World AIDS Day 2024: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system, specifically the cells responsible for fighting infections, increasing susceptibility to serious health complications. Acute HIV infection typically occurs 2-4 weeks after exposure, often manifesting with symptoms like fever, headache, and rash. During this phase, the virus multiplies quickly, spreading throughout the body and significantly impairing immune function. This stage is also when individuals are highly infectious.

If left untreated, HIV can advance to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most severe phase of the infection. At this stage, the viral load is exceedingly high, symptoms are more severe, and life expectancy without medical intervention is generally limited to a few years.

Difference Between HIV and AIDS

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for immune defence. Over time, if untreated, HIV can reduce the number of these cells, making the body more vulnerable to infections and certain cancers. AIDS represents the most severe stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely weakened immune system and the presence of specific opportunistic infections or cancers.

Importantly, not everyone with HIV develops AIDS. Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) allow people living with HIV to manage the virus effectively, preventing its progression to AIDS. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are critical in this regard.

Global HIV/AIDS Statistics

According to UNAIDS, approximately 39 million people globally were living with HIV as of 2024. Each year, about 1.3 million new HIV cases are reported, while 630,000 people die due to AIDS-related illnesses. These figures show significant progress compared to past decades, due to improved awareness, prevention, and treatment measures.

How Does HIV Spread?

As per the HIV.gov data, HIV is primarily spread through specific body fluids that contain the virus. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) itself is not transmitted, as it represents the advanced stage of HIV infection. Understanding the modes of HIV transmission can help in prevention and reducing stigma.

Ways HIV Spreads:

1. Unprotected Sexual Contact:

- HIV is most commonly transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without the use of condoms or other protective methods.

- Anal sex carries the highest risk due to the fragile lining of the rectum.

- Sharing needles or syringes for drug use, tattoos, or piercings with someone who has HIV.

- Receiving transfusions of contaminated blood or blood products (though this is rare in countries with strict screening processes).

- Pregnant women with HIV can pass the virus to their baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, proper antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly reduces this risk.

- Healthcare workers can be exposed to HIV through needlestick injuries or other accidents involving infected blood.

5. Use of Contaminated Instruments:

- Sharing razors, needles, or other sharp objects that may have traces of infected blood.

What Does Not Spread HIV:

HIV cannot spread through casual contact such as:

- Hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.

- Airborne transmission, such as coughing or sneezing.

- Sharing swimming pools or toilets.

How To Prevent HIV Spread:- Use Condoms: Consistent and correct use of condoms during sexual activity.

- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): A medication for individuals at high risk of HIV to reduce the chance of infection.

- Avoid Needle Sharing: Use only sterile needles and syringes.

- Testing and Treatment: Regular testing for HIV and adherence to antiretroviral therapy for those who are HIV-positive to maintain an undetectable viral load.

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