symptoms in women :
Unusual and foul smelling discharge from the vagina.
Sores, blisters, rashes or boils around the genitais.
Pain in the lower abdomen.
Lumps on or near the genital area.Pain or burning sexual intercourse.
Itching in and around the genital area.
It is important to know these symptoms and take immediate treatment. Self medication needs to be avoided.
It is important to take the full course of prescribed treatment, even if the symptoms disappear.
As sexual partner(s) may also have the same infection, it is important to get the partner(s) treated as well.
In case of injury requiring blood transfusion blood should be taken from a licensed blood bank.
Ø All blood collected for donation in now tested for HIV also;
Ø Hospitals/nursing homes, doctors and paramedical staff need to make sure that the equipment for injections and operation is properly sterilized. Unnecessary blood transfusion needs to be avoided.
Ø People should also insist on use of sterilized syringes/disposable syringe for injections.
Ø Injection drug users should avoid sharing of needles/syringes.
v To prevent HIV infection through blood, both individuals as well as health care providers must take precautions.
v There is no risk in donating blood.
| Ø There is 25-40% chance that an infected pregnant mother would pass on the infection to her child.Ø If the couple knows their status, they could decide whether or not to have the child.
Ø In case couple wants to have the child or it is a should receive information and counseling, and explore the following option. - Mother could take the available treatment both for herself and the new born child. - Couple could opt for the caesarian delivery instead of the normal delivery. - Couple could decide not to breast feed, if it is affordable and discuss options available in consultation with the doctor/counselor. v Mother to child transmission of HIV can also be prevented. v The couple needs to know the available options and act upon them. |
| AIDS is a condition of weakened immune system caused by HIV infection. In this condition symptoms of various opportunistic infections appear causing certain cancers, tumors, tuberculosis, pneumonia, brain and skin related problems.
According to WHO, main signs/symptoms are; (A) Major Signs:
Ø Weight loss(<10% of body weight) Ø Persistent fever for longer than a month. Ø Chronic diarrhea for longer than a month.
(B) Minor Signs;
Ø Persistent cough Ø General itchy skin diseases Ø Thrush in mouth and throat Ø Recurring shingles (herpes zoster) Ø Long lasting swelling of the lymph glands
v Only on the basis of symptoms, HIV/AIDS cannot be confirmed. A blood test is necessary. |
Ø The HIV status of a person can be known through blood test.
Ø The most commonly available test is ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) and the Western Blot, a confirmatory test is usually done after ELISA.
Ø The testing facilities are available both in private and govt. medical set-up.
Ø Voluntary Confidential Counseling and Testing Centres (VCCTC) are set up in Government Hospitals where HIV testing is accompanied by pre and post test counseling at a nominal fee of Rs. 10/-
v As per the policy of Government of India;
- HIV test should be voluntary;
- Test result should be kept confidential; and
- Testing should be done along with pre and post test counseling.
Ø Our immune system produces antibodies to fight any infection. Window period is the time taken by the human body to produce antibodies in the quantity that it can be detected through blood test.
Ø It takes about 3-12 years (upto 6 months in some cases) after HIV infection to form antibodies in detectable quantity.
Ø In simple terms, window period is the period in which a person is infected but his/her test result does not show it.
During window period the HIV status does not show in the test but the person can infect others.
Ø There is no cure available for HIV/AIDS.
Ø However, Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) can prolong the life of a HIV positive person.
Ø Once started, these drugs have not be taken life long.
Ø These drugs are expensive and may have severe adverse reactions.
Ø The ARTs need to be administered under supervision of doctors who are trained in HIV case management.
Ø With the advent of ART HIV/AIDS has become a medically manageable problem.
ART is available in India. Information about availability/government programme on ART can be taken from the respective State AIDS Control Societies.; or
Visit the website of National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) at www.naco.nic.in
Ø It is safe to work with a HIV positive person as HIV does not spread through social contacts like shaking hands, sharing equipment travelling in the same bus, eating together, using the same toilets etc.
Ø Mosquitoes and insects do not spread HIV nor is it spread through water or air.
Ø Even workers who come in contact with the body fluids more like the doctors or paramedical person, need not panic. They should follow universal precautions and infection control measures like gloves, masks, etc.
HIV positive people pose no risk to their coworkers.
Ø HIV status of a person should not be criterion for either employing people or keeping them in employment.
Ø There should be no discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA).
Ø HIV status of people should be kept confidential.
Ø Workplace should have HIV prevention, care and support programme.
Ø As women are more vulnerable and HIV affects women more adversely, the gender dimension should be suitable addressed.
“The ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work”, provides guidelines for developing policy and programmes at the workplace. This can be viewed at www.ilo.org/hivaidsindia
| Ø We should not isolate the infected person, as he/she does not provide any risk to us through social contacts. We can work as well as live with the person.
Ø We should not pass moral judgments on the person. Ø We should work for reducing stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS by spreading correct information, dispelling myths and having a positive attitude towards the infected person(S). Ø Supporting the person in staying active and economically productive. Ø Providing the necessary care and affection and support to the family. Non-discriminatory attitude towards PLHA helps in HIV prevention efforts. |
Ø HIV affects our immune system. AIDS is the later stage of infection when different illnesses show up.
Ø HIV generally goes unnoticed in initial years.
Ø HIV spreads in four ways.
Ø HIV does not spread through social contacts, mosquitoes working together or living together.
Ø HIV testing is available in VCCTC in our nearest government hospital.
Ø Even though AIDS is still incurable, there is treatment available to expand the life of infected person.
Ø We learnt that people can live with HIV infection for years. They need care and support, not isolation.
We can play a role in prevention of HIV by sharing our information and providing our support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
| Scientists have different theories about the origin of HIV, but none have been proven. The earliest known case of HIV was from a blood sample collected in 1959 from a man in Kinshasha, Democratic Republic of Congo. (How he became infected is not known.) Genetic analysis of this blood sample suggests that HIV-1 may have stemmed from a single virus in the late 1940s or early 1950s. We do know that the virus existed in the United States since at least the mid to late 1970s. From 1979-1981 rare type of pneumonia, cancer, and other illnesses were being reported by doctors in Los Angeles and New York among a number of gay male patients. These were conditions not usually found in people with healthy immune systems. In 1982 public health officials began to use the term "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome," or AIDS, to describe the occurrences of opportunistic infections, Kaposi's sarcoma, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in healthy men. Formal tracking (surveillance) of AIDS cases began that year in the United States. The cause of AIDS is a virus that scientists isolated in 1983. The virus was at first named HTLV-III/LAV (human T-cell lymphotropic virus-type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus) by an international scientific committee. This name was later changed to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The inescapable conclusion of more than 15 years of scientific research is that people, if exposed to HIV through sexual contact or injecting drug use, may become infected with HIV. If they become infected, most of them will eventually develop AIDS. |
| 10-12 years, after becoming infected. This time varies greatly from person to person and can depend on many factors, including a person's health status and their health-related behaviours. Today there are medical treatments that can slow down the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system. As with other diseases, early detection offers more options for treatment and preventative healthcare. |
| AIDS affects people primarily when they are most productive and leads to premature death thereby severely affecting the socio-economic structure of whole families, communities and countries. Besides, AIDS is not curable and since HIV is transmitted predominantly through ----with infested person and in our ------- surrounding sexual practices being essentially a private domain, these issues are difficult to address. |
| You can avoid HIV infection by abstaining from sex, by having a mutually faithful monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner or by practicing safer sex. Safer sex involves the correct use of a condom during each sexual encounter and also includes non-penetrative sex. |
| Children and adolescents have the right to know how to avoid HIV infection before they become sexually active. As some young people will have sex at an early age, they should know about condoms and then available. Parents and schools share the responsibility of ensuring that children understand how to avoid HIV infection, and learn the importance of tolerant, compassionate and non-discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS. |
| Yes, if the injecting equipment is contaminated with blood containing HIV. Avoid injections unless absolutely necessary. If you must have an injection, make sure the needle and syringe come straight from a sterile package or have been sterilized properly; a needle and syringe that has been cleaned and then boiled for 20 minutes is ready for reuse. Finally, if you inject drugs of whatever kind, never use injecting equipment if it is used before. |
| Tattooing, ear piercing, acupuncture and some kind of dental work all involve instruments that must be sterilized to avoid infection. In general, you should refrain from any procedure if the skin is pierced, unless absolutely necessary. |
| The treatment for HIV/AIDS is available for free of cost in ART(n---) Centres located in medical colleges and some distant-hospital multi drug resign is followed at the ART centres. Treatment for OI is also available at this ART centres. |
| If we look at AIDS as a worldwide pandemic, it appears as if it is something new and rather sudden. But if we look at AIDS as a disease and at the virus that causes it, we get a different picture. We find that both the disease and the virus are not new. They were there well before the epidemic occurred. We know that viruses sometimes change. A virus that was once harmless to humans can change and become harmful. This is probably what happened with HIV long before the AIDS epidemic. What is new is the rapid spread of the virus. Researchers believe that the virus was present in isolated population groups years before the epidemic began. Then the situation changed ? people moved more often and traveled more, they settled in big cities and lifestyles changed, including patterns of sexual behaviour. It became easier for HIV to spread through sexual intercourse and contaminated blood. As the virus spread, the disease which was already in existence became a new epidemic. |
| Yes. Most workers face no risk of getting the virus while doing their work. The virus is mainly transmitted through the transfer of blood or sexual fluids. Since contact with blood or sexual fluids is not part of most people's work, most workers are safe. |
| There are no risks involved. You may share the same telephone with other people in your office or work side by side in a crowded factory with other HIV infected persons, even share the same cup of tea, but this will not expose you to the risk of contracting the infection. Being in contact with dirt and sweat will also not give you the infection. |
| Those who are likely to come into contact with blood that contains the virus are at risk. These include healthcare workers - doctors, dentists, nurses, laboratory technicians, and a few others. Such workers must take special care against possible contact with infected blood, as for example by using gloves. |
| Workers with HIV infection who are still healthy should be treated in the same way as any other worker. Those with AIDS or AIDS-related illnesses should be treated in the same way as any other worker who is ill. Infection with HIV is not a reason in itself for termination of employment. |
| Anyone infected, or thought to be infected, must be protected from discrimination by employers, co-workers, unions or clients. Employees should not be required to inform their employer about their infection. If correct information and education about AIDS are available to employees, a climate of understanding may develop in the workplace protecting the rights of the HIV-infected person. |
| Testing for HIV should not be required of workers. Imagine that you are a worker with HIV infection and are healthy and able to work. As far as your work is concerned, the information about the infection is private. If it is made public, you could be a target for discrimination. If AIDS-related illness makes you unfit for a particular job, you should be treated in the same way as any other employee with a chronic illness. A suitable alternative job can often be arranged by the employer. The employers in different parts of the world are beginning to deal with these problems more humanely. Their associations and workers' unions can be consulted for advice.
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| If you are already infected, consult your healthcare provider for guidance well before you plan to travel. Some immigration officials insist on an HIV free certificate. Your travel counsellor will advise you. |
| Many people would like to claim that AIDS only affects others - other people or other countries. AIDS breaks the patterns that we associate with major diseases, for example, linking malaria with the tropics or perhaps heart disease with the industrialized world. AIDS affects both developing and industrialized countries, both cold and hot countries. |
| Many people would like to claim that AIDS only affects others - other people or other countries. AIDS breaks the patterns that we associate with major diseases, for example, linking malaria with the tropics or perhaps heart disease with the industrialized world. AIDS affects both developing and industrialized countries, both cold and hot countries. |
| They are related in at least three ways. First, in every country, AIDS is always spread by a virus transmitted through sexual intercourse and through blood. Specific actions by people are therefore required for it to spread in all countries. Second, AIDS can be prevented in all countries by people if they change their sexual behavior, by screening blood for transfusion, and by sterilizing needles and syringes. Third, the prevention and control of AIDS bring most countries of the world together in joint action. They have the same basic problems to solve. For example, donated blood must be tested and everyone must benefit from the availability of simple, reliable and cheap blood tests to detect the virus. Only joint international action can make such tests widely available and affordable. |
| No, HIV is an unusual virus because a person can be infected with it for many years and yet appear to be perfectly healthy. But the virus gradually multiplies inside the body and eventually destroys the body's ability to fight off illnesses. It is still not certain that everyone with HIV infection will get AIDS. It seems likely that most people with HIV will develop serious health problems. But this may be after many years. A person with HIV may not know he is infected but can pass the virus on to other people. |
| Chances of transmission of HIV infection is reduced, the interior side of the foreskin has a mucosal surface, which is more susceptible to trauma than the tougher skin of the penile shaft or the glans. The foreskin also contains high levels of HIV target cells such as Langerhan?s cells. Recent study in Chicago has found out that foreskin mucosal tissue has a seven fold greater susceptibility to HIV-1 than cells in cervical tissue under same condition. |
| Oral sex (one person kissing, licking or sucking the sexual areas of another person) does carry some risk of infection. If a person sucks the penis of an infected man, for example, infected fluid could get into the mouth. The virus could then get into the blood if you have bleeding gums or tiny sores somewhere in the mouth. The same is true if infected sexual fluids from a woman get into the mouth of her partner. But infection from oral sex alone seems to be very rare. |
| Although small amounts of HIV have been found in body fluids like saliva, faeces, urine and tears, there is no evidence that HIV can spread through these body fluids. |
| Unless they know someone who has HIV, many people think this disease can't happen to them. Unfortunately, it can and does happen to all kind of people. By looking at your current and past sexual and drug practices (and your transfusion history), you can get a picture of your risk for HIV. Also you can figure out how you can reduce your future risk for HIV infection. |
| The only way to know for sure if you have this virus is by taking a blood test called the "HIV Antibody Test." Some people call it the "HIV Test" or the "AIDS Test," even though this test alone cannot tell you if you have AIDS. The HIV test can tell you if you have the virus and can pass it to others in the ways already described. The test is not a part of your regular blood tests ? you have to ask for it by name. It is a very accurate test. If your test result is "positive," it means you have HIV infection and could benefit from specialn medical care. Additional tests can tell you how strong your immune system is and whether drug therapy is indicated. Some people stay healthy for a long time with HIV infection, while others develop serious illness and AIDS more rapidly. Scientists do not know why people respond in different ways to HIV infection. If your test is "negative," and you have not had any possible risk for HIV for six months prior to taking the test, it means you do not have HIV infection. You can stay free of HIV by following prevention guidelines. |
For some people taking the HIV antibody test can be a scary decision. Some people get tested every six months, even if they practice safer sex. No matter what the reasons are, taking the HIV antibody test can be a good idea. Sometimes taking the test is a way to make a new found commitment towards safer practices. One thing that is important to remember is that getting tested for HIV will not change your HIV status. It just tells you whether or not you have it. With all the new treatments available, finding out your HIV status early on can extend your life.
To find out if you are at risk for HIV, ask yourself the following questions:
- Have you had unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex (e.g., intercourse without a
condom, oral sex without a latex barrier)?
- Have you shared needles to inject street drugs or steroids or to pierce your skin?
- Have you had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or unwanted pregnancy?
- Have you had a blood transfusion or received blood products before April, 1985?
The counselling that should be provided before and after testing provides a good opportunity to learn more about HIV, discuss your risks and how to avoid infection.
If a women is planning to PPTCT programme. There are new treatments to help reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to child.
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| Inform your sexual partner (s) about their possible risk for HIV. ICTC/ARTContes have a partner notification programme that can assist you. Protect others from the virus by following the precautions talked about on this page (for example, always using condoms and not sharing needles with others). Protect yourself from any additional exposure to HIV. Avoid drug and alcohol use, practice good nutrition, and avoid fatigue and stress. Seek support from trustworthy friends and family when possible, and consider getting professional counselling. Find a support group of people who are going through similar experiences. Do not donate blood, plasma, semen, body organs or other tissue. |
| When people are infected with HIV, they do not die of HIV or AIDS. They die due to the effects that the HIV has on the body. With the immune system compromised, the body becomes susceptible to many infections, from the common cold to cancer. It is actually those particular infections, and the body's inability to fight the infections that cause these people to become so sick, that they eventually die. |
The only way to determine for sure whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for many years.
The following may be warning signs of infection with HIV:
- rapid weight loss
- dry cough
- recurring fever or profuse night sweats
- profound and unexplained fatigue
- swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
- diarrhoea that lasts for more than a week
- white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
- pneumonia
- red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth,
nose, or eyelids
- memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders.
However, no one should assume he is infected if he has any of these symptoms. Each of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.
The tests commonly used to detect HIV infection test for antibodies produced by your body to fight HIV. Most people will develop
detectable antibodies within three months after infection, the average being 25 days. In rare cases, it can take upto six months. For this reason, the CDC currently recommends testing six months after the last possible exposure (unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex or sharing needles). It would be extremely rare to take longer than six months to develop detectable antibodies.
| At the start of every intravenous injection, blood comes in contact with needles and syringes. HIV can be found in the blood of a person infected with the virus. The reuse of a blood-contaminated needle or syringe by another drug injector (sometimes called "direct syringe sharing") carries a high risk of HIV transmission because infected blood can be injected directly into the bloodstream. |
| Although HIV transmission is possible in healthcare settings, it is extremely rare. Medical experts emphasise that the careful practice of infection control procedures, including universal precautions, protects patients as well as healthcare providers from possible HIV infection in medical and dental offices. |
| There are no documented cases of HIV being transmitted during participation in sports. The very low risk of transmission during sports participation would involve sports with direct body contact in which bleeding might be expected to occur. If someone is bleeding, his participation in the sport should be interrupted until the wound stops bleeding and is both antiseptically cleaned and securely bandaged. There is no risk of HIV transmission through sports activities where bleeding does not occur. |
| Viral load tests measure how much of the HIV virus is in the bloodstream. They are very new tests and can be very expensive. Insurance companies may or may not cover the cost of the test. A result below 10,000 is considered a low result. A result over 100,000 is considered a high result. The primary use of these tests is to help determine how well a certain antiviral drug is working. If the viral load is high, your physician may consider switching you to another drug therapy. The viral load tests are best used if trends in results are compared over time. If the viral load increases over time, then the drug treatment may need to be changed. If the viral load goes down over time, antiviral treatment may be working for you. So rather than just taking one test, a series of viral load tests gives much more useful information. Of course, antiviral therapy must not be determined by this test alone. Other tests (like CD4 cell counts) are also important indicators as to how well antiviral therapy is working. It is presently not known what a test result between 10,000 and 100,000 means. That's why trends in viral load tests are of much greater value. |
| No, there is no vaccine for HIV yet, most experts believe that an effective and widely available preventive vaccine for HIV may be our best long term hope to control the global pandemic. Globally, most people who are carrying the HIV virus live in countries with very limited budgets for healthcare. This means that in practice, there is little or no money for things like HIV testing, condoms, STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) treatment and prevention. In settings like this, a vaccine would be very cost-effective. Developing an effective and safe vaccine has proven to be a difficult challenge. A number of leading researchers are working on this problem, but no one knows when will they succeed. |
| There are 2 types of HIV, HIV-1 and HIV-2. Worldwide, the predominant virus is HIV-1. Both type of virus are transmitted by sexual contact, through blood, and from mother to child, and they appear to cause clinically indistinguishable AIDS. However, HIV-2 is less easily transmitted, and the period between initial infection and illness is longer in the case of HIV-2. |
| The first AIDS case was reported from Chennai, Tamil Nadu in the year 1986. |
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HIV is a chronic infection and may take five to nine years to develop its manifestations in the form of opportunistic infections and other forms of symptoms and signs. During this period, the HIV infected person remains asymptomatic and does not come in contact with hospitals where his/her HIV status can be detected. |
The common opportunistic infections encountered by HIV/AIDS patients are: - Tuberculosis (Pulmonary and extra-pulmonary)
- Candidiasis
- Pneumocysitis carini
- Toxoplasmosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Cryptosporidial Diarrhoea
- Cytomegolo virus infections
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