HIV and AIDS

Gambaran umum

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells that help fight infections. If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most severe stage. However, with modern treatment, HIV is a manageable chronic condition.

HIV is a global health issue. According to the World Health Organization, about 38 million people worldwide were living with HIV at the end of 2021. New infections occur daily, but rates have been declining in many areas.

Anyone can get HIV, but certain groups are at higher risk, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and people from regions with high HIV prevalence.

Gejala

Gejala umum

• Early (acute) HIV: flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, and rash within 2–6 weeks after infection.
• Later (chronic) HIV: may have no symptoms for years, or develop weight loss, night sweats, persistent diarrhea, and frequent infections.
• Advanced HIV (AIDS): severe weight loss, chronic fever, persistent diarrhea, and infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis.

Gejala pada anak-anak

• Failure to thrive (poor weight gain and growth)
• Developmental delays
• Frequent or severe infections (ear infections, pneumonia, thrush)
• Swollen lymph nodes and enlarged liver or spleen

Gejala pada lansia

• Symptoms may be mistaken for other age-related conditions, like fatigue, weight loss, or memory problems.
• Older adults may have higher risk of heart disease, bone loss, and certain cancers when living with HIV.

Penyebab

Penyebab utama

• HIV is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which infects and destroys CD4 immune cells. It is spread through certain body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk.
• Transmission occurs mainly through unprotected vaginal or anal sex, sharing needles or syringes, or from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Faktor risiko

• Having unprotected sex (especially anal sex) without condoms
• Having multiple sexual partners or being in a relationship with someone who has HIV and is not on treatment
• Sharing needles or other injection equipment
• Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as syphilis or herpes
• Receiving unsafe blood transfusions (rare in countries that screen blood)
• Being born to a mother with HIV who is not on treatment

Kapan harus ke dokter

Segera temui dokter jika:

• If you think you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours – see a doctor or go to an emergency room immediately for possible post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
• If you have severe symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or signs of a serious infection.

Buat janji temu rutin jika:

• Everyone aged 13 to 64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare.
• If you are at higher risk (e.g., men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, those with multiple partners), get tested every 3–6 months.
• If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, get tested early to prevent passing HIV to your baby.

Diagnosis

HIV is diagnosed with blood or oral fluid tests that detect antibodies to the virus or the virus itself. Some tests provide results in minutes (rapid tests); others take a few days.

Tes yang mungkin dilakukan

• Rapid antigen/antibody test (finger prick or oral swab) – results in 20 minutes.
• Standard laboratory test (ELISA followed by Western blot or confirmatory test) – results in a few days.
• Nucleic acid test (NAT) – detects the virus's genetic material and is used for early detection or to confirm infection.

Apa yang diharapkan saat janji temu

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health and risk history. They will take a small blood sample or do a finger prick. If the test is positive, a confirmatory test is done. Then a doctor will discuss treatment and support. Testing is free or low cost in many places.

Perawatan

HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) – a combination of medicines that stop the virus from multiplying and protect your immune system. Treatment is lifelong but allows most people to live long, healthy lives. When taken correctly, ART can lower the amount of virus in your blood to undetectable levels, which means you cannot pass HIV to others.

Perawatan mandiri di rumah

• Take your HIV medications exactly as prescribed, every day, at the same time.
• Keep all medical appointments for blood tests and check-ups.
• Practice good hygiene and avoid infections – wash hands, get recommended vaccines.
• Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and do not use recreational drugs.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques, exercise, or talking to a counselor.

Perawatan medis

Treatment involves a combination of antiretroviral drugs (usually 2–3 different ones) that work together to control the virus. Your doctor will choose a regimen based on your overall health, any other conditions, and potential side effects. Regular blood tests monitor your viral load and CD4 count to ensure the treatment is working. Some drugs are available as single-tablet regimens for convenience.

Kapan operasi dipertimbangkan?

Surgery is not a treatment for HIV itself. However, people with HIV may need surgery for other health issues. With proper precautions and good control of HIV, surgery is safe. Discuss with your surgeon and HIV specialist to coordinate care.

Hidup dengan kondisi ini

Living with HIV means taking daily medication and attending regular check-ups. With effective treatment, you can work, travel, have relationships, and even have children without passing HIV to your partner or baby. Many people feel healthy and energetic.

Tips gaya hidup

• Stick to your medication schedule – use pillboxes or phone reminders.
• Get enough sleep (7–9 hours) and manage stress through talking, hobbies, or mindfulness.
• Protect yourself from other infections – practice safe sex and get vaccinated against flu, pneumonia, hepatitis, and COVID-19 as recommended.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs that can affect your liver or interact with HIV medications.
• Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you take.

Diet dan olahraga

Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. This helps keep your immune system strong. Exercise regularly – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (like brisk walking or cycling) – to boost heart health, mood, and muscle strength.

Kesehatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosional

An HIV diagnosis can bring feelings of fear, shame, or sadness. Stigma and discrimination can add stress. It's important to talk about your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. Many people find counseling or support groups helpful. You are not alone.

Pencegahan

Yes, HIV is preventable. Using condoms correctly during sex, taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk, and never sharing needles are effective ways to prevent infection. If you have been exposed, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) taken within 72 hours can prevent HIV.

Vaksin

There is currently no vaccine to prevent HIV. Research is ongoing. However, you can get vaccinated against other infections that are more serious for people with HIV, like hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Program skrining

Regular HIV testing is an important prevention tool. Many health clinics, sexual health clinics, and community centers offer free or low-cost testing. Knowing your status helps you make informed decisions to protect yourself and others.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak diobati

• Progression to AIDS (CD4 count below 200) – severely weakened immune system
• Serious infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, meningitis, and certain fungal infections
• Development of some cancers (e.g., Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma)
• Wasting syndrome – severe weight loss and muscle wasting
• Damage to the brain and nerves (HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder)

Prospek jangka panjang

The outlook for people with HIV has transformed. With early diagnosis and effective antiretroviral therapy, most people can live a near-normal lifespan and enjoy good health. AIDS is now rare in countries with easy access to treatment. Hope is real – many people with HIV lead full, active lives, have families, and contribute to their communities.

Cari dukungan

Organisasi internasional

• UNAIDS ↗
• World Health Organization (HIV programme) ↗

Organisasi lokal

• Terrence Higgins Trust (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom
• The Body (US) ↗ · United States
• AIDSmap (UK/International) ↗ · UK and global

Saluran bantuan

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