The most advanced stage of HIV infection is AIDS, commonly known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It affects a large number of HIV-infected patients, but not all. Because of anti-viral, anti-HIV medicine development, many people live much longer lives.
Over one million Americans are thought to have HIV/AIDS, and 500,000 have died due to the disease since its discovery in 1981. Over 25 million individuals worldwide have been killed due to HIV/AIDS, with the majority of these people dying in developing nations.
According to Dr Theron Moodley, HIV infection is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus can suppress the immune system, making people vulnerable to various ailments, including infections and cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate screening ALL pregnant women for HIV as a standard medical procedure.
Important HIV Infection Risk Factors to Be Aware Of
In certain conditions, women are more likely to become infected, such as if they have:
Clinical evidence of HIV/AIDS infection has been shown, such as significant weight loss, loss of appetite and energy, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained common fevers or sweats, white spots inside the mouth, or purple lesions on the skin; however, it is essential to note that initial HIV infections do not have symptoms.
Non-medical uses of intravenous (IV) drugs
In the Caribbean and Africa, where a heterosexual transfer is thought to be important in disease transmission
You may have been a prostitute or had several sexual partners.
Between 1978 and 1985, you got blood or blood products transfusions.
A sexually transmitted disease, like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, or genital herpes.
A positive TB skin test
Had sexual contact with a haemophilia patient or used IV medications
Had a sexual relationship with an HIV-positive or HIV-unknown partner
Wisconsin has a comparatively low rate of HIV infection compared to other states or areas of the United States.
Assume you migrated to this location from another state or spent time abroad, preferably in the Caribbean or Africa. In that situation, HIV/AIDS in your prior area may have been a risk factor.
When it comes to the risk of HIV/AIDS from such a blood transfusion, time is everything. Receiving a blood transfusion was a high-risk experience between 1978 and 1985, but since the mid-1990s, blood transfusions have become significantly safer. A blood transfusion now has a one in two million probability of transmitting HIV/AIDS.
Assume you are considering or planning a pregnancy with a man at high risk of HIV/AIDS infection. In that scenario, he should be counselled as well as tested.
Self-Evident Reasons
HIV can be transmitted from mother to child through the placenta, during childbirth, or breast milk.
HIV-positive mothers who are not treated have a 25-33 per cent chance of exposing their children to the virus.
Suppose an HIV-positive woman obtains anti-viral medications, has a cesarean section and does not have a nurse. In that case, she has a 1% – 2% chance of transferring the infection to her child.
An HIV-positive mother takes the appropriate procedures to reduce her child’s risk of catching HIV.
HIV testing is performed on a tiny sample of your blood. It is typically obtained concurrently with blood extracted for other standard blood tests.
If you have any questions concerning HIV testing, Dr Theron Moodley suggests contacting your obstetrics physician.
Is it still possible that I will get tested?
Assume you refused testing at your initial prenatal appointment but have changed your mind. The test can be done conveniently on your next regularly scheduled obstetrician visit. Dr Theron Moodley maintains that no special arrangement is required in this circumstance.
In Wisconsin, a patient must verbally consent before an HIV test can be administered.
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