HIV and the eye, part 1(Wafrica Guest Post).

The work below is Authored by @nattybongo of @bettervision, edited and posted by @mcsamm for @wafrica.

HIV is an acronym which stands in for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, it is this virus that may lead to a more advanced stage of its infection known as AIDS which stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV is a virus that the body cannot kill, quite unfortunate, thus when contracted this virus stays with you for life, nonetheless scientist a doing their very best to find ways and means to get rid of this virus, until then, you may have to live with it for the rest of your life once contracted.

What Happens When It is Contracted?

The Virus attacks the Immune System focusing on the cells called T Cells, these are what helps the body fight against infections, thus as the virus continues to destroy these cells eventually the body is unable to fight against any other infections anymore giving rise to attacks from all other infections lurking around looking to get into you destroy your cells, at this point the person would have reached the AIDS stage, the infections overcome the system, it breaks down and eventually death results.

So is it a Death Warrant with HIV?

Not necessarily, HIV is treated with a drug called Antiretroviral Therapy which seeks to slow down the progression of the infection, as already mentioned HIV cannot be cured as at now thus the best treatment is its management. When taken right as indicated by your physician one can enjoy the fullness of their life without having to die prematurely as a result of its progression to AIDS. So statistics have even proven that some infected individuals on the drug have lived longer than non-infected individuals of the same age group.

How does it actually Progress?

So there are three stages to its development; the acute phase, the clinical latency phase and AIDS phase. The acute phase occurs within the first 4 weeks of infection, most individuals would develop flu symptoms that may be the worst they may have ever had, this may then be accompanied by fever, swollen glands, rashes, sore-throat and pains in the muscles and joints. These symptoms are due to the body trying its very best to eliminate the virus. Risk of transmission is highest at this point, also it is best to start Anti-Retroviral Therapy at this stage.

InThe Clinical Latency Phase progresses steadily without any symptoms, if any, very mild, virus reproduces at a low rate and may escape clinical tests. Therapy may keep infection at this stage, preventing its progression to AIDS however it is still very possible to transmit the virus at this stage although therapy reduces the risks.

AIDSis the final stage of infection and it only happens the immune system has been broken down such that all other infections lurking around easily get into your system causing further deterioration and eventually death. Without treatment one may live for an additional 3 years in the AIDS phase, therapy may prolong it however it won’t be like the initial two stages. You should know however that the rate of progression in each individual is relative and depends on lots of factors. It is advisable to pay frequent visit to your clinician if you are infected.

How does HIV affect the body and the eyes?*

Stay tuned for the next article.

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