World AIDS Day: Communities Make the Difference

World AIDS Day was first observed in 1988. Each year, organizations and individuals around the globe bring attention to the HIV pandemic, push to increase HIV awareness and knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma, and demand a stronger response to ending the HIV pandemic. Celebrated on December 1, World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people across the world to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to reflect on the progress made in battling the disease, to show support for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, and to raise awareness about what is left to be done. This day is an opportunity to share pertinent information about HIV. 

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, the body’s defense system, making a person more vulnerable to other diseases. The HIV virus attacks a type of white blood cell known as a T-helper cell, gradually weakening a person’s immune system, making it harder and harder to fight off infections. Around 39 million people globally are living with HIV according to a UNAIDS/WHO study. 

HIV can lead to the disease known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is the late stage of HIV that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus and is too weak to fight off certain symptoms and illnesses. People who have progressed to AIDS have usually developed opportunistic infections or cancers that are rare in people who do not have HIV. In most cases if left untreated, AIDS will lead to death.

What are the symptoms?
Some people experience flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, headaches, nausea, fatigue, or mouth ulcers. These symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks.

These indications usually resolve within a few months as a person progresses with the disease. If someone has these symptoms and thinks they may have been exposed to HIV, it is important that they get tested.

Picture source: Bigstock

How is HIV spread?
HIV is spread through bodily fluids including semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids, and breast milk. Sharing needles or other injection equipment or sharing unsterilized tattoo equipment can lead to the spread of the disease, as well as transfusions or transplants with unscreened blood. HIV can also be transmitted during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or during breastfeeding.

HIV cannot be spread through skin-to-skin contact, hugging, shaking hands, or kissing, sharing food or drinks, or sharing a toilet, towels, or bedding. It cannot be transmitted through sweat, saliva, tears, or urine. Mosquitos or other insects do not transmit HIV.

How can I prevent HIV?
There’s no vaccine to prevent HIV, but there are many ways to protect yourself and your partner from infection. Getting tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is the first step. It is important to know both your status and the status of your partner to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Using condoms during sex can help prevent the spread of the virus and other sexually transmitted diseases. Limiting your number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Don’t inject drugs. But if you do, always use a clean needle and syringe, and never share equipment.

Picture source: Bigstock

Is there a cure?
While no cure exists, people living with HIV can take medicine, known as antiretroviral therapy or ART to control the disease, preventing the progression to AIDS. People living with HIV who take ART can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission to their sexual partners. Without HIV medicine, people with AIDS typically survive about 3 years. While ART can help people at any stage of HIV infection, it can even be lifesaving. Those who initiate ART soon after they become infected experience more benefits, which is why HIV testing is important.

Where can I get tested?
The only way to make sure of your status is to get tested. You can ask your healthcare provider for an HIV test. Many medical clinics, community health centers, and hospitals offer HIV tests. The BJU Center for Family Medicine and Integrative Healthcare provides HIV and STI screening, while our 24-hour Emergency Room can provide emergency HIV, gonorrhea, or chlamydia prophylaxis after potential exposure.

United Family Liangma Clinic

United Family Liangma Clinic opened in 2010 and expanded to 400 square meters in 2014. The clinic serves Beijing’s 3rd diplomatic area, which is close to various five-star hotels and many corporate headquarters. Our multinational clinic staff of experienced doctors and bilingual nurses provide a full range of medical services in multiple languages including Chinese, English, and Japanese. We ensure that you and your family receive the highest quality medical care available.

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