Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. By destroying these CD4 cells, HIV weakens a person’s immunity to opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, serious bacterial infections and certain cancers. The WHO recommends that every person who may be at risk of HIV infection should have access to testing. People at increased risk of HIV infection should seek comprehensive and effective HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.

Signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS

The symptoms are usually caused by conditions that do not occur naturally in people with healthy immune systems. Most of these symptoms are opportunistic infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, which are usually controlled by immune elements that have been destroyed by HIV. Specific symptoms as follows;

• Pulmonary
  Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) (originally known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) is relatively rare in healthy, immunocompetent people, but common among HIV-infected individuals. It is caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii.
• Gastrointestinal
  Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lower mucosa of the esophagus (the esophagus or pharynx that leads to the stomach).
• Neurological and psychiatric
  HIV infection can lead to a range of neuropsychiatric consequences, either as a result of the nervous system becoming susceptible to infection or as a result of the disease itself.
• Tumors
  The incidence of certain types of cancer is significantly higher in HIV-infected individuals. This is mainly due to co-infection with cancer-causing DNA viruses.

The Tips For Caretakers

• Offer protection against infections
  Bacteria can be deadly for people with HIV. So make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Do not let anyone into your home if they are sick. Wash your hands often and wear rubber gloves if you have access to body fluids or waste. Never share personal tools like toothbrushes, tweezers or razors to prevent germs from coming into contact with your family members. Also, keep your home furniture and laundry clean as well, so both of you can attain a healthy lifestyle.

• Be mindful of prejudice and discrimination
  HIV is still highly stigmatized. As a family member of an HIV-positive person, you need to know the facts about the virus and be aware of your own biases in order to live with and support an HIV-positive person. Caretakers should not avoid contact with or have conversations with patients. Instead, they should treat patients as they would be treated if they were not HIV-positive so that they feel safe and understood.
• The essential step is to care for yourself
  As a caretaker, your mental health is extremely important as well, which means you need to eat and rest well. If you are feeling stressed, you can c.onsider seeing a counselor or joining a support group and talking with someone who has experienced a similar event.

To learn more…

Read from the below books to find out more about HIV activism and history!