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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting infections. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Causes of HIV

HIV is primarily spread through certain body fluids from a person who has HIV. These fluids include blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV is transmitted include:

• Unprotected Sexual Contact: Engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has HIV without using a condom or taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV.
• Sharing Needles: Using needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment that has been used by someone with HIV.
• Mother-to-Child Transmission: A mother can pass HIV to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
• Blood Transfusions: Receiving contaminated blood products, although this is rare in countries where blood is screened for HIV.

Symptoms of HIV

The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection. Many people experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection, often described as the worst flu ever. This is called acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or primary HIV infection. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Rash
• Night sweats
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mouth ulcers

After this initial period, HIV may not cause any symptoms for several years, even though the virus continues to damage the immune system. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, where the immune system is severely damaged, and the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

Treatment of HIV

While there is no cure for HIV, it can be controlled with proper medical care. The main treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of HIV medicines every day. ART helps reduce the viral load in the body, maintain the health of the immune system, and prevent the transmission of HIV to others.

One of the medications available for the treatment of HIV is Biktarvy. Biktarvy is a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 25 kg. It is a single-tablet regimen that combines three antiretroviral medications: bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide.

Prevention of HIV

Preventing HIV involves taking measures to avoid exposure to the virus. Some effective prevention strategies include:

• Use of Condoms: Consistently using condoms during sexual intercourse can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Taking PrEP, a daily medication for people at high risk of HIV, can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken consistently.
• Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): PEP involves taking antiretroviral medicines after being potentially exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. It must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure.
• Regular Testing: Knowing your HIV status and that of your partner can help you make informed decisions about prevention.
• Safe Needle Practices: Avoid sharing needles or syringes and use only sterile injection equipment.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of HIV, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their health and reduce the risk of transmission. Our pharmacy offers a range of medications for the treatment of HIV, ensuring that those affected have access to the necessary resources to manage their condition effectively.