I RECEIVED an email from a reader who disclosed to me their HIV positive diagnosis. I was asked to discuss how this diagnosis may affect their mental health and what can be done to better it. However, due to the lack of understanding which typically creates added stigma, I think it best that I first talk about HIV and AIDS specifically and debunk some common myths about the condition.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection which attacks cells that help the body to fight infection. After years of self-neglect or absence of medication, HIV develops into Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a chronic, life-threatening condition that consistently attacks one’s immune system, basically interfering with your body’s ability to fight disease. HIV destroys CD4 T cells — white blood cells that play a large role in helping your body fight disease. The fewer CD4 T cells you have, the weaker your immune system becomes.

The symptoms are pretty universal. HIV typically starts (a month or two after the infection) with what feels like the flu which is known as the primary or acute HIV infection. The symptoms of this can consist of head and muscle aches, rashes or sores and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. The next stage is known as the Clinical latent infection (Chronic HIV) which can last up to 10 years without the appropriate treatment. As the virus multiplies and simultaneously destroys immune cells, more chronic symptoms and infections arise such as fever, blurred vision, diarrhoea, oral yeast infections and overall weakness to name a few. Left untreated, this is the progression to aids. However, it is important to understand that with the right treatment, HIV does not necessarily have to develop into AIDS. If AIDS is developed, the immune system is severely damaged and there are additional infections such as tuberculosis and meningitis which are common to victims. It is also possible to develop some organ damage and various forms of cancer.
Absolutely anyone is at risk of developing HIV but some factors make one more likely. These include unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners, untreated sexually transmitted infections that to doinproduces open sores which are gateways for transmission as well as sharing infected needles. Some studies also show that uncircumcised men who have unprotected sex are more likely to develop HIV than circumcised men.

I think there are a few misconceptions of how HIV is spread from person to person. HIV is spread through sexual contact –vaginal, anal or oral- due to potential blood, semen or vaginal secretions. It can be spread through blood transfusions (donating or receiving infected blood), by sharing contaminated needles and can also be spread from mother to infant during pregnancy or gbreast- feeding.

HIV DOES NOT spread through ordinary contact such as shaking hands, dancing, hugging or kissing. HIV also does not spread through objects such as cutlery or toilet seats. It does not spread from sharing food or drinks. It does not spread through water or the air, for example tears or swimming with or in small confined spaces with infected individuals. It is also not spread through animals such as mosquitoes.

There are also some urban myths about prevention of HIV such as virginity, showering just after or having sex in water. There is also no preventive vaccine or medication for HIV and AIDS. The only prevention methods are safe sex- using a new condom every time you have sex, telling partners that you may be infected with HIV, using clean needles and getting treatment right away if you are an expectant mother. It is also a common belief that if two sexual partners already have HIV, there is nothing to worry about and no need for protection. However, there are many strains of HIV and different strains would still require protection in order to prevent further infection and diseases.

If you think you may have been infected with HIV, it is advised to take a test at your local health centre right away. However, there is an HIV window period which is the time between exposure and detection which can take up to six months. The initial test may show up negative but the virus can still be transmitted. This means repeated testing is required for an official diagnosis during this period.

While there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, there are medications which can ease potential symptoms as well as slow the progression of the disease. Treatment for HIV typically includes Antiretroviral therapy (ART). People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV treatment regimen) every day. It is recommended for everyone who has HIV as it prevents HIV from multiplying, which reduces the amount of HIV in the body and therefore protects the immune system and prevents HIV infection from advancing to AIDS. ART can’t cure HIV, but HIV medicines help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. It also reduces the risk of HIV transmission. This can be from sexual partners as well as mother to infant during the pregnancy and birth process.

There are also some myths about herbal medications aiding and curing HIV. This is dangerous for a few reasons. Herbal medications do not protect your immune system from infection and they may also interact poorly with antiretroviral if you are taking them. The only way you can stay healthy when living with HIV is to take medication prescribed by your health care provider. Once this is done, people with HIV and AIDS can live normal and healthily lives.

Next week I will discuss how those living with HIV/AIDS can protect their mental health.
Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!