HIV infection is a plague not only of the 20th, but also of the 21st century. The number of people infected with HIV is, unfortunately, steadily increasing every year. Doctors around the world are sounding the alarm, calling on humanity to common sense - the infection is spreading at a cosmic speed, and now there are very few areas left without at least one sick person. However, despite the scale of the disaster, every attempt and precautions increase the chances of winning this fight for the life and health of the population of the entire globe.

In order to know how to effectively fight the disease and prevent infection, it is important to first learn what HIV is. Ways of transmission of this infection, its differences from AIDS, symptoms and basic precautions - this is the topic of our conversation today. So...

What is HIV?

The abbreviation HIV stands for simply: human immunodeficiency virus. Already based on the name, it becomes clear that pathogenic bacteria attack the immune system. White blood cells fall under the scope, contributing to the elimination of various harmful microorganisms and fungi from the body. As soon as the number of white blood cells decreases, a person becomes extremely susceptible to various kinds of infectious diseases.

People with HIV are doomed to death, since the immunodeficiency virus acts throughout life, and a person can die even from the most primitive SARS. However, it is possible to live with HIV infection for two or three years, or for ten years.

Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?

Don't confuse HIV with AIDS. AIDS is the latest stage of the disease we are considering. The abbreviation stands for "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome", and the claim that it is possible to contract this disease is fundamentally wrong. It is HIV that causes AIDS, so it is quite possible to eliminate the signs of the syndrome, but alas, the virus itself can be cured. In this regard, AIDS is considered fatal, as it occurs at the very end of the disease and invariably leads to a tragic end.

Source or carrier of HIV infection

HIV-infected people are called carriers of this virus, regardless of the stage of the disease, whether it be the incubation or the end period. Infection from the source of the disease is possible at any stage of the disease, however, contacts with the carrier at the end of incubation and at a later date are most likely. Only a person can be HIV-infected.

Now that we have figured out what HIV is and who can become a carrier of the virus, we will consider possible ways of contracting this infection.

Ways of HIV transmission

HIV can only be transmitted in three ways:

1. From mother to newborn.
2. Sexually.
3. Through the blood.

Theoretically, there is another way of infection - transplantation and transplantation of various organs and tissues from one person to another, as well as artificial insemination women. However, due to careful testing and numerous checks of biological material, the possibility of infection with the virus is thus reduced to absolute zero.

Note that the paths mentioned above are listed from least common to most relevant. Let's consider each of them separately.

HIV transmission from mother to newborn

Infection with HIV infection can occur both during gestation and during childbirth, and subsequently during breastfeeding. This method of infection is currently the least possible of the three above, since modern medicine offers various preventive measures based on the use of chemotherapy drugs. They reduce the risk of having HIV-infected children by several percent. What's up breastfeeding, then only artificial mixtures are used here.

It is possible to confirm HIV infection in a child only after reaching 1.5 years. However, it is possible to get some information earlier, during the first month of a baby's life. For this, blood is taken from the child for analysis, but the result will be only 90% reliable.

In this regard, every pregnant woman should be required to undergo an HIV test in order to avoid aggravating the situation and transmitting the infection to the fetus if the result is positive by inaction or, conversely, undesirable effects on the body of certain drugs, the use of which is unacceptable in the above conditions.

Sexual transmission of HIV

Unprotected sex is a real scourge among homosexuals, drug addicts, prostitutes, and those who practice casual sex. The risk of infection among the representatives of this contingent rolls over. Moreover, HIV is more common in women than in men. According to statistics, more than 85% of the respondents were infected sexually. If, before contact with the carrier, a person already had any inflammatory diseases, then the risk of infection increases several times.

Transmission of HIV through blood

Infection with HIV infection through the blood is the most common way to get the disease. You can "earn" a dangerous virus through:

Collective use of disposable syringes and needles;

Non-sterile surgical instruments;

Violation of hygienic rules for the operation of cosmetic and dental equipment;

Transfusion of blood and plasma without prior testing.

How not to get HIV

For complete literacy in this matter, you should know how you can not get HIV. We described the ways of transmission of the virus above, but now let's remember the factors that should in no way affect the position of an infected person in society:

Bodily contacts, including kisses, provided that there are no open scratches, wounds, abrasions on the skin;

Food and drinking liquids;

household items;

Public toilets, showers, pools, seats and handrails in transport;

coughing, sneezing, sweat, tears, breathing;

Animals and insects, including blood-sucking.

Despite this, there are many myths regarding the fact that you can catch the virus at any time. Even if you sleep with an infected person in the same bed and eat from the same plate, you can never become infected with HIV - the transmission routes of infection only work in the three cases already known to us.

Conditions for HIV infection

Despite the ease with which a known virus can be caught, certain conditions must be met during transmission:

The infection must enter the endangered organism with special biological secretions that have an increased concentration of bacteria;

For the growth of the focus, penetration into the body itself is necessary. If the covers are not damaged, this is simply impossible.

The virus is present in all fluids that the human body can produce. But at the same time, its concentration in some secrets is much greater than in others. For example, saliva, sweat, tears. urine, if it enters a foreign organism, cannot contribute to HIV infection. The routes of transmission are not important, only if the surface of the skin or mucous membranes is not damaged. In other cases, whole liters of such liquids will be required to infect a healthy organism.

But secretions such as semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal secretions, as well as breast milk and blood already carry a potential danger. After any of the mentioned liquids gets into a fertile environment, the level of susceptibility of the affected organism comes into force. The virus will manifest itself in any case, but how early it depends on genes, a person’s susceptibility to various kinds of diseases, the presence of aggravating conditions and other factors.

Symptoms of HIV

Now let's talk about how the virus can manifest itself outwardly. Despite the fact that in most cases it is impossible to determine HIV in men or women in the initial stages, there are still some symptoms associated with this disease.

Each organism is individual, so to determine characteristics problematic enough. The latest HIV statistics suggest that the first symptoms can be detected both two weeks after infection and two months later. In individual cases, signs can disappear for an indefinite period, in order to subsequently resume with renewed vigor.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as:

Enlarged lymph nodes;

Regular occurrence of herpes;

Increased body temperature;

Stomatitis;

Dermatitis;

Sharp weight loss;

Frequent respiratory diseases;

Feverish manifestations;

Indigestion;

Candidiasis and vaginal inflammation in women,

But do not attribute everything to various viral and colds. Analyze your behavior carefully Lately and the presence of possible factors that could contribute to infection with the virus, and go to the doctor, and then donate blood for HIV.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that the virus in the initial stages behaves very covertly. Even laboratory tests are unable to recognize a hidden infection. And only a few years later, the disease can manifest itself so clearly that doctors no longer have any doubts about the infection of a person.

How many live with HIV?

This question is the most pressing for those who have received an HIV-positive result. If we compare the capabilities of modern medicine with what we had 10-15 years ago, it is easy to see that infected citizens began to live a little longer. However, the main criterion for this was not only the improvement of medications and technologies, but also the recognition and acceptance by patients of some undeniable requirements regarding the new lifestyle that they now have to comply with.

The results of studying the life expectancy of HIV-infected people cannot be brought under any possible logical pattern. Some carriers of the virus can live to a ripe old age, while others do not last even 5 years. If we average all the indicators, it turns out that HIV-infected people live for about 10-12 years, but all the boundaries are so blurred and relative that it makes no sense to clearly state the duration.

The only thing that can help prolong the life of the patient is the strict observance of the following rules:

Eliminate (or at least significantly limit) the amount of nicotine, alcohol and drugs used;

Perform regularly physical exercise, ideally - go in for sports;

Take vitamin complexes and remedies to strengthen immunity;

Switch to a healthy diet;

Visit your healthcare professional regularly.

Although it is still too early to talk about a complete victory over the virus, the fact that scientists are able to control it today speaks for itself.

Ways to protect against HIV infection and precautions

Knowledge is the most important weapon against HIV. We already know the ways of transmission of the infection, so now it remains only to supplement this awareness. Preventive measures to prevent infection with the virus are as follows:

Use of condoms during sexual intercourse. Do not allow semen, blood, partner's vaginal fluid to enter the body;

Choose your sexual partners carefully. The more third-party and unprotected sexual relationships your chosen one or chosen one has, the higher the likelihood of getting an infection;

Be faithful to your partner yourself;

Avoid group sex;

Do not take other people's personal hygiene items (razors, toothbrushes);

Be extremely careful and attentive in unfamiliar in public places;

Watch what your kids play with. It is not uncommon for used syringes to be found on playgrounds and in sandboxes;

Only use sterilized surgical instruments and syringes no more than once. Demand the same from the tattoo artists and cosmetologists whose services you applied for;

If you are a pregnant woman with suspected immunodeficiency virus, do not be lazy to donate blood for HIV. If you get a positive result, seek help from a specialist. He will prescribe the necessary drugs to minimize the risk of giving birth to an unhealthy child.

The main danger of HIV infection is that the virus does not manifest itself for a very long time. During these periods, the carrier of the disease can infect other people without suspecting anything about their condition. That is why it is important to know about the existence of such a disease as HIV, the ways of its spread and the precautions that must be observed in order to fully protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

Dear readers! In means mass media There is not much talk about HIV infection these days. But that doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist. The incidence of HIV infection is growing every year, and so is the death rate. The concern is that a more dangerous strain of the virus has emerged. The Asian strain, which was detected in migrants from Asian countries, mixed with the Russian strain, as a result of "mixing" more dangerous view virus - A63. This strain has a low infectious dose, greater resistance to modern antiviral drugs and contributes to more rapid development immunodeficiency and death of the diseased.

I can't help but touch on the incidence statistics. The numbers make one wonder about the size of the epidemic. According to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in 2016, the number of newly diagnosed patients increased significantly. In terms of the growth rate of new cases, our country is ahead of many countries in the world, including Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania.

The total number of HIV-infected people in Russia as of 01.01.2017 amounted to 1,501,574 people (more than 1.5 million people plus more than 100 thousand HIV-infected temporary foreigners), of which 240 thousand people died of AIDS (in the world, in general, 50 million died of AIDS). According to the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova, at the beginning of 2016, every fifth HIV-infected person in Russia died, not necessarily from AIDS, but including other causes of death: drug overdose, suicide, accident, etc.

Experts believe that the main reasons for such a rapid increase in HIV-infected people were:

1. Uncontrolled distribution of synthetic drugs, spices, which lead to persistent addiction, uncontrolled sexual activity, insanity.
2. Derogation of the moral foundations of the family and society, propaganda on television, the Internet of sexual promiscuity and multiple sexual partners.
3. Insufficient work of regulatory authorities responsible for the prevention of infection among the population.

The tragedy of the situation lies in the fact that the young able-bodied population aged 30 to 35 is dying. And if earlier it was believed that the incidence had a concentrated stage (mostly drug addicts, homosexuals, prostitutes were sick), now the incidence has gone beyond this. Already socially prosperous people get sick. Here is the chain: a drug addict husband infected his wife, who does not belong to any asocial group. A pregnant wife infects her child in utero. And so on…

HIV Infection - Epidemiology

The causative agent is an RNA-containing virus related to retroviruses. The virus enters the cell, produces its own kind, multiplies and causes the death of these cells. It affects the cells of T-lymphocytes (T-4) - helpers (defenders), which are responsible for the state of immunity. These cells are getting smaller and the protective immune system is weakening. Getting into the body with a weakened immune system, various viruses, bacteria, fungi cause the development of opportunistic infections. The patient dies not so much from the action of the HIV infection virus, but from a complex of diseases due to reduced immunity and death of CNS cells.

The HIV infection virus is relatively unstable in the external environment, so at a temperature of 60º it dies within half an hour. At temperatures down to -10º (with quick freezing) it dies within 7-10 days, at -70º it can persist for years. Disinfectants in the viral mode die within 15-60 minutes.

However, on the biological fluids of an infected person, it retains its viability and virulence for a long time. In the dried blood of used syringes, the virus survives for a week (at a temperature of 27-37º), in corpses and organs - up to a crescent.

High risk of infection and a high concentration of the virus is noted:

• in blood and blood products,
• in seminal fluid
• in vaginal secretion
• in any biological fluid where there is blood,
• in breast milk.

Low risk of infection and the minimum number of viruses contained:

• in saliva
• in tears,
• in the urine
• in the faeces
• in sweat fluid.

Transmission routes

In medical practice, natural and artificial transmission routes are distinguished.

Natural:

• Sexual - with sexual contact. The most dangerous in terms of transmission of the virus are non-traditional sexual contacts, as there is a lot of trauma and the presence of blood;
• From woman to fetus: transplacental (vertical) during pregnancy and childbirth;
• While breastfeeding with milk or if the nipples are cracked.

Artificial:

• With intravenous drug administration using a single syringe or needle;
• When transfusing untested blood;
• With parenteral interventions, when they work with insufficient or untreated medical instruments.

At present, the airborne route of transmission of the virus through insect bites has not been proven. With a sexual kiss, the transmission of the virus is possible only if the mucous membranes of both partners are injured. It is not possible to transmit the pathogen with a friendly kiss or when swimming in the same reservoir, through the air, when coughing or sneezing, or when shaking hands.

Symptoms and duration of the stages of the disease

IN clinical course The disease is divided into 4 stages.

1. The incubation period lasts from 3 weeks to 6 months, in children - up to 1 year. There is an intensive reproduction of the virus. Since antibodies to the virus in the blood appear only 2-3 weeks after infection, this period is very dangerous in terms of the further spread of the infection.
2. Stage of primary manifestations (preAIDS). The impact of the virus itself is underway. In 70%, acute HIV infection develops, and in the remaining 30%, primary manifestations may be absent. This stage of the disease is manifested by fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin rashes, enlarged liver and spleen, and dyspeptic disorders. It lasts from several weeks to 6-8-10 years.
3. Stage of secondary manifestations (stage AIDS). The duration varies depending on the state of the immune system - from 1.5 years or more. It is manifested by various fungal lesions of various localization and frequency: herpes zoster, candidiasis of the esophagus, herpes, pneumocystis pneumonia (AIDS queen), cytomegalovirus infection, hairy leukoplagia of the tongue, secondary lymphadenopathy, pyoderma, eczema, warty candidiasis, spontaneous abscesses caused by the introduction of fungi. Kaposi's sarcoma develops - a malignant neoplasm of the skin, as well as other tumors - brain lymphoma, lung cancer, stomach. Tuberculosis is very common. All of these are AIDS-associated infections.
4. Terminal stage. The patient cannot cope with the infection and dies, since there are still no means of specific and etiotropic therapy.

What about HIV prevention? If you have read this publication carefully, then you probably already understand what preventive measures exist. Therefore, it is very important to lead a correct lifestyle, avoiding all those moments that can lead to infection.

It is necessary to be more attentive to various medical procedures, do not be shy, ask what instrument is used for the procedure, whether it has undergone pre-sterilization cleaning and sterilization, make sure that disposable instruments are opened in front of your eyes in the treatment rooms.

If there is a drug addiction, then it is unlikely that the addict will refuse the next dose, then let him inject drugs at least with disposable syringes and needles.

Prevention of unprotected intercourse

Use a condom during intercourse if you are not completely sure that your partner (partner) is healthy. But there are situations when sexual contact occurred with an unfamiliar person or there was rape. How to act in such a situation?

In such a situation, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible, but no later than 2 days. Your doctor will prescribe medication for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is important to know that drugs should be taken no later than the 2nd day after contact, strictly according to the scheme recommended by the doctor.

At the first visit, the doctor will write out a referral for a blood test for HIV antibodies. This is necessary in order to exclude an already existing infection.

Since antibodies in the blood are not produced immediately, but some time after infection, it will be necessary to donate blood for antibodies to HIV in another 6 weeks. But even this negative result does not give a 100% guarantee that the infection did not occur, therefore, to be completely sure, you will have to donate blood again after 3 months.

If there is an HIV-infected person in the family

No need to panic! What happened, happened. However, be aware that the HIV virus is not very stable in the external environment and is practically not transmitted in everyday life. You cannot get infected through bedding, dishes, washcloths or soap. For infection, contact of biological fluids of a healthy and sick person is necessary.

However, precautions must be taken. So try not to share razors, toothbrushes, manicures, etc.

And for greater certainty, it is best to periodically check in the AIDS center.

Dear readers, today you have learned a little more about what HIV infection is, how it is contracted and preventive measures. I hope that this danger will pass you by.

Like other diseases, human immunodeficiency virus is better to prevent than to treat later. Indeed, at the moment, unfortunately, no cure has been invented for this disease, which allows to recover completely. Therefore, it is important to know all the existing methods and basic measures to prevent HIV infection.

HIV infection: modes of transmission and prevention measures in the population

Known methods of infection:

1. The entry of the blood of an infected person into the blood of a healthy person.
2. Unprotected sexual contact.
3. From an infected mother to an infant (inside the womb, during childbirth or breastfeeding).

The first route of transmission is more common among medical workers, because. they are in contact with the blood of patients most of the time.

It is worth noting that unprotected sex also includes anal and oral types of sexual contact. At the same time, women are more at risk of infection than men, because in female body a large amount of seminal fluid with a concentrated content of viral cells enters.

When HIV is transmitted from mother to child, the fetus becomes infected at about 8-10 weeks of gestation. If the infection never happened, there is a very high probability of infection during childbirth due to the contact of the blood of the mother and the baby.

HIV prevention methods:

1. Information messages. The more often warnings about the risk of infection are heard in the media, the more people, especially young people, will think about it. Particular efforts should be made to promote a healthy lifestyle and inter-gender relations, and the rejection of drugs.
2. barrier contraception. Today, the condom provides more than 90% protection against the ingress of genital fluids into the human body. Therefore, you should always carry barrier contraceptives with you.
3. Sterilization. It is not recommended for infected women to have children, as the risk of transmitting the virus to an infant is very high and doctors cannot always save him from infection. Therefore, it is desirable that a woman with HIV consciously take such a serious step and give up the opportunity to continue the birth.

Prevention of occupational HIV infection among healthcare workers

Doctors and nurses, as well as laboratory workers, inevitably come into contact with patients' biological fluids (lymph, blood, genital secretions, and others). The prevention of HIV infection in surgery and dentistry is especially relevant. in these departments, the greatest number of operations take place and the risk of infection is increased.

Abstract on the topic:

"HIV infection and its prevention"

Performed

1. What is HIV infection……………………………………………………3

2. Ways of transmission……………………………………………………………...3

3. Stages of HIV infection………………………………………………………4

4. Diagnosis of HIV infection…………………………………………….…..5

5. Basic principles of treatment of HIV infection…………………………..5.

6. Prevention of HIV infection………………………………..…………..6

7. Appendix………………………………………………………………...7

What is HIV infection?

HIV is a human immunodeficiency virus that leads to the development of AIDS (acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome), a deadly disease that destroys our immunity. Despite the best efforts of scientists and doctors, a cure that can completely cure it has not been found. Therefore, AIDS is not only a direct threat to our health, but also to our lives! No matter how attractive a stranger may look who offers you to become his sexual partner, you cannot know how safe this relationship will be for your health. A person who maintains promiscuity is a potential carrier of many sexually transmitted infections. Be careful and careful when choosing a partner! Any new contact may pose a threat to your health or life. Dangerous:

· Casual sexual contact, even when using a condom!

Intravenous administration medicines or drugs using non-sterile syringes.

· Tattoo and piercing.

Safely:

· Handshake, kissing, hugging and other tactile contact.

Use of shared crockery and cutlery.

· Usage common soap, toilet seat, towels, clothes.

Any medical manipulations using sterile instruments (including disposable ones).

transmission paths. The source of HIV infection is an infected person at any stage of the disease, including the period of incubation. The most likely transmission of HIV is from a person who is at the end of the incubation period, in the period of primary manifestations and in the late stage of infection, when the concentration of the virus reaches its maximum. 3 to 10-15 years. Naturally, these are average indicators. The human immunodeficiency virus can be found in all biological fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, saliva, tears, sweat, etc.), it overcomes the transplacental barrier. However, the content of viral particles in biological fluids is different, which determines their unequal epidemiological significance.

Human biological substrates containing HIV and having the greatest epidemiological significance in the spread of HIV infection:

semen and pre-ejaculate;

· vaginal and cervical secret;

maternal breast milk.

The virus can also be found in other substrates (but its concentration in them is low or the substrate is not available, such as cerebrospinal fluid):

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF);

lacrimal fluid

The secretion of the sweat glands.

Transmission of HIV requires not only the presence of a source of infection and a susceptible subject, but also the occurrence of appropriate conditions that ensure this transmission. On the one hand, the isolation of HIV from an infected organism in natural situations occurs in limited ways: with semen, secretions of the genital tract, with breast milk, and under pathological conditions - with blood and various exudates. On the other hand, for HIV infection with the subsequent development of the infectious process, it is necessary for the pathogen to enter the internal environment of the body.

It is believed that the share of sexual transmission of the virus accounts for 86% of all cases of infection, of which 71% - with heterosexual and 15% - with homosexual contacts. The reality of male-to-male, male-to-female, and female-to-male transmission of HIV is generally recognized. At the same time, the proportion of infected men and women is different. At the beginning of the epidemic, this ratio was 5:1, then 3:1, now in Russia this figure is close to 2:1.

The probability of infection of a child during breastfeeding is about 12-20%. Moreover, the transmission of the virus can occur not only from an infected mother to a child, but also from an infected child to a nursing woman if the child born to a healthy woman was infected with HIV.

The immunodeficiency virus is transmitted by transfusion of infected whole blood and products made from it (erythrocyte mass, platelets, fresh and frozen plasma). When transfusing blood from HIV-seropositive donors, recipients become infected in 90% of cases. Normal human immunoglobulin, albumin is not dangerous, because. the technology for obtaining these drugs and the stages of control of raw materials exclude HIV infection.

A relatively rare, but possible infection option is organ and tissue transplantation and artificial insemination of women.

Transmission of HIV by airborne, food, water, transmissible routes has not been proven.

Stages of HIV infection

The stage of incubation is the period from the moment of infection until the appearance of the body's reaction in the form clinical manifestations acute infection and/or antibody production. The duration of this period is from 3 weeks to 3 months, in isolated cases it can be delayed up to a year. The stage of primary manifestations can take several forms:

asymptomatic;

acute HIV infection without secondary diseases;

acute HIV infection with secondary diseases.

Latent stage - the duration of this stage can vary from 2-3 to 20 years or more, on average - 6-7 years. During this period, there is a gradual decrease in CD4+ T-lymphocytes.

The stage of secondary diseases - against the background of immunodeficiency, secondary (opportunistic) diseases develop. Depending on the severity of secondary diseases, three substages are distinguished at this stage (4A, 4B, 4C).

Terminal stage (AIDS) - secondary diseases in patients acquire an irreversible course. Even adequate antiretroviral therapy and therapy of secondary diseases are not effective, and the patient dies within a few months.

Diagnosis of HIV infection

In Russia, at present, the standard procedure for laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection is the detection of antibodies to HIV (the first level of diagnosis) using ELISA test systems. With a positive ELISA reaction, immunoblotting is performed to determine the specificity of the antibodies detected (the second level of diagnosis). The immune blotting reaction is placed in the MHC AIDS.

The time interval during which antibodies are not detected in the body of an HIV-infected person in the ELISA test systems is called the "window" period. Examination during this period can give a negative result even if there is a virus in the body. Thus, in order to be sure of a negative test result, it is necessary to repeat the blood test in the ELISA six months after the “dangerous” situation, as a result of which HIV infection could occur.

Laboratory tests are the main link in the diagnosis of HIV infection, and, in addition, are essential for the timely appointment of specific treatment and monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. Constant examination of patients allows you to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, identify concomitant diseases, monitor the development of side effects.

Regular examination of the patient according to the scheme prescribed by the attending physician is of decisive importance for the adequate selection of combinations of antiretroviral drugs, timely monitoring of possible side effects, and control of concomitant diseases.

Basic principles of HIV treatment

Treatment must be started before the development of any significant immunodeficiency and carried out for life;

Therapy is carried out with a combination of three to four antiretroviral drugs (this tactic for managing patients with HIV infection is designated as highly active antiretroviral therapy, abbreviated as HAART).

Thus, the methods used to treat HIV infection can be conditionally divided into two groups:

· first: the use of antiretroviral drugs directed against HIV;

· second: the use of drugs against other infections and other lesions that develop against the background of HIV.

11/27/2019 HIV prevention hotline

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Prevention of HIV infections

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is one of the most dangerous viruses for humans. It affects the immune system, the main task of which is to protect our body from infections.

A few weeks after infection, symptoms of the disease develop - the temperature rises, the lymph nodes increase, sore throat, red spots on the skin, and diarrhea appear. An incomprehensible malaise quickly passes, and sometimes mild signs of the disease go completely unnoticed.
For several years, the virus leads a "quiet" life, not "annoying" a person. But all this time, it tirelessly destroys the immune system, multiplying at the expense of its main cells - lymphocytes. Outwardly, HIV infection can only manifest itself as an increase in lymph nodes.

What is the difference between HIV infection and AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final and most severe stage in the development of HIV infection. The devastating effect that HIV has on the human immune system over several years leads to the development of immunodeficiency. And this means that any infections, viruses and diseases no longer meet with a "resistance" in their path, and the body is no longer able to fight them. A patient with AIDS develops many serious diseases, from which he eventually dies.

Is there a cure for AIDS?

The average life expectancy of an HIV-infected person, in the absence of treatment, is 5-10 years. And although a "miraculous" vaccine against HIV and AIDS has not yet been found, research in this direction is proceeding rapidly and quite successfully. Already, there are drugs that suppress the reproduction of the virus, prevent the disease from progressing and prevent the transition of HIV infection to the stage of AIDS. Many patients who started treatment 15 years ago, when these drugs were discovered, still feel quite efficient today. Attending physicians give very optimistic forecasts about their life expectancy.

Who is at risk of HIV infection?

It is widely believed in society that the main "suppliers" of HIV are people who practice a risky lifestyle: men with non-traditional sexual orientation, injecting drug users, promiscuous people. However, for last years The face of the HIV epidemic has changed dramatically. Throughout the world, including Russia, the heterosexual route of HIV transmission has become predominant. Injecting drug users and people with non-traditional sexual orientation are becoming less and less among those infected, but there are more and more infected through heterosexual contacts. The number of HIV-infected women is growing alarmingly fast. As a result - a sharp increase in the number of children born to HIV-infected mothers.

How is HIV transmitted?

In an HIV-infected person, the concentration of the virus is highest in the blood, lymph, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Therefore, HIV infection can be contracted:

• during sexual intercourse without the use of a condom;
• when using a syringe (needle, solution) used by an HIV-infected person;
• when transfusing infected blood;
• during childbirth - the child can become infected from the mother;
• when breastfeeding a child, if the mother is a carrier of the virus.

In tears, saliva, sweat, urine, vomit, nasal discharge, HIV is contained in a very low concentration, insufficient for infection.

How is HIV NOT transmitted?

• when shaking hands and touching;
• with a kiss;
• when using one dish;
• when coughing or sneezing;
• through bedding or other personal items;
• when using a public toilet;
• through insect bites.

How to avoid HIV infection?
Despite the growing epidemic of HIV, infection can be avoided. The rules of prevention are simple but reliable. To completely protect yourself from the disease, it is enough:

• use condoms during sexual intercourse;
• use sterile medical instruments.

HIV-infected mothers are much more likely to have healthy babies if women are treated during pregnancy.

Why do I need to know if I have HIV?

• To relieve anxiety after a situation dangerous in terms of HIV infection;
• In order not to infect your loved ones and loved ones;
• To be more attentive to your health, since any disease on the background of HIV infection is more severe and requires special treatment. This is especially true for sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and other diseases;
• In order to start using special drugs in time to stop the development of the disease, and to prevent the development of AIDS;
• Early detection of HIV infection allows you to start treatment in a timely manner and significantly improve the prognosis of the life of an HIV-infected person.

HIV is very dangerous, BUT it can be avoided!!!

Prevention of HIV infection

There is an intensive search for an effective HIV vaccine. However, the rapid variability of the virus makes it difficult to develop a vaccine for specific prophylaxis.
The only effective means of preventing the spread of HIV infection today is to educate the population (both adolescents and adults) on the problem.
One of the main aspects of HIV prevention is the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The basis of a healthy lifestyle - daily physical activity, rational nutrition, hardening of the body, proper rest, prevention bad habits and stress conditions.
The second area of ​​preventive work is informing young people about the main principle of effective HIV prevention, which is to interrupt the transmission of the virus, i.e. the absence in the behavior of situations associated with the risk of HIV infection.
HIV is transmitted only when body fluids containing the virus (blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions) enter the body of a healthy person. Very often this happens during sexual contact.
Safe sex is a relationship between partners when penetration and exchange of body fluids (dangerous in terms of HIV infection) does not occur (petting, kissing, hugging, caressing, massage, etc.).
Protected sex is a relationship between partners when a barrier method of protection is used during penetrating sexual contacts - a condom that provides 98% protection!

The way of transmission of HIV through the blood is currently implemented among drug users who, when using group intravenous drugs, use one common syringe, needle, drug collection container and filter. Therefore, if a person abstains from drug use, then he is protected from this route of HIV transmission.

We should not forget that HIV infection is possible with the following manipulations: when piercing the ears, applying tattoos, when using someone else's straight razors. An important point in preventing infection in this case is the use of disposable instruments or its high-quality processing, which prevents the possibility of infection with the virus. These manipulations will be considered safe if they are carried out in licensed salons.

Prevention of another route of HIV transmission - from mother to child - is reduced to measures aimed at reducing the factors that increase the risk of transmission of the virus from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. First of all, this is antiviral treatment of a pregnant woman, the maximum reduction in the duration of labor, the appointment of antiviral treatment for a newborn, artificial feeding of an infant.

IF A LOVED PERSON IS HIV-INFECTED

If your friend or loved one has HIV infection, it means that the epidemic has touched you personally. You will have to solve for yourself many issues that you have not thought about before, learn how to provide real help to a loved one in the fight against the disease. Don't forget that you need support too. Always remember: you are not alone, there are people who are ready to help you.

WHO ARE HIV-INFECTED?

These are people who find themselves in a difficult life situation and need not only medical care but also in the support of their loved ones.

WHAT CAN YOU HELP FOR A PERSON WITH HIV?

Maintain contacts, maybe short, but frequent, communicate and be able to listen, try to understand;
Do not give advice if you are not asked, do not fall into an edifying tone, do not condemn and do not look for the guilty;
Do not try to find out how the infection occurred and do not allow the patient to engage in self-blame;
Remember, you should not deprive him of the opportunity to do for himself what is in his power;
Be ready to be the object of anger and irritation on the part of the patient in response to your efforts;
Do not overdo it, because excessive guardianship will not lead to anything good, but will only cause irritation and alienation.

FRIENDLY COMMUNICATION WITH A HIV-INFECTED PERSON IS NOT DANGEROUS!

ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO LIVE WITH HIV

An HIV diagnosis - an infection in your loved one changes your life. To adapt to new conditions, you will need a lot of strength.
First, try to calm down - you should not feel useless, your loved one may need your help.
Do not close yourself and do not let the patient do it.
You must, as before, communicate with friends, other family members and just acquaintances;
Try to learn more about this infection from reliable sources.
Observe personal hygiene measures, do not allow other people to use razors, toothbrushes and manicure accessories that the patient used.
Before you help someone with HIV, protect yourself:
Heal and cover wounds and cuts with adhesive tape.
Use rubber gloves.

YOU MUST HAVE IN YOUR HOME AID KIT:

• 70% alcohol
• Potassium permanganate
• Adhesive plaster
• Latex gloves
• 3% or more chlorine-containing preparations
• 6% hydrogen peroxide

In case of contact with biological fluids (blood, sperm or vaginal discharge of the patient) on the mucous membranes, rinse the eyes and wipe with a cotton swab dipped in a pink solution of potassium permanganate, rinse the mouth with 70% ethyl alcohol.
If biological fluids get on intact skin, wash it thoroughly with soap, wipe it with 70% alcohol, repeat the procedure after 15 minutes.
If biological fluids get on damaged skin, squeeze out 2-3 drops of blood, wipe with a 70% alcohol solution, rinse, repeat the treatment with alcohol, cauterize with iodine, seal with adhesive tape.
If biological fluids get on clothes, soak in a disinfectant solution (containing chlorine, for example, "Whiteness"), boil. When spilling blood - pour disinfectant solution (6% hydrogen peroxide, "Whiteness"). Remove after 1-2 hours with a rag with disinfectant, which is then thrown away.
Be sure to consult with experts.
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus. This virus is the causative agent of HIV infection and the cause of AIDS. It affects the cells of the immune system and belongs to the family of "slow" viruses. The weakening of the immune system can last for years.
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - is the final stage of HIV infection. The virus enters the human body and destroys its immune system, which as a result can no longer help the body in the fight against various diseases.

Giving support to someone sometimes means you have to just sit with them and listen to them.

Try to stick together and take care of each other. And if at times you feel helpless, cannot find answers to your questions and do not know how to do something - contact directly or call the centers for the prevention and control of AIDS.

If you still have an unconscious fear of becoming infected through everyday contact, talk to specialists.

Plan of events dedicated to the World AIDS Day in 2016

№	Name of the event	Period of execution	Responsible executor
1	Prepare an information bulletin on the HIV/AIDS epidemic situation in the world, Russian Federation of the Smolensk region with information dedicated to the International Day of Remembrance for those who died of AIDS (May 15), World AIDS Day (December 1) for medical institutions	2016	Deputy Chief Physician Infectious disease physician
2	Lectures on HIV prevention in schools	2016	District pediatricians Infectious disease physician
3	Reading lectures on the ABC of Health program with coverage of information about international day memory of those who died of AIDS, World AIDS Day in secondary schools and rai. military commissariat	2016	Infectious disease physician
4	Carrying out comprehensive activities on HIV / AIDS in the office of infectious diseases: lecturing on HIV/AIDS issues; HIV testing, viral hepatitis B and C, syphilis; counseling of PLWHA by a general practitioner; dissemination of health education literature.	2016	KIZ, polyclinic, children's consultation, women's consultation
5	Placement of material on HIV prevention in the regional newspaper	May, November 2016	Deputy Chief Physician
6	Post information on HIV prevention on the CRH website	May, November 2016	Operator
7	Organization of an exhibition of sanitary education of literature on the prevention of HIV infection in the central and children's libraries.	May, November 2016	Deputy Chief Physician Infectious disease physician

Prevention of HIV, AIDS

HIV infection in the 21st century has become a real plague, an invasion that is very difficult to fight. This misfortune affects not only adults, but also small children, pregnant women, youth and the elderly. Everyone is equal before HIV and absolutely each of us can become infected with this disease. That is why the prevention of HIV and AIDS is by far the most urgent topic that should be raised both in families and in preschool and school institutions.

HIV risk factors

HIV infection is an infectious disease that, penetrating into the human body, progresses very slowly. The reason for the defeat of HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, which penetrates deep into the human immune system, as a result of which the body can additionally become infected with a malignant tumor, infection - as a result of which the infected person dies after a certain time.

HIV is the initial stage of the disease; AIDS - acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome - is the final stage of the defeat of the body by HIV infection (that is, in the absence of the necessary treatment).

How can you get HIV infection?

The main source of infection and carrier of HIV infection is a person. Moreover, it is a sick person who can transmit HIV infection to another through sexual contact, then through blood, syringes with needles, knives, pins and other piercing and cutting instruments that contain the blood of a person with HIV. A third and also very common mode of HIV transmission is from mother to fetus.

How is HIV transmitted through sexual contact?

Sexual contact with an HIV-infected person in 90% of cases can lead to irreversible infection. The risk is significantly increased if sexual intercourse by an HIV-infected and healthy person occurs without protection (that is, without a condom).

The most common HIV, AIDS among homosexual couples - in this case, HIV is transmitted much more often, 2-3 times. In men, the concentration of HIV in the semen is much higher than in the mucus of the woman's vagina.

HIV can be transmitted not only through direct sexual penetration, but also during oral and anal sex.

Transmission of HIV through blood

In the blood of an infected person, the highest concentration of a dangerous virus. If the blood of an HIV-infected person enters the bloodstream of a healthy person, then infection cannot be avoided.

Transmission of HIV through the blood can occur during medical procedures - blood sampling for analysis, operations, blood transfusions. It is the transmission of HIV through blood that is the main way of infecting those who “sit” on injecting drugs (in such a society it is customary to share a needle and syringe).

The HIV virus can pass from a healthy person to a sick person through mucous membranes (for example, when blood enters the eye area or into the oral cavity). There are known cases of HIV infection through a razor, a tattoo or permanent makeup procedure, as well as through manicure accessories in the salon.

Transmission of the HIV virus from mother to child

An HIV-infected mother transmits the virus to the fetus during pregnancy, that is, the virus penetrates even when the child is conceived; in the process of labor activity; during breastfeeding, that is, after the birth of the child.

In 100% of cases, a child becomes infected with HIV from an infected mother.

HIV is not transmitted if...

Now it's time to debunk some of the myths about how HIV is transmitted. So, a healthy person will not be able to get HIV when:

• Embrace;
• Kisses on the cheek (this is not about deep kisses with penetration of the tongue);
• Through a handshake of an infected/healthy person;
• Through household items;
• After visiting the pool, shower, sauna, etc.
• After being bitten by insects.

HIV immediately dies if it is treated with alcohol, essential oils or acetone. It is completely possible to destroy HIV when heated to 60 degrees, as well as when completely boiled.

After HIV infection, symptoms appear after 3 weeks. The development and course of HIV in the human body can last for several months or several decades.

First symptoms of HIV/AIDS

The first most characteristic symptoms of HIV/AIDS are:

• A sharp decrease in human body weight;
• Increased drowsiness;
• Feeling of persistent fatigue;
• Complete or partial loss of appetite;
• Diarrhea;
• Recurrent severe headaches;
• Pathological enlargement of lymph nodes throughout the body.

HIV prevention

During sexual contact with an HIV-infected person, the only possible prevention of infection is the use of a condom. At the same time, it is not recommended to use vaseline-based lubricants, as they significantly reduce the strength of condoms. The risk of HIV infection is present in the following cases: during any type of sexual contact, when semen or vaginal secretions get on the oral cavity or mucous membranes, as well as on injured, damaged skin (wounds, cuts).

The only way to prevent HIV in people who use drugs is to treat this addiction and use individual needles and syringes.

In HIV-positive parents, HIV prevention of the unborn child is taking antiviral drugs during an already completed pregnancy, delivery by caesarean section, and refusal to breastfeed.

When carrying out medical manipulations, the only method of prevention is the use of disposable injection instruments. If we are talking about donation, then in this case only a thorough check donated blood HIV will reduce the risk of contracting the infection.

Until now, doctors have not invented a vaccine against HIV infection, therefore, the only measure of protection against death as a result of AIDS is timely prevention.

Question. What is HIV infection?

Answer. HIV infection is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which infects cells of the immune, nervous and other systems and human organs, long progressive course.

Question. What is AIDS?

Answer. AIDS - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - the last stage of HIV infection. This is a severe defeat of the immune, as well as other body systems with manifestations in the form of various infectious diseases and tumor processes, ending, as a rule, with the death of the patient.

Question. When did HIV infection appear?

Answer. In the early 80s of the last century in the USA, and 2-3 years later in Western Europe and a number of other countries, a previously unknown disease has appeared. It is now known that isolated cases of HIV infection were present before, but they were not recognized.

Question. Human immunodeficiency virus - what is it?

Answer. If you imagine a line 1 cm long, then from 70 to 100 thousand virus particles can fit on it. When HIV enters a human immune cell, its particle is integrated into the host (human) cells, where it can remain in an inactive state for life. When the virus is activated in an infected cell, there is an intensive accumulation of new viral particles, which leads to the destruction of cells of the human immune system and the defeat of new cells. HIV is extremely variable. Its shell, consisting of special proteins, constantly and quickly changes its structure, which creates great difficulties in developing a vaccine against this infection.

Question. How stable is HIV in the environment?

Answer. Fortunately, the virus has low viability and is unstable in the external environment. Conventional disinfectant solutions (3% hydrogen peroxide, 1% chloramine, 0.2% calcium hypochlorite, 70° ethyl alcohol, ether, acetone), boiling almost instantly cause its death. When dried at a temperature of 23-27°C, the virus loses its activity after 3-7 days. In a liquid medium at the same temperature, the virus remains active for 15 days, at 36-3 TC - 11 days.

Question. Where did AIDS come from?

Answer. There are various hypotheses about this. One of them is the so-called African. In Africa, there are many species of monkeys affected by a similar virus. During the cutting of the carcasses of the killed monkeys, the hunters damaged their own skin and through these wounds the virus penetrated into their bodies. Then, during sexual contact, the virus was transmitted to the sexual partners of the hunters, who similarly transmitted it to other people, etc. Transmitted from person to person, the virus adapted to human cells and after a certain time turned into an independent human immunodeficiency virus.

The further path of the spread of the disease can be represented as follows. From Africa, HIV was brought to the island of Haiti, from there to the United States. This was due to sexual contact between residents different countries, as well as massive purchases by US entrepreneurs in developing countries of cheap blood for transfusion.

Another hypothesis about the origin of HIV is related to the development of medicine. As you know, in the 20th century, doctors began to widely use blood transfusions and organ transplants. In this case, there could be multiple transfer of a weak and safe virus from one person to another and its constant transformation into a malignant and dangerous form capable of causing disease. There are other theories, but all of them are also controversial.

A few years ago, domestic newspapers and magazines presented a version that HIV was created in the United States as a means of biological weapons. However, this hypothesis has not been supported by scientific data.

Church leaders generally declared AIDS to be God's punishment for " sodomy sin(homosexuality) and other depravity.

Question. Where is HIV infection common?

Answer. The disease does not stop at the borders of states, but moves freely from one country to another. To date, HIV infection has been detected in almost all countries of the world. It can be said that HIV infection, like the flu, has taken on a pandemic (ubiquitous) distribution.

Question. Has HIV spread in Russia?

Answer. HIV infection in Russia began to be registered in 1986, initially among foreigners, and since 1987 among our citizens. Initially, there was a slow increase in the number of people infected with HIV, mainly in major cities. However, since 1996, a sharp rise in the incidence has begun.

By the end of 2003, the territories of Moscow and the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, Sverdlovsk, Samara, Irkutsk, Chelyabinsk, Orenburg, and Tyumen regions were the most affected by HIV infection. Currently, HIV-infected people are detected throughout the Russian Federation.

Question. How much more dangerous is HIV infection for a person?

Answer. The ongoing attempts to treat HIV infection and AIDS do not lead to recovery of the patient and, ultimately, the disease ends in death. However, there have been some developments in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Thus, medical observations established that in 1986 over 70% of those infected in the next 2 years fell ill with AIDS or died, and among those infected in 1989 - only 20%, since azidothymidine was introduced into the practice of treating patients. There are drugs that can suppress the activity of the virus for a fairly long time. However, treatment only prolongs the life of the patient and does not make it possible to completely stop the infectious process. There is currently no vaccine that protects against this disease, but work on its creation is actively underway.

Question. Who is the source of HIV infection?

Answer. The source of infection is a patient with HIV infection at all stages of the disease, including a virus carrier without signs (symptoms) of the disease, which poses the greatest danger to others.

Question. What happens to a person who has contracted HIV?

Question. Do HIV-infected people look different from healthy people?

Answer. They do not differ. HIV-infected people are just like everyone else; they should not be run away from, they should not be shunned. In their place, under certain circumstances, anyone can be.

Question. How is HIV transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person?

Answer. HIV is transmitted through the blood, seminal fluid (semen), vaginal secretions and breast milk in which it is found in an infected and sick person.

Question. How can you get HIV infection?

Answer. The virus enters the body through wounds, cuts, injections, abrasions, cracks, abrasions on the skin and mucous membranes.

There are the following ways of HIV transmission from an infected person to a healthy one:

1. When injecting narcotic or medicinal products, if a common syringe or needle is used for several people without disinfection, a common container for disassembling the drug and / or washing syringes, a drug infected with HIV during preparation is used.
2. During sexual intercourse, when the sperm or vaginal secretions of an infected (infected) person fall on the mucous membranes of the genital organs of a healthy person.
3. When applying a tattoo with an instrument (needles) contaminated with the blood of an HIV-infected person and used without prior disinfection.
4. When using a shaver that is shared with an HIV-infected person.
5. In cases where a person medical indications blood or its preparations taken from a donor infected with HIV are transfused. This happens very rarely now, since all donors undergo a mandatory HIV test before donating blood.
6. During medical procedures and interventions, when the integrity of the skin and mucous membrane is violated by any medical instrument or piercing object (scalpel, scissors, hook, gynecological mirror, dental drill, tweezers, etc.), which are contaminated with the blood of a person infected with HIV.
7. During pregnancy from an infected mother to a child through the placenta; during childbirth and with milk during breastfeeding.

Question. How contagious is HIV infection?

Answer. HIV infection is among the low contagious diseases in comparison, for example, with such contagious diseases as influenza, dysentery, viral hepatitis, cholera, plague.

However, you should be aware that a single unprotected sexual contact with an HIV-infected partner can lead to infection in 0.1-0.2% of cases, repeated contacts - in 50-85%. The probability of infection with a single intravenous drug use with a common syringe with an HIV-infected person is 0.5-1%, with repeated use - 35-50%. Transfusion of infected blood leads to infection in 90-100% of cases.

Question. What is the “risk group” for HIV/AIDS?

Answer. High-risk groups for HIV/AIDS include those categories of people who have a much greater risk of contracting HIV than other people. This is mainly due to the nature of their behavior and lifestyle.

The leading “risk group” in our country in recent years has been represented by drug users who inject themselves with drugs intravenously. However, they often share non-sterile syringes and needles contaminated with the blood of other people, including those infected with HIV. They can also become infected when using homemade drugs prepared with the addition of HIV-infected blood, when using a common container for washing syringes and needles, when sharing and disassembling the drug from one container. This also includes persons who uncontrollably inject various psychoactive drugs into their veins.

Drug addicts can also become infected sexually, as they are characterized by easy behavior and frequent change of sexual partners.

The second risk group for HIV infection is homosexuals, that is, men who have sex with men. The high risk of HIV infection among homosexuals is due to the frequent change of sexual partners. Infection is also facilitated by the fact that during anal sexual intercourse the frequency and degree of traumatization of the rectal mucosa is especially high. In this case, the seminal fluid with the viruses contained in it penetrates into the blood vessels through cracks and abrasions of the anus and rectum. This group also includes bisexuals who have sex with both men and women.

The next "risk group" are people of both sexes who are engaged in prostitution, as well as leading a promiscuous sex life, that is, having sex with random and unknown partners. A significant risk factor here is the practice of group sex. As a result, the greater the number of sexual partners, the higher the likelihood of contracting HIV infection.

The hotel “risk group” consists of persons who have received multiple blood transfusions and its preparations: patients with hemophilia, with acute blood loss, wounds, injuries, and surgical interventions.

An independent "risk group" should include children born to HIV-infected mothers. Therefore, to protect the child from infection, these women should take special antiviral drugs during pregnancy and stop breastfeeding newborns.

Finally, taking into account the peculiarities of behavior, patients of dermatovenerological dispensaries, patients with alcoholism, persons serving sentences in correctional institutions, people without a fixed place of residence and occupation can also be conditionally referred to the “risk group”, taking into account the characteristics of behavior.

However, it should be emphasized that the high probability of infection with the immunodeficiency virus does not depend on the formal belonging of a person to one or another “risk group”, but on his lifestyle. Of course, a person who becomes infected ONE way (for example, a drug addict who has become infected as a result of drug injection) can transmit the infection in another way (for example, through sexual contact).

Question. Can you get HIV from donating blood?

Answer. The donor himself cannot become infected with HIV at the time of blood donation. These fears are completely unfounded. The procedure for taking blood from a donor excludes his infection with HIV. When donating blood for analysis from a finger, it is also impossible to become infected with HIV if sterile (disinfected) pens, needles, glass slides, and pipettes are used to take blood.

Cases of infection of donors with HIV during blood donation have not been registered anywhere in the world and in our country today. In turn, each donor must understand that he himself can become a source of infection for the recipient (blood recipient). This happens if the donor becomes infected with HIV through intravenous drug use, casual sexual contact, or in any other way.

Question. Why is HIV infection dangerous for a pregnant woman?

Answer. Pregnancy for a woman infected with HIV is fraught with serious consequences. In this regard, it is recommended that women who engage in risky behavior (drug addicts, prostitutes, sexual partners of bisexuals and drug addicts, etc.) carefully protect themselves from pregnancy.

First, an HIV-infected pregnant woman should know that even a normal pregnancy exacerbates the course of HIV infection and accelerates its transition to AIDS.

Secondly, there is a high risk of HIV infection of the unborn child through the placenta during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

Question. Is it dangerous to visit the dentist's office?

Answer. It is clear that the teeth need to be treated. Dentists run the risk of becoming infected themselves rather than infecting others. Treatment, and especially the extraction of teeth, is almost always accompanied by damage to the mucous membrane and small blood vessels of the patient, where the virus can be contained and get into the instruments with blood.

Therefore, strict control over the washing, disinfection and sterilization of dental instruments is observed in dental offices. It does not matter which syringe is used: disposable or reusable. The main thing is that it is properly processed and safely sterilized.

Question. Is it possible to get HIV when applying a tattoo, manicure, using someone else's razor?

Answer. It is possible to become infected when performing tattoos, as well as when borrowing shaving accessories from each other that are not subjected to disinfection in everyday life. They may contain traces of dried or fresh blood of an HIV-infected person that is invisible to the eye.

Women who use non-sterile needles and instruments contaminated with someone else's blood for piercing earlobes, performing manicures (pedicures), and shaving hair on their legs may be exposed to the same risk of infection.

Question. Can you get HIV by kissing?

Answer. The risk of HIV transmission through a deep wet kiss and a kiss "with a bite" is small, but it increases if there are sores, abrasions, cracks, cuts in the mouth, on the gums, lips. With kisses of friendly, parental, gentlemanly, HIV transmission is excluded.

Question. Can you get HIV from an insect bite?

Answer. No. The contagious minimum dose of blood with which HIV can be transmitted is not so small - about 0.1 ml. Not a single insect (mosquito, tick, bug, flea, etc.) is able to hold and transfer such a quantity of blood and, therefore, infect a person when bitten. So, in this regard, insects should not be afraid.

Question. Are they equally dangerous? different kinds sexual contact?

Answer. No, not the same. It depends on the stage of the disease in an HIV-infected person, individual susceptibility to HIV in a person, the frequency of contacts, etc.

However, the type (method) of sexual contact is of the greatest importance.

The most dangerous, as a source of infection, is an infected man during anal contact with any partner - a homosexual man or a woman.

There is also a high risk of infection in the anal genital compact if the “passive partner” is infected (it doesn’t matter if it is a man or a woman), and the “active” man is not yet infected.

In third place in terms of danger is vaginal (vaginal) contact between an infected man and an uninfected woman.

Less commonly, a healthy man is infected through normal vaginal contact with an HIV-infected woman.

Question. What types of collective activities do not pose a threat of HIV infection?

Answer. Joint stay in public places, premises, objects (train, ship, plane, club, canteen, hostel, bathhouse, cinema, etc.) does not pose any danger in terms of the spread of this infection.

No risk of HIV infection when sharing:

• washbasin, sink, bath, bathtub, shower, pool;
• common utensils;
• sports equipment and cleaning equipment;
• public restroom;
• door handle.

Long-term observations of patients with HIV infection have proven that the virus is also not transmitted:

• through the air when coughing, sneezing, talking;
• with hugs, handshakes;
• through a cigarette
• through documents, money, BOOKS;
• through food and products, water, juices, milk, fruits, berries and

• when using a handset;
• through school and stationery, toys;
• through other people's clothes and shoes, bed and underwear.

Question. How are HIV patients distributed by sex and age?

Answer. In most European countries, as well as in Russian Federation(RF) and the USA HIV-infected men are much more than women. Only in Africa do both sexes get sick about equally often. In the Russian Federation, in the age group of 15-20 years, the ratio of men: women is 2.5:1; in the group of 20-30 years -3.5: 1, 30-50 years - 4.5: 1.

The vast majority of HIV infections occur in young people. Young people aged 15-30 make up more than 80% of total number sick.

Question. Who is protected from HIV infection?

Answer. It can be said with confidence that people who do not have sexual contacts at all and who do not inject drugs intravenously with “dirty” syringes are almost one hundred percent guaranteed against contracting HIV infection. However, a person who leads a morally healthy lifestyle and has a single sexual partner, who, in turn, observes mutual fidelity in intimate life, will equally avoid contracting HIV infection.

Question. What is an HIV test (analysis)?

Answer. The test is a special blood test. It is carried out to determine whether a person is infected with HIV or not. It may take time and sometimes re-analysis to get a result.

Question. What does the result of the test (analysis) mean?

Answer. A negative result means that specific proteins (antibodies) for HIV were not detected. However, it does not always prove that a person is not infected. The virus may be present in the body, but has not yet been detected. During this time, an HIV-infected person can infect others. This period is 6 months. after human infection and is called "seronegative". Therefore, if there was risky behavior in terms of HIV infection and the result of the HIV test is negative, it is necessary to retake blood for an HIV test 6 months after the moment of doubtful contact.

A confirmed positive test result proves that HIV infection has occurred. The person is contagious. The test does not show when this person will develop AIDS. AIDS develops within 7-15 years after infection (the development and course of AIDS depends on the person's lifestyle).

Question. Who is subject to a medical examination for HIV infection?

Answer. According to federal law No. 295 “On Preventing the Spread of the Disease Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the Russian Federation”, donors of blood, body fluids, organs and tissues are obligatory tested for HIV infection; employees of certain professions, industries, enterprises, the list of which is approved by the Government of the Russian Federation.

On a voluntary basis, all citizens are examined for HIV infection, including patients with clinical indications (if there are signs and symptoms of HIV / AIDS), pregnant women, patients with sexually transmitted diseases, drug addiction, homosexuals and bisexuals, persons at risk of infection ( during epidemiological investigations) and others.

Question. How does HIV infection first appear?

Answer. HIV infection, like any other infectious disease, difficult to recognize at the outset. Meanwhile, the appearance of some signs that were absent before, allows us to suspect the disease. Let's call them:

• prolonged fever for no apparent reason;
• an increase in lymph nodes in several anatomical zones (on the neck, above the collarbones, armpits, in the elbows, groin, popliteal fossae);
• progressive weight loss with normal mode nutrition;
• often recurring pustular rashes in the oral cavity, on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs, torso;
• lasting up to 1 month or more diarrhea (diarrhea). The simultaneous detection of these symptoms in combination (or some of them) is a sufficient reason to see a doctor.

Question. How unknown are the stages of HIV infection?

Answer. There are several. Let's briefly look at each.

1. Stage of incubation - from the moment of infection to the appearance of the body's reaction in the form of clinical manifestations of "acute infection" and / or the production of specific proteins to HIV (antibodies). Its duration is from 2-3 weeks to 3-5 months, sometimes up to a year.
2. The stage of primary manifestations (actually HIV infection). It has 3 phases:
3. The phase of acute infection is accompanied by fever, a cold, cough, swollen lymph nodes, liver, spleen, upset stool, various skin rashes. The duration of the acute phase is from several days to several months, on average 2-3 weeks.

B. The phase of asymptomatic infection is characterized by the absence of any clinical manifestations of the disease. This phase lasts from 1-2 months to several (7-8 or more) years.

1. Phase of persistent generalized lymphadenopathy - PGL (enlargement of at least two lymph nodes in two different areas of the body that persists for at least 3 months). Enlargement of lymph nodes is the only manifestation of this phase of infection.

Its duration can vary from 2-3 to 7-10 years.

During this period, HIV-infected people are active, lead a normal life, but are DANGEROUS as sources of infection and can be contagious to other people.

1. Stage of secondary diseases (AIDS). At this stage, other infectious diseases caused by various microorganisms appear against the background of a decrease in the body's defenses.
2. Terminal stage. Damage to organs and systems is irreversible, one disease replaces another. The treatment is ineffective, the patient dies within a few months.

Sometimes the disease develops faster and after 2-3 years passes into the terminal stage.

Question. What diseases develop more often in AIDS and what organs and systems of the body are affected?

At further development disease, there is a deterioration in mental health in the form of various emotional disorders; the appearance of anxiety, depression, decreased well-being, mood, etc.

All these lesions are severe, treat poorly and have an unfavorable outcome.

Question. Is there a cure for HIV infection?

Answer. Currently, there are several dozen drugs used to treat HIV infection. All of them reduce the activity of the virus to a certain extent, but do not completely destroy it. These drugs can improve the quality of life, extend the life of the patient for years and even decades. It should be noted that the treatment of HIV infection is very expensive (10-20 thousand dollars a year).

Medicines are also used to treat a number of other diseases associated with AIDS (for the treatment of bacterial, viral infections, as well as infections caused by fungi and protozoa that appear against the background of developing immunodeficiency).

Question. Why do AIDS patients die?

Answer. First, in itself, a deep and irreversible damage to the body's immune system makes it defenseless against a variety of diseases and infections, which is practically incompatible with life.

Secondly, the destruction of the central nervous system - the brain, caused by various microorganisms, is deadly.

Equally, the cause of illness and death can be microbes, viruses, fungi, etc., which have already come to the patient from the air with dust, water, food, or from another person and / or animals.

Fourthly, the tumors associated with HIV infection and AIDS are usually very malignant and cannot be treated.

Question. What is "speedophobia"?

Answer. Some people develop obsessions under the influence of numerous and often repeated reports about AIDS in the media. In addition, these people, especially those who have extramarital affairs and take drugs, may have situations associated with the risk of contracting HIV infection. At the same time, they think that they already have AIDS and show anxiety. This condition in medicine is called "phobia", that is, "fear". Such people can be advised: do not indulge in drugs, do not take your sexual behavior lightly, avoid casual sexual intercourse and frequent change of sexual partners. Then you will live in peace and not be afraid of AIDS.

Question. Does the patient need to know that he has HIV infection?

Answer. Necessarily. To do this, after establishing the final diagnosis, the doctor must conduct post-test counseling and inform the patient in a gentle manner about the presence of the disease. This is necessary to prevent the transmission of HIV to other people - spouses or sexual partners. In turn, the patient, knowing that he has HIV infection, is obliged to warn his sexual partners about his illness and the need to be tested for HIV, even if they consider themselves to be absolutely healthy.

Question. What should you do if you find signs of HIV infection or suspect infection?

Answer. If you suspect a disease, you need to analyze the various episodes that could lead to infection. Then the most correct and reliable decision is without delay and the sooner the better to see a doctor. The doctor will make the necessary decision and ensure that an in-depth examination for HIV infection is carried out.

Question. Is it true that AIDS patients are sent to prison?

Answer. There is no punishment for AIDS. AIDS patients who behave appropriately and do not spread HIV infection do not need to be isolated from society, arrested and held in prison.

At the same time, Article 122 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (infection with HIV infection) provides for criminal liability for knowingly placing another person at risk of contracting HIV infection.

Question. What is "safe sexual behavior"?

Answer. There are several definitions of safe sexual behavior (SHB). For example, BSP is a way to lead a sexually active life, avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and a way to prevent unwanted pregnancies; or BSP is a behavior in which the ingestion of someone else's blood, semen or vaginal secretions is excluded.

Accordingly, the rules for such behavior suggest: reducing the number of sexual partners, preferably to one; avoid high-risk sexual activities; systematic and correct use of condoms; development of alternative forms of sexual life.

Question. Does a condom protect against HIV infection?

Answer. A condom is a reliable means of personal prevention and almost completely eliminates the risk of contracting not only HIV infection, but also syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and other sexually transmitted infections. It is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse with casual and unfamiliar partners. You should use a new condom every time you have sex.

Question. Is it possible to change one's behavior through the development and dissemination of special knowledge about HIV/AIDS?

Answer. It is possible and necessary. Everyone should know what HIV infection is and how to protect yourself from it. Any information that can be obtained, read, seen and heard about this disease is helpful. It makes you think about your own sexual behavior, attitude to drugs, the need to maintain common sense, be vigilant, fully aware of the danger.

The acquired knowledge contributes to the formation of a more responsible attitude to one's health, observance of moral standards. Thus, it is better to know and be healthy than to die of ignorance.

Diagnostic options for an HIV-infected person

A standard detection test is used to diagnose HIV infection. antibodies to HIV. Typically, the reaction becomes positive three to six months after infection.

To measure the content of the virus (HIV) in the body, tests are used to determine the amount of virus in a unit volume of blood (in 1 ml ").

After infection, the level viral load very high, but the body fights the infection, so the level of the virus in the blood gradually decreases. It usually takes several years before the amount of the virus rises again.

QuantityCD4 - an indicator illustrating the number of cells of the immune system (lymphocytes) in 1 mm3 of blood. HIV is a virus that is particularly difficult for the body to deal with. This is because the virus uses the same cells for its own reproduction ( CD4 ) that the body uses to fight infection.

In response to the penetration of HIV, the body begins to produce more Ccc to fight the virus. New Cd4 cells become new targets for infection and reproduction (reproduction) of HIV. And the result is a vicious circle, when the body again responds by producing even more SCC cells to counteract the virus, which again become targets of the virus.

HIV wears down the immune system. Therefore, the number of CCC cells in the body is constantly decreasing over the years. The average annual fall in the number of CCs is about 50 cells/mm3. For each HIV-infected person, this rate may be higher or lower.

The lower the number of Celt cells, the higher the risk of developing infectious diseases.

Quantity determinationCD4 cells are needed for:

• monitoring the course (progression) of the disease,
• determining the start of treatment,
• evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment.

The average number of Ccc cells for an uninfected person ranges from 600 to 1600 cells per 1 ml, although this level may be higher or lower in some people.

SOME TIPS TO KNOW

• Take care of your health and the happiness of those you love.
• Stay faithful to one sexual partner who, in turn, is faithful to you.
• If you are unsure about your sexual partner's past, think about your present and future.
• Any drug or alcohol can dull your vigilance and lead you to make a “risk decision” that can lead to HIV infection.
• Carry condoms with you at all times and don't rely on your partner to have them, but remember that condoms reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of infection.
• Please note that the saved long years health is the most valuable capital, which cannot be compared with the most acute (but still short-lived) sexual pleasure.
• There are currently no effective drugs for the treatment of AIDS.

Know for the spread of venereal diseases and HIV infections are subject to criminal liability.