Differences Have you ever questioned what is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that may causes AIDS. HIV belongs to a subset of viruses called retroviruses or slow virus. This is because it is a progressive disease. HIV is entered through the body through the mucous membranes or thru blood to blood contact. Once you get the virus it slowly begins to attack the immune system, killing off healthy immune system cells. The deterioration and destruction of immune function leads to AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection. A person is said to have AIDS when the cd4 counts drops below 200 and or a person has 1 or more opportunistic infections. The OIs, as they are called, are normal infections that a healthy person would be able to fight off. The four stages of the HIV infection are as follows: 1) The period following infection is called the window. It is called this because it reflect the window of time between infection and that which antibodies are devlop in a person. The HIV test looks for antibodies not the virus. 2) The second stage is called seroconversion. This is when the body begins to develop lots of antibodies to fight off the virus in the body. During this period a person may have flu like sympton. Also during this period is said to be very infectious. 3) The third stage is called symptom free. During this period a person may have no sympton what so ever. This can last any where from 6 months to well over ten years. The medical world is not sure why some people are living sympton free for so long. 4) The final stage is called AIDS. This is the period when TCELL drop to below 200 and the OI"S are present. So, as we see, HIV is a infection that will leads to AIDS. The body immune system is slowly being attacked until it is destroyed and can't fight off infections. Once this happens a person is said to have AIDS. AIDS is the final stage.

Stereotypes The doctor who wouldn't come into the patient's hospital room. The neurologist who avoided eye contact. The ambulance attendant who angrily threw her bloodied gloves into the street after learning the injured patient was HIV-positive.

Misconceptions about HIV AIDS

HIV is the same as AIDS This is false. HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is the virus that causes the immune system to break down. As a result of this breakdown AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), the collection of symptoms, diseases, and infections associated with an acquired deficiency of the immune system occurs. While HIV is the underlying cause of AIDS, not all HIV-positive individuals have AIDS, as HIV can remain in a latent state for many years. Usually HIV progresses to AIDS, defined as possessing a CD4+ lymphocyte count under 200 cells/ l or HIV infection plus co-infection with an AIDS defining opportunistic infection. Sexual intercourse with an animal will avoid or cure AIDS The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) in Johannesburg, South Africa, has recorded in 2002 beliefs amongst youths that sex with animals is a means to avoid AIDS or cure it if infected.[10] As with "virgin cure" beliefs, there is no scientific evidence suggesting a sexual act can actually cure AIDS, and no plausible mechanism by which it could do so has ever been proposed. The risk of contracting HIV via sex with animals is small, but the practice has its own health risks. Sexual intercourse with a virgin will cure AIDS The myth that sex with a virgin will cure AIDS is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.[7][8][9] Sex with an uninfected virgin does not cure an HIV-infected person, and such contact will expose the uninfected individual to HIV, potentially further spreading the disease. This myth has gained considerable notoriety as the perceived reason for certain sexual abuse and child molestation occurrences, including the rape of infants, in Africa.[7][8]

HIV antibody testing is unreliable Diagnosis of infection using antibody testing is a well-established technique in medicine. HIV antibody tests exceed the performance of most other infectious disease tests in both sensitivity (the ability of the screening test to give a positive finding when the person tested truly has the disease) and specificity (the ability of the test to give a negative finding when the subjects tested are free of the disease under study). Many current HIV antibody tests have sensitivity and specificity in excess of 96% and are therefore extremely reliable.[11] Progress in testing methodology has enabled detection of viral genetic material, antigens, and the virus itself in bodily fluids and cells. While not widely used for routine testing due to high cost and requirements in laboratory equipment, these direct testing techniques have confirmed the validity of the antibody tests.[12][13][14][15][16][17] Positive HIV antibody tests are usually followed up by retests and tests for antigens, viral genetic material and the virus itself, providing confirmation of actual infection A cure for AIDS? See also AIDS Treatment and HIV Treatment Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) in many cases allows the stabilization of the patient's symptoms, partial recovery of CD4+ T-cell levels, and reduction in viremia (the level of virus in the blood) to low or near-undetectable levels. Disease-specific drugs can also alleviate symptoms of AIDS and even cure specific AIDS-defining conditions in some cases. Medical treatment can reduce HIV infection in many cases to a survivable chronic condition, analogous to diabetes. However, these advances do not constitute a cure, since current treatment regimens cannot eradicate latent HIV from the body. High levels of HIV-1 (often HAART-resistant) develop if treatment is stopped, if compliance with treatment is inconsistent, or if the virus spontaneously develops resistance to an individual's regimen.[5]Antiretroviral treatment known as post-exposure prophylaxis reduces the chance of acquiring an HIV infection when administered within 72 hours of exposure to HIV.[6] These problems mean that while HIV-positive people with low viremia are less likely to infect others, the chance of transmission always exists. In addition, people on HAART may still become sick.

Islams view on Human life and health

Human life is highly valued in Islam; it is considered a gift from Allah. In the Islamic view, Muslims are not supposed to think that it is their life with which they can do what they want. Instead, individuals have been entrusted with life by Allah. We are supposed to look after life and not abuse it. A healthy body is a gift from Allah, we are the trustees, and therefore we have no right to misuse and abuse it. Our Holy Prophet Mohammed, (peace be upon him), has stressed the importance of health at many times. He once said to his one of his companion, O Abbas ask Allah for health in this world and in the next (Al-Nasa`i). No supplication is more pleasing to Allah than a request for good health (Tirmidhi). The Prophet Dawud (pbuh) said, Health is a hidden kingdom. Our bodies are trust from Allah that must be returned one day and we will be asked how looked after it. Therefore we should avoid any act which will harm our physical or spiritual health. Does the concept of modesty in Islam permit us to talk about sex? Discussing HIV and AIDS would involve discussing sexual and intimate matters. Islam has always encouraged discussions on matters which will help us protect our health and life. Modesty in Islam does not mean that we should not discuss sexual matters. Muslim men and women never felt shy to ask the Prophet (pbuh) about intimate sexual matters. The Holy Quran has discussed reproduction, creation, family life, menstruation and ejaculation. The Prophet (pbuh) has said, Blessed are the women of the Ansar (citizens of Madinah), shyness did not stand in their way for seeking knowledge about their religion (Bukhari & Muslim). The Quran and hadith (words and sayings attributed to the Prophet Mohammed pbuh) have repeatedly stressed the importance of acquiring knowledge. Are they equal those who do, and those who do not know? (Quran 39:9). Its through knowledge that we can achieve closeness to Allah, marvel at his creative work, and appreciate the divine rules of conduct given in the Holy Book and practised by the Holy Prophet and his companions. We should not feel embarrassed or shy when discussing or reading about HIV/AIDS. However, Islam does require people to be modest and so it is not so much the discussion of sex and sexual matters that is an issue, but how this is done. How should Muslims behave towards people who are living with HIV or AIDS? There are many Muslims who are affected by AIDS. These people are someones son or daughter, brother or sister: they are part of the Muslim community. We cannot shun people living with HIV or AIDS. Any person with AIDS should be given attention, care, love and affection, so the person can lead their life with dignity. We also have no right to judge or condemn people. AIDS and HIV is all around us, inside our Mosques and in many of our homes. It does not help to ask if someone is innocent or guilty in this. All of know that alcohol is prohibited in Islam (and all of know of some Muslims who do drink); All of us know that sex outside marriage is not allowed in Islam, but all of us also know our own lives and history bit better than outsiders. Suppose a Muslim arrives at the scene of a motor car accident and he or she notices that a number of people are badly injured. Are our first concern how it happened or to get help? Do we go around and point fingers at the guilty driver and then say, Well he caused it, and then just move on? Do we go around and smell the breath of the injured and when we find that they smell of alcohol, do we say, alcohol is haram; they should not have taken it and that they asked for it?" No as Muslims we know the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: Have compassion towards those who are on earth and the One who is beyond will have compassion towards you." Islam is a religion that is full of compassion, love and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reminded Muslims that: You will not enter into paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. In another Hadith, it has been said, Allah shows compassion only to those of his servants who are compassionate. Love and compassion are the qualities of a good Muslim, and people with AIDS cannot be denied these powerful emotions. Visiting and caring for the sick is another good deed that is highly recommended by the Prophet (pbuh). Whoever visits a sick person is walking along the high road to heaven (Bukhari). A visit to a sick person is only complete when you have put your hand on his forehead and asked him how he is (Tirmidhi). People with AIDS need our compassion, our love, and our affection, so do not be afraid to embrace them or touch them. The Prophet (pbuh) also said, If you enter the house of a sick person, then only speak good words, for truly the angels will confirm what you say, and they will open up the way of heaven to him (Nasai). There are many more sayings from the messenger of Allah about showing love and compassion to people in ill health. Therefore, we must remember what is expected from us by Allah. Some Muslims may think that HIV and AIDS are not issues for the community. The reality is that HIV and AIDS are major issues in many Muslim countries. It is therefore becoming extremely important that we accept that we are equally vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. Given the increase in HIV infection globally, it is more important than ever that we discuss HIV and AIDS openly.

Related info/URLs: "Positive Muslims": A South African NGO and Its Fight against Aids Approximately 5.5 million people in South Africa live with the HIV virus; every ninth person is infected, among them many Muslims HOW DOES HIV SPREAD Infected persons blood, semen, vaginal fluid are rich in HIV. However tears, saliva, sweat or urine do not pose any danger? HIV is transmitted by:

Unprotected sexual intercourse with infected person (either heterosexual or homosexual)

Transfusion of infected blood or blood products

Infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth process and through breast feeding

Use of infected needles and instruments without sterilization or sharing of needles and syringes by HIV drug addicts

HOW HIV IS NOT TRANSMITTED There is no risk of contracting HIV infection in daily routine activities and by casual contact with HIV positive person. AIDS virus is not transmitted through:

Embarrassing or kissing (social)

Touching hand shaking or hugging

Sharing bathroom or toilet

Coughing, saliva or sneezing

Eating together or sharing utensils

Swimming pools

Sharing clothes

Mosquito bite, Insect bite or houseflies

Patient caring

HOW HIV IS NOT TRANSMITTED There is no risk of contracting HIV infection in daily routine activities and by casual contact with HIV positive person. AIDS virus is not transmitted through:

Embarrassing or kissing (social)

Touching hand shaking or hugging

Sharing bathroom or toilet

Coughing, saliva or sneezing

Eating together or sharing utensils

Swimming pools

Sharing clothes

Mosquito bite, Insect bite or houseflies

Patient caring

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF AIDS An HIV infected person initially looks normal and perfectly healthy. The symptoms of AIDS develop after few years and include: -

Long standing, unexplained fever ( > 1 month)

Unexplained diarrhoea (> 1 month)

Persistent cough (> 1 month)

Persistent unexplained fatigue and weight loss of more than 5 kg within short period

White blotches in the mouth or on tongue

y y y
HOW HIV CAN BE DETECTED You can not tell by looking at persons face whether he or she is infected with HIV. The infected person looks perfectly healthy and feel well for years. The infection can only be detected by doing a blood test i.e. ELISA HIV antibody test. If someone is found to be positive by ELISA and confirmed by second test (done on different blood sample and by different method) the person is said to be seropositive.

y y y y y y y y
SPOT TEST: This is simple rapid test for finding out the HIV status of a person in which the result can be given to the patient within half an hour. Rarely there are chances of a false positive report and hence a positive report should be confirmed by doing ELISA test. WESTERN BLOT (WB) TEST: Specialized and costly confirmatory test for HIV. Done only to confirm a positive ELISA or SPOT test report. Ever since the standard of ELISA and SPOT test has improved the role of this test seems to be very little in diagnosis of HIV infection. CD4 AND VIRAL LOAD TESTING: Very costly tests and done only in those affording patients who are willing to start anti-HIV (antiretroviral) drugs. It is mandatory to do pre-test and post-test counselling of all the patients before and after the test respectively.

CARE OF HIV / AIDS PATIENT GENERAL CARE:

y y y y y y y y

Sympathetic attitude, family and public support Patient should be advised to take adequate rest and diet rich in proteins and vitamins Patient should be advised not to donate blood or organs Patient should be advised to use condom with any sexual partner As far as possible patient should avoid eating outside food Patient should be encouraged to give up all habits i.e. smoking, alcohol or chewing pan or tobacco Patient should drink boiled water Patient should be advised to do regular exercise or yoga

If patients follow above general care tips they can live 1-2 year longer. SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT:

y y

Early treatment of common problems like fever, cough, diarrhea etc. from family doctor Early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections like TB etc.

SPECIFIC ANTI-HIV TREATMENT: Many new anti-HIV drugs which prevent the spread of the virus and can postphone various complications are now available at selected places in market and few of them are also manufactured in India e.g. AZT, 3TC, D4T, Saquinavir, ddc, nevirapine etc. But these medicines are very costly and in India 90% of HIV patients cannot even think of them. One year expenses of good comminations of these drugs and blood testing comes to around 1.5 to 2.5 lacs. These medicines can prolong the life of the patient but not cure him. HOW CAN HIV BE PREVENTED

PRVENTION IS THE ONLY CURE FOR HIV / AIDS Prevention is simple easy and the only answer we have got today unless we find some cure. HIV can be easily prevented by adopting simple measures such as: SAFE SEX: The only safe sex is no sex; all other practices like masturbation, cuddling, hugging, rubbing, sticking to one partner or using condom if one cannot avoid multiple partners are safer sex practices.

SAFE BLOOD: Judicious use of blood and use only pretested HIV free blood or blood product.

SAFE NEEDLES: Insist your doctors and nurses to use sterile or disposable needles and instruments.

SAFE MOTHERHOOD: Before taking any major step in life like marriage or having child ascertain that you are HIV free.

SAFE RAZOR AND BLADE: Never share your shaving blades with anyone and also ask your barber to use properly cleansed razor and new blade during shaving or hair cut. (Although the risk of getting infection from a saloon is minimal)

CARE OF HIV / AIDS PATIENT GENERAL CARE:

y y y y y y y y

Sympathetic attitude, family and public support Patient should be advised to take adequate rest and diet rich in proteins and vitamins Patient should be advised not to donate blood or organs Patient should be advised to use condom with any sexual partner As far as possible patient should avoid eating outside food Patient should be encouraged to give up all habits i.e. smoking, alcohol or chewing pan or tobacco Patient should drink boiled water Patient should be advised to do regular exercise or yoga

If patients follow above general care tips they can live 1-2 year longer. SYMPTOMATIC TREATMENT:

y y

Early treatment of common problems like fever, cough, diarrhea etc. from family doctor Early detection and treatment of opportunistic infections like TB etc.

SPECIFIC ANTI-HIV TREATMENT: Many new anti-HIV drugs which prevent the spread of the virus and can postphone various complications are now available at selected places in market and few of them are also manufactured in India e.g. AZT, 3TC, D4T, Saquinavir, ddc, nevirapine etc. But these medicines are very costly and in India 90% of HIV patients cannot even think of them. One year expenses of good comminations of these drugs and blood testing comes to around 1.5 to 2.5 lacs. These medicines can prolong the life of the patient but not cure him. CONCLUSION Remember AIDS does not discriminate caste, creed, race, religion, educational or social status. Prevention of AIDS is our joint responsibility. Education and awareness is the only weapon in our hand. Let us accept the challenge to fight against AIDS. We must support and care for the people with HIV / AIDS with compassion and understanding.

Mothers living with HIV

Pregnant women with HIV or mothers of young children can face an additional emotional burden because of the fear they will transmit or have transmitted HIV to their child. They may also have concerns about having children in the future.

HIV-positive mother with her uninfected daughter. Although mothers should be free to decide how they feed their baby based on available knowledge and resources, social acceptability is an added pressure that influences feeding methods. Because of the stigmatisation of HIV and the cultural norm to breastfeed in many areas of the world, formula feeding is often frowned upon. I went through depression and thought I was going to die, but I did not. I lived because I was carrying him, I talked to him while he was in my stomach, I apologized for bringing him to the world with such a risk at hand.Nosi, South Africa Among HIV-positive mothers in South Africa it was found that feeding methods differed depending on factors including active coping skills and whether they had disclosed their status to a partner. Higher levels of both were more likely to lead to formula feeding, reflecting how social pressure exerts undue influence on mothers decisions. Of those women who breastfed, more than 60% believed (incorrectly) that all mothers who breastfeed their babies will transmit HIV, indicating many thought they were taking an extreme risk by breastfeeding.16 This research also demonstrates the lack of knowledge about the risks and merits of breastfeeding to babies health in the context of HIV. Improved, culturally aware and circumstantially-relevant counselling on breastfeeding options would not only improve the life chances of millions of babies, but could alleviate the worry faced by mothers who feed their baby one way or the other. Mothers like those who agreed with the statement above may suffer severe emotional distress believing they are harming their baby, despite the fact that the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months unless replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe.17

Living with HIV: Being diagnosed I was diagnosed with HIV June 16,2005. I was 19yrs old and that was the worst day of my life. Everyones experience will be different but being diagnosed with HIV can create a raft of emotions including anger, denial, depression, anxiety, shock, and fear of death.8 Further emotional stress could stem from thoughts about who people should tell, how lifestyle will change and if it will be possible to have children. Some may also experience guilt, viewing their infection as a punishment for being gay or taking drugs, or for the worry they may cause to other people and for possibly infecting others.9 Just as reactions differ, so too will the ways in which people deal with them. There is no one-size-fits-all method of dealing with something as profound as a positive HIV diagnosis and people should find what works best for them. Counselling can be helpful in order to come to terms with the diagnosis and resulting feelings, and as a precursor to dealing with the virus itself. Discussing the patients immediate emotional concerns is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of post-test counselling.10 Such steps could enable the patient to more effectively absorb information regarding the consequences of their diagnosis, and they might make better-considered decisions about their next steps including preventing risky behaviour and beginning treatment. It is often considered ineffective to discuss possible clinical procedures with the patient soon after their diagnosis, and that this should generally be postponed until a later time. One doctor has suggested that after someone is told they are positive, [t]he physician should expect that the patient will not hear a detailed description of management options, which should be discussed or reviewed at subsequent visits.11 When patients are ready to receive advice, those who are well informed about the virus and the associated medical implications have been found to manage their illness better. In a palliative care survey in South Africa and Uganda one HIV-positive patient

responded, Yes, I was told everything at the clinic about HIV and AIDS, and I think I have used that to my advantage. Conversely, the authors of the investigation found patients and caregivers ability to cope was diminished by poor knowledge and provision of information, and this affected ability to care and plan for the future.12 After the initial shock I went into complete denial you see I chose to ignore the fact of my status even though at the back of my mind I knew.South African Mother