Sahabat Pramita must have heard about HIV/AIDS. Many statements about this disease circulate in society, one of which is that drug users are certain to contract HIV. But what exactly is HIV/AIDS? Is it true that only drug users can be infected?

What is HIV/AIDS?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the human immune system, making the infected individual vulnerable to severe illnesses. This virus targets T cells (CD4 cells), which play a vital role in maintaining the immune system and combating infections. If HIV infection is left untreated, it will progress to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), the final stage of HIV infection. At this stage, the immune system is severely damaged and can no longer fight off infections, leading to the development of various serious diseases.

Types of HIV Virus

There are two types of HIV viruses: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most common worldwide, while HIV-2 is more frequently found in West Africa. HIV-1 has a higher transmission risk and progresses to AIDS more rapidly than HIV-2.

Causes of HIV and AIDS

While drug use is one of the causes of HIV, there are several other risk factors that can lead to HIV infection:

1. Unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners.
2. Same-sex sexual intercourse (particularly male-to-male sexual contact).
3. Sharing needles, including for drug use, piercing, or tattoos.
4. Blood contact, such as through sharing eating utensils or tools contaminated with infected blood.
5. Mother-to-child transmission, during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
6. History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can increase susceptibility to HIV.
7. Occupational exposure, especially for healthcare workers at risk of needlestick injuries.
8. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, air, sweat, tears, saliva, or mosquito bites.

Symptoms of HIV and AIDS

The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection:

• Stage 1 (Acute Infection): Early symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and flu-like conditions.
• Stage 2 (Chronic Infection): Unexplained weight loss, recurrent respiratory infections, skin rashes, recurring oral ulcers, and fungal infections on nails.
• Stage 3 (Advanced Infection): Severe weight loss (>10%), prolonged diarrhea, fever lasting more than a month, pulmonary tuberculosis, and pneumonia.
• Stage 4 (AIDS): Wasting syndrome, recurrent infections, and severe brain infections like meningitis.

Treatment for HIV and AIDS

After a diagnosis involving medical interviews, physical examinations, and supporting tests such as antigen/antibody tests, DNA, and RNA tests, doctors will provide follow-up care. Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available to suppress the progression of the virus. With ART, individuals living with HIV can lead normal lives, including planning pregnancies for women living with the virus.

If you have complaints or questions about HIV, visit the nearest Pramita Laboratory for prompt follow-up care.

Author:
Dr. Ni Made Ayu Andini Rahmawati (Medical Service Doctor, Pramita Lab Denpasar-Bali)