HIV is a virus that damages the body's ability to fight off disease, leaving the person vulnerable to a variety of illnesses.

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Kaiser Family Foundation

National Institutes of Health

HIV.gov

Headache

Gastroenterology Nursing

Kaiser Permanente

AIDS

HIV/AIDS Research and Palliative Care

UCSF

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes HIV. It is a virus transmitted through sexual contact, mother to child transmission, blood transfusions, and bodily fluids. (e.g., semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, blood.) AIDS is caused by the HIV infection but is used to describe only the final stage of HIV. The virus attacks and destroys the immune system.

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There is no cure or treatment, and being HIV positive, may be asymptomatic. Drugs are used to prolong life and enable HIV-positive people to lead full lives. Anti-retroviral drugs are also used to help to decrease the risk of mother to child transmission. Practicing safe sex is essential to reduce the risk of being exposed to the virus, being tested, and knowing the status of a partner. Avoiding contact with blood is also essential, and gloves are needed to assist in any First Aid. PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis), can be given, to help decrease the risk of developing HIV, if treatment starts within 72 hours of contact.

Conditions

"Condition" is a general term for particular abnormal diseases that negatively affect a part or all of the body. Conditions are not due to any external injury. Therefore, a broken bone does not classify as a condition, whereas Herpes, OCD, Shingles, and Ulcers do.

Medical conditions are classified by specific symptoms and signs. While each person's experiences can vary, there are consistent signs and symptoms that doctors will look for when diagnosing their patients. We always recommend that people seek a professional diagnosis. Afterward, supplement medical advice and opinion with accurate and easy to read information.

Most people only spend an average of a couple minutes with their doctor during a checkup. Oftentimes patients don't receive the fullest explanation of their diagnosis. Easily search through the vast amount of articles that Facty Health offers for ones that address your specific needs. From there, allow us to help you with those unanswered questions.

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