HIV

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the body’s defense system, making it hard to fight off diseases. It does this by attacking special cells called CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections). When untreated, HIV reduces the number of these cells, making the body vulnerable to sicknesses like tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, and other infections.

HIV does not have a cure yet, but with the right treatment, people can live long and healthy lives.

How common is HIV in Africa?

HIV is a major health challenge in Africa. According to UNAIDS, about 25.7 million Africans are living with HIV, with countries in southern and eastern Africa having the highest numbers. In west Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire have notable HIV cases, though efforts to control the spread are increasing.

Despite improvements in education and treatment, stigma and myths about HIV still prevent many people from getting tested and treated.

How can someone get HIV?

HIV spreads through body fluids from an infected person. These include:

  • Blood: Sharing needles, unsterilized barbering equipment, or blood transfusions from an infected person.
  • Semen (male reproductive fluid): Unprotected sex with an infected person.
  • Vaginal and rectal fluids: Unprotected sex with an infected person.
  • Breast milk: From an HIV-positive mother to her baby.

HIV does not spread through:

  • Hugging, shaking hands, or touching someone with HIV.
  • Sharing food, water, or toilets.
  • Mosquito bites or insect bites.

What is AIDS?

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection when the immune system is too weak to fight off serious diseases. However, not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS if they take their HIV medication (antiretroviral therapy) regularly.

A person is said to have AIDS when:

  • Their CD4 cell count falls below 200 (a healthy person has about 500-1,500).
  • They develop opportunistic infections (diseases that only affect people with very weak immune systems), such as tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, and some cancers.

Without treatment, a person with AIDS may survive for about three years. However, with treatment, they can live much longer and healthier lives.

Signs and symptoms of HIV?

Early symptoms (acute HIV stage)

These appear within 2-4 weeks after infection and may last a few weeks:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Skin rash
  • Nausea or vomiting

Silent phase (clinical latency stage)

This stage can last from a few years to decades. The virus is still in the body but may not cause serious symptoms. Some people may experience:

  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Skin rashes
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent illnesses like diarrhoea or pneumonia

Symptoms of AIDS?

At this stage, the immune system is severely damaged. Symptoms include:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent fever
  • Chronic diarrhoea
  • Frequent infections like TB
  • Skin rashes or sores in the mouth, genitals, or anus
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
  • Cancer (such as Kaposi sarcoma or lymphoma)

If you notice these symptoms, get tested immediately.

HIV treatment: How to live a healthy life with HIV?

HIV is not a death sentence. With the right treatment, you can live a long and healthy life. The main treatment is antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medicines that:

  • Reduces the virus in the body to undetectable levels (which means it cannot be transmitted).
  • Prevents HIV from developing into AIDS.
  • Strengthens the immune system to fight diseases.

In many African countries, HIV treatment is free or available at a very low cost, making it accessible to everyone who needs it.

How to prevent HIV?

You can protect yourself from HIV by following these simple steps:

  • Know your status: Get tested regularly and encourage your partner to do the same.
  • Use protection: Always use condoms during sex.
  • Avoid sharing sharp objects: Razors, needles, and other sharp items should never be shared.
  • Take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis): If you are at high risk of getting HIV, you can take daily medication to prevent infection.
  • Take PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis): If you think you have been exposed to HIV, taking PEP within 72 hours can reduce your chances of infection.
  • Encourage safe pregnancy: HIV-positive mothers can take medication to prevent passing the virus to their babies.

The HIV window period: When to get tested?

After exposure to HIV, the virus takes time to show up in a test. This period is called the window period and can last 23 to 90 days. If you test too early, the result may be negative even if you have HIV. If you think you’ve been exposed, repeat the test after a few months to confirm.