The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes the progressive destruction of the immune system, the defenses of the body are weakening little by little. HIV multiplies in infected cells and can continue to multiply and infect new cells. The body can remain in apparent balance for years until it manifests symptoms. It has no cure, but treatment.
In the world there are more than 33 million citizens with HIV and in Spain the number of seropositives is between 120,000 and 150,000. 8 out of 10 new cases are men, at an average age of 40 years. However, 25-30% of the infected, 35,000 people in our country, is a carrier of the virus without knowing it.
In order for infection to occur, the HIV virus has to enter the body. It is transmitted in 3 ways :
Sexual route with penetration without a condom (vaginal secretions and semen). Almost half of the infections come by this route, the majority in heterosexual relationships (30%) and also in homosexuals (16%).
Blood route (blood and instruments in direct contact with it such as needles and syringes). About 40% of cases are transmitted through this route.
Via mother-child (mother's milk of seropositive mother).
Always use a condom in sexual intercourse with penetration (vaginal, anal, oral). There are many contraceptive methods that protect you from pregnancy: oral contraceptives, the mini-pill (only contains progestin), the IUD, SIU (intrauterine system), diaphragm, patch, vaginal ring, tubal ligation or vasectomy ... However, The condom, male and female, is the only one that prevents the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
When in doubt, get tested for HIV. To avoid contagion, it is safer to have sexual intercourse with a condom with a stable partner who is not infected with HIV or who has not had risky sex with people who are HIV-positive. But often the sexual history of the couple is uncertain, in addition, 30% of HIV carriers do not know they are. Provided that they have had risky sex without a condom, it is convenient to have a specific HIV test, it is free and anonymous.
Do not share needles, syringes, toothbrushes or razor blades. If you get a tattoo or piercing make sure that the material used is sterile or one-time use.
Those infected with HIV should take precautions to avoid spreading the virus. Reporting your state to the sexual partner and always using a condom is a moral duty. If you are pregnant, take treatment to reduce the risk of AIDS transmission to your child and avoid breastfeeding.
The antiretroviral drugs are combined drug therapy not just with the virus but reduces the risk of spread of the virus and prevents infected cells producing new HIV particles. Currently, HIV treatment allows controlling the infection, improving the quality of life of the patient and extending life expectancy, which now exceeds 25 years since diagnosis.
