HIV: A pestilence and emerging trends

HIV stands for Human Immune Deficiency virus. No one knows the origin of HIV as it affects human beings. One thing is sure: there are lower animal primate versions of immunodeficiency virus. Now, should an affliction affecting 40million people all over the world and five per cent of 200 million Nigerians be classified as a pandemic? Certainly so.
From studies in 2003, the prevalence rates of HIV infection in Nigeria was variable, ranging from 1.2 per cent in Osun State to >12 per cent in Cross Rivers State. At the end of 2009, the average prevalence rate of HIV in Nigeria was about 5.6 per cent with 3.3million people living with the virus across Nigeria. Approximately 220,000 people died from AIDS in 2009. There has been little decline in deaths between 2005 and 2013.
How HIV is transmitted: HIV is transmitted through unprotected heterosexual intercourse. Also, there is by mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy. Unscreened blood transfusion can transmit HIV. The use of resulting in needle stick injuries and sharing of sharp objects as well as during formal and informal surgeries may lead to HIV transmission. Homosexual interactions is an important mode of transmission of HIV.
Diagnosis: Doctors can use rapid blood test to determine if a person has HIV or not. If HIV is suspected, a more quantitative test is called for to know the actual level of viral load in the person. Blood test is the commonest form of diagnosis in Nigeria. There are other forms of testing such as urine or saliva. The fact that a person is non-reactive at present time is not to say there is no underling HIV. This has led to the recommendation that individuals should be tested  two to six times monthly.
Presentation: HIV may be present in a person without the person ever knowing it until tested. In fact, I have seen couples who came for consultation on a different matter only for one of them to be tested positive, all to the upmost surprise of the couples. That said, in individuals with symptoms, moderate and unexplained weight loss, recurrent respiratory tract infections (such as sinusitis), skin rashes, herpes zoster infection, yeast infection, ulcers in the mouth are some of the early symptoms.
In later stages, unexplained chronic diarrhea for longer than one month, unexplained persistent fever, continuing weight loss, tuberculosis are some of the latter presentations. In much later stage of HIV, severe infection, HIV wasting disease, pneumonia and herpes infection may overwhelm the individual. As may have been noticed by the reader, HIV, unlike Ebola, Lassa, and coronavirus does not kill the victim within a month. HIV can linger in the body system without notice for decades except through vigilance or it is detected.
Treatment: In general, it’s far cheaper and cost effective to prevent all illnesses and indeed any illness than to treat it. HIV is no different. What are the possible measures that are available to treat HIV? In general, treatment is handled and best handled by specialist doctors who are knowledgeable about the disease. Fraudulent claims about herbs and concoctions are best deceptive.
Prevention:  Know you sex partners. Screen your sex partners before sex. Stick to each other and avoid the risk of contracting infections from unfaithful partners. If unsure, use barriers methods to prevent infections. Also, if you have taken undue risks, go for pre-exposure preventive medicines within 72 hours of such exposure. Doctors will generally screen pregnant women and patients who are to undergo medical procedures.  Never share needles, blades, clips within anyone. Blood meant for transfusion will be and should be thoroughly screened for relevant infections, including HIV.