Halting Infections by HIV through Proactive Measures
In individuals living with HIV, opportunistic infections can arise when the immune system is significantly weakened, often in the later stages of the infection. These infections, which typically do not cause disease in people with healthy immune systems, can take hold due to HIV-induced immunosuppression.
Common symptoms of opportunistic infections in HIV-positive individuals include:
- Night sweats - Prolonged diarrhea - Thrush (oral candidiasis) - Bacterial pneumonia - Fatigue - Joint pain - Weight loss - Skin disorders or rashes (which can be brown, red, purple, or pink) - Persistent headaches - Memory problems - Swollen lymph nodes - Coughing and breathing problems
Some common opportunistic infections and their classic symptoms include:
- Herpes Simplex Virus — often causes genital lesions, though sometimes mild or atypical and unrecognized. - Thrush — manifests as white patches in the mouth or throat. - Pneumonia — persistent cough and difficulty breathing.
In the early acute stage of HIV infection, symptoms tend to be flu-like and are part of seroconversion illness. However, opportunistic infections typically emerge when HIV has progressed and the immune system is compromised.
Women with HIV should undergo a gynecological examination at least once a year. It is also advisable to avoid contact with people with active tuberculosis.
Persistent fever, cough and shortness of breath (dyspnea), stomatitis (inflammation and ulcers of the mucous membrane of the mouth), weight loss (wasting), prolonged diarrhea, enlarged lymph nodes, persistent headaches, and night sweats are also symptoms of opportunistic infections in people with HIV.
HIV-positive patients should visit their treating physician at least once every 3 months and consult a doctor when new symptoms appear that may indicate opportunistic infections.
Dr. A. A. KASYBAEVA, an infectious disease specialist at the "Center for the Prevention of HIV Infection" of the Akimat of Astana, emphasizes the importance of regular medical check-ups and prompt consultation with a doctor when experiencing any unusual symptoms.
To prevent gastrointestinal infections, it is not recommended to consume raw fish and eggs, poorly cooked meat or poultry, or unpasteurized milk. Fruits, vegetables, and hands should be thoroughly washed. It is also advisable to drink only bottled or boiled water.
If a family member of an HIV-positive person becomes ill, they should be isolated, contact with them should be minimized, and hands should be washed frequently.
These symptoms often reflect the body's response to infections that typically do not cause disease in people with healthy immune systems but take hold due to HIV-induced immunosuppression.
- Science has recognized that sleep patterns can be affected in individuals living with HIV, contributing to workplace-wellness issues.
- Medical conditions like chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health problems can co-occur with HIV and cause further complications.
- Eye-health disorders, such as uveitis, are also more prevalent in HIV-positive individuals, necessitating regular check-ups.
- Hearing impairment can be a symptom of certain HIV-related medical conditions, important to note in health-and-wellness discussions.
- Fitness-and-exercise routines play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, weight management, and overall well-being for individuals living with HIV.
- Sexual-health concerns, including sexually transmitted infections and complications during pregnancy, are significant considerations for both men's-health and women's-health.
- Autoimmune-disorders may develop in HIV-positive individuals, making them more susceptible to neurological-disorders and skin-conditions as well.
- Mental-health issues like depression and anxiety are common among people living with HIV, necessitating counseling, therapies-and-treatments, and support networks.
- Aging can exacerbate the progression of HIV and the symptoms of opportunistic infections, making it essential to manage health-and-wellness holistically.
- Parenting can be a challenge for those living with HIV, requiring careful consideration of weight-management, nutrition, and mental-health support for children.
- Skin-care is important to address skin disorders, rashes, or conditions that may arise due to HIV-induced immunosuppression or medications.
- Medicare coverage often includes treatments and care for individuals living with HIV, providing essential access to medical services.
- CBD has shown promising potential in managing certain HIV-related symptoms and side-effects, although more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and risks.
- Proper management of neurological-disorders, skin-conditions, and other medical conditions is crucial for maintaining the quality of life for individuals living with HIV, as they continue to age.
