The Health Perils of HIV – How to Remain Safe from It

The Health Perils of HIV – How to Remain Safe from It

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system of an individual. Over time, the virus weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases. If you have been playing around and are sexually adventurous, you must make it a point to get tested for HIV in Arlington on a regular basis.

How It Is Spread

HIV is mainly spread through sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles or syringes with an infected person, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Although HIV/AIDS is no longer the death sentence it once was, it is still a serious condition that requires lifelong treatment and management.

If you are wondering how to get tested for HIV in Arlington, all you have to do is check for clinics that conduct these tests and book an appointment. Some clinics offer the convenience of walking in and getting tested without having to book a prior appointment.

The Perils of HIV

When left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is a more severe and life-threatening condition. The immune system becomes so weakened that it can no longer fight off infections and diseases, and the individual becomes susceptible to a range of infections that a healthy immune system could easily fight off.

HIV can also lead to other health complications, such as neurological problems, heart disease, and kidney disease. Additionally, individuals with HIV are more susceptible to certain types of cancers, such as Kaposi’s sarcoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

How It Destroys the Body

HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the immune system. Without CD4 cells, the body is unable to fight off infections and diseases.

HIV is a type of retrovirus, which means that it inserts its genetic material into the DNA of the host cell. Once inside the host cell, the virus takes over the cell’s machinery and replicates itself. This process destroys the CD4 cells and weakens the immune system.

How It is Transmitted

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways of getting HIV are through sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles or syringes with an infected person, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Important Points to Note

Getting tested regularly for HIV is an important step in preventing the spread of the virus. You can easily get yourself tested at premium clinics like stdexpressclinic.com.

If you are sexually active or have shared needles or syringes, you should get tested at least once a year. If you have had unprotected sex or have shared needles or syringes with an infected person, you should get tested as soon as possible.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to get tested for HIV. If you are HIV-positive, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to your baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. With proper medical care and treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be greatly reduced.

HIV is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing. However, with proper medical care and treatment, individuals with HIV can live long, healthy lives. The key is to prevent the spread of this dreaded disease so that more and more lives can be saved from years of health complications and hospital visits.