Since HIV/AIDS became more widely known in the early 1980s, women infected with the disease has risen in the U.S. from roughly seven percent found in initial studies in the 80s to 31 percent in 2007.
While this disease is typically associated with sex workers, homosexuals, and drug users, it has spread among the generalized population worldwide in recent years.
The definition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is as follows: a (primarily) sexually transmitted virus that attacks the immune system (white blood) cells and eventually could cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a medical condition where the person affected has an immune system too weak to fight off infections.
HIV symptoms range from mild cold or flu-like symptoms like sore throat or dry cough, and swollen glands, to more noticeable symptoms like rashes, lesions, weight loss, and pain (such as headaches). Symptoms can mimic other conditions, or symptoms related to a woman’s menstrual cycle, so it is important to get tested if you have been exposed to the HIV virus.
Questions to ask your doctor:
- How is HIV diagnosed? Early diagnosis is key in the fight against HIV to keep the virus from progressing too quickly. A person infected with the virus may not become immediately symptomatic, so detection, if you’ve actually been exposed, is important. It is recommended that the test be taken within six weeks of a risky event. Testing is extremely reliable—saliva tests (available in most doctor’s offices) can give results in half an hour; if test shows activity, then a more reliable blood test (known as a Western Blot) can be performed for confirmation in a few weeks. If the test comes back negative, it is suggested to repeat the test in six months to assure no antibodies are present indicating infection.
- Can HIV be transmitted in ways other than sexually? HIV could be transmitted when sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs. Historically, it was held that it could be transmitted by blood transfusion, however, those cases are extremely rare because donated blood is tested for HIV prior to being entered into the system. Children can get HIV from their mother during the birthing process, or from drinking HIV-carrying breast milk.
- How long does it typically take for HIV to turn into AIDS? People can have HIV for 10 years or more and never have symptoms, whereas others can develop symptoms shortly after being infected. That is why it is important to be tested and begin treatment as soon as possible following infection to attempt to slow down the virus and impede secondary infection caused by a compromised immune system. When you have less than 200 CD4+ cells you are more likely to develop what’s called an Opportunistic Infection (OI), for example, a lung infection, a certain type of skin cancer, an infection usually affecting the eyes, or a fungal infection causing thrush in your throat or vagina, indicating you have developed AIDS.
- How is HIV treated? Antiretroviral therapy has shown to slow down the HIV virus and slow down the damage to an infected person’s immune system, and decrease the incidence of symptoms and slow down the onset of AIDS.
- Does diet/nutrition and exercise affect HIV? Every effort to lead a healthy lifestyle following an HIV diagnosis can help slow the progression of the disease by allowing the immune system to remain as healthy as possible and hinder damage. Work with your doctor to develop a plan that works for you.
- How can I avoid spreading HIV infection to my loved ones and others? HIV cannot be spread casually, and therefore it is not likely you could spread infection to them. Always use caution when handling surgical needles, and when treating injuries where infected blood may be present. Women diagnosed can make informed decisions about pregnancy and post natal care of their babies.
Resources –
www.hivinfosource.org Women and HIV/AIDS
www.avert.org AIDS & HIV International Information, Statistics, and Help and Advice
www.thebody.com Women and HIV, Symptoms
Check out EmpowHER’s page on HIV/AIDS for more information.
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Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women's health and promoting strong women.
