Studies have shown that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) originated from a species of chimpanzee in Central Africa, specifically the “simian immunodeficiency virus,” which affects chimpanzees. It is believed that the virus spread from chimpanzees to humans in the late 1800s when those chimpanzees were killed for food and their blood was contaminated, which was then transferred to humans.
HIV is a virus that attacks immune system-protecting cells in the body and has spread around the world, primarily in Africa. If HIV is not treated, it can progress to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a severe long-term clinical manifestation of HIV, which is characterized by a high viral load in those who have it. There are various stages of HIV infection, including acute HIV infection, chronic HIV infection, and asymptomatic or clinical latency.
In Ghana, HIV infection rates have been rising, with the eastern area having the highest number of cases, and with 66% of cases being female and 34% male. Unprotected sex, having vaginal or anal sex, blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk are the main contributors to this rising prevalence. Other risk factors include other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), dangerous alcohol and drug use during sexual activity, blood transfusions, tissue transplants, and medical procedures involving sterile cutting or piercing.
The symptoms of HIV depend on the stage of infection, with some people not knowing they have HIV until later stages, and those who do become more contagious in the first few months. In the first few weeks following the initial infection, one may have flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, rash, or sore throat. As the infection worsens, the immune system deteriorates, which causes further symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, and coughing, as well as swollen lymph nodes.
HIV cannot be cured, but it can be managed with medication. Antiretroviral medication (ART) can be used to lower the level of HIV in the body and support overall health, but it does not stop the spread of other sexually transmitted infections. People with HIV must receive therapy, no matter how long they have had the virus or how healthy they are. Delaying HIV treatment can harm the immune system, increase the chance of spreading HIV to a partner, and result in AIDS.
To prevent HIV, it is advised to use condoms during sexual contact, practice sexual abstinence, use sterile injection supplies, and use HIV prevention medications like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). With these preventive measures and proper management, individuals can live healthy lives with HIV.
Credit: Eunice Dacosta Gyebi
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