UN(dis)TALENTED: @GiftAkpan Teaches Health #1 - BIOLOGY OF HIV INFECTION

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I am glad to be a Health Technologist and and a Steemhead. I'll be taking out time daily to share health-related lessons to #Uloggers. The lessons shared are typically my personal understanding of the topic so discussed.

INTRODUCTION

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that causes HIV infection and overtime acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV infection begins with an exposure. For an HIV exposure to pose a risk of infection, specific bodily fluid from an HIV – positive person need to come in contact with specific body part of an hiv- negative person. This happens during vaginal or oral sex.

FLUIDS THAT CONTAINS VIRUS TO TRANSMIT HIV SEXUALLY

There are several body fluids that contains enough virus to transmit HIV sexually which includes:

1. SEMEN: This is also known as seminal fluid, is an organic spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize ova.
2. PRECUM: Is the pre-ejaculate fluid that can be released from the penis during sexual stimulation. The precum prepares/ lubricates the urethra for ejaculation. The more lubricated the urethra the easier it should be for sperm to make it out of a person’s body. Precum also acts as additional lubricant during sex.
3. VAGINAL FLUID: This is a mixture of liquid, cells and bacteria that lubricates and protects the vagina. This mixture is constantly produced by the cells of the vagina and cervix and its exits the body through the vaginal opening.
4. RECTAL FLUID: This is the mucus that lines the rectum. Mucus is a slippery secretion produced by certain parts of our body known as mucous membranes. Mucus in the rectum also helps reduce friction during anal intercourse.
   The HIV in these fluids may cause infection if it enter the body if the partner has a cut or sore (wet skin).

THE MUCOUS MEMBRANES (WET SKIN) THAT AIDS IN THE SEXUAL TRANSMISSION OF HIV VIRUS.

There are several mucous membranes that aids in the sexual transmission of HIV virus. They include:

1. Foreskin and urethra on the penis
2. Cervix and vagina
3. Anus
4. Mouth and throat.

Most of the skin on the body is covered with a protective layer of fibres that makes the skin “dry” and with that, HIV cannot cross unless there is a cut or sore. The mucous membrane are not covered with the protective layer of the fibres because it would hinder their function and without this protective layer, mucous membranes are more vulnerable. Often these are the main routes that germs use to enter the body. Infection isn’t automatic if an exposure to HIV occurs after a fluid containing HIV comes into contact with a mucous membranes, HIV still needs to complete a difficult journey before it can still cause an infection. While in some cases, HIV is not able to complete the journey and at such infection does not occur.

WAYS IN WHICH HIV VIRUS CAN BE TRANSMITTED

1. Hiv virus can be transmitted during sexual relations with an infected person through oral sex, anal sex or from the semen/ precum to the vagina.
2. Through sharing sharp objects such as razor, clipper, and needle.
3. Through the transfer of virus from an infected mother to child during pregnancy, child birth or breast feeding.
4. Through transfusion of infected blood or blood products.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIV VIRUS

These symptoms include:

1. Loss of weight
2. Diarrhea
3. Persistent dry cough lasting more than one month
4. Fatigue
5. Fever
6. Loss of appetite
7. Malaise
8. Night sweat or excessive sweating.
9. Ulcers or white tongue