HIV Awareness: Understanding Its Impact on Health

Human immunodeficiency virus

HIV Statistics(2022-2024)

2022: Approximately 39.0 million people were living with HIV globally

3.9.0 million (2022 estimate) 68%

2023: Approximately 39.9 million people were living with HIV globally

3.9.9 million (2023 estimate) 73%

2024: Approximately 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally

4.0.8 million (2024 estimate) 88%

Understanding HIV/AIDS: A Holistic Perspective on Prevention and Care

At Rajavarma Siddha Hospital, we believe in a holistic approach to health, focusing on the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. Understanding health challenges like HIV/AIDS is a crucial part of this philosophy. This guide provides essential information about HIV, its transmission, and the modern prevention and treatment strategies that empower individuals to take control of their health.

Global Progress: A Beacon of Hope

The journey to end the HIV epidemic has seen remarkable strides. According to UNAIDS, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV worldwide in 2024. While this figure is substantial, there’s significant good news: new HIV infections have seen a dramatic 61% reduction since their peak in 1996. This remarkable decline is a testament to global efforts in prevention, testing, and treatment.

One of the most impactful breakthroughs has been the widespread availability of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART not only allows people living with HIV to lead long, healthy, and productive lives, but it also significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus. Today, over 29.8 million people globally are accessing ART, a number that continues to grow.

HIV in India: Our National Efforts

India has made significant progress in its response to HIV, with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) leading comprehensive programs. The prevalence of HIV in India has been steadily declining due to robust awareness campaigns, accessible testing facilities, and strong ART programs across the nation.

However, the fight is not over. Stigma and discrimination continue to be barriers to testing and treatment. It’s essential to remember that HIV is a medical condition, and with proper management, people living with HIV can live full lives.

Rajavarma Siddha Hospital: Your Partner in Health

At Rajavarma Siddha Hospital, we are committed to contributing to a healthier, more informed future for our community. We understand the importance of:

Awareness: Educating our community about HIV transmission, prevention, and the benefits of early testing.
Prevention: Promoting safe practices and providing information on resources like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) where appropriate.
Support: Fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, free from stigma, for individuals and families affected by HIV.

We encourage everyone to get informed, get tested, and support those living with HIV. Together, we can continue to reduce new infections, eliminate stigma, and move closer to an AIDS-free generation.

What Is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects the body’s immune system, specifically the cells that help fight off infections. Over time, if left untreated, HIV can advance to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is a late-stage condition where the immune system is severely compromised. This makes the body susceptible to various infections and certain cancers.

However, thanks to incredible advancements in modern medicine, an HIV diagnosis is no longer a life-threatening condition. With the right treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives and prevent the virus from spreading. The key lies in early knowledge, prevention, and proactive care.

How Is HIV Transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids from a person with the virus. For transmission to occur, these fluids must enter the bloodstream, either through a mucous membrane, damaged tissue, or direct injection. These fluids include:

Blood
Semen and pre-seminal fluid
Vaginal fluids
Breast milk

The most common ways HIV is transmitted are:

Unprotected sexual contact: This includes anal or vaginal sex without a condom or without using HIV prevention medications.
Sharing needles or injection equipment: Reusing needles or syringes that have traces of infected blood is a risk factor.
Mother to child: An HIV-positive mother can transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, with modern medical care, this risk is now very low.

It is important to remember that HIV cannot be spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing food and drink.

Empowering Your Health: The Power of Prevention

At Rajavarma Siddha Hospital, we encourage everyone to embrace prevention as the most powerful tool for well-being. Knowing the facts empowers you to protect yourself and others. Here are key prevention strategies:

Practice Safe Sex: Consistent and correct use of condoms is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Regular Testing: Knowing your status is essential. Regular testing allows for early diagnosis and treatment, which is critical for both your health and preventing transmission.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing HIV involves a sequence of tests to confirm the presence of the virus and to determine the stage of the infection. The testing process has evolved significantly with modern, highly accurate tests that can detect the virus much earlier than older methods.

The most common method for diagnosing HIV is through a screening test, which is typically a fourth-generation antigen/antibody test. This test looks for both HIV antibodies (proteins produced by the immune system in response to the virus) and p24 antigens (proteins on the surface of the virus itself). The p24 antigen appears in the blood very early, often within 18 to 45 days after exposure, allowing for much earlier detection of the virus than tests that only look for antibodies. A negative result on a fourth-generation test after the 45-day window period is considered conclusive, assuming there have been no further exposures.

If a screening test is positive, it must be confirmed with a second, more specific test. This is often an antibody differentiation test, which distinguishes between HIV-1 and HIV-2, the two main types of HIV. This step is crucial because HIV-2 infections do not respond to some of the standard HIV treatments. If the results are still inconclusive, a nucleic acid test (NAT), also known as an HIV RNA test, may be used. This test looks for the actual genetic material of the virus in the blood and can detect the virus as early as 10 to 33 days after exposure. While highly accurate, NATs are more expensive and are not used for routine screening, but rather for confirming initial positive results or for diagnosing individuals with a recent high-risk exposure who are experiencing early symptoms of acute HIV infection.

In summary, the diagnostic process follows a specific algorithm: a positive screening test is always followed by a confirmatory test, ensuring an accurate diagnosis before any treatment decisions are made.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical guidance. Please consult with a medical professional, such as those at Rajavarma Siddha Hospital, for personalized advice.