When it comes to HIV infection, it is a frightening topic for most people. However, if we study the information, we will find that people living with HIV and AIDS patients can live with their families as long as those around them understand and are open-minded. Therefore, for confidence and proper conduct to live safely together, Dr. Supitcha Ongkittikul, Infectious Disease Clinic Physician, Phyathai 3 Hospital will advise on what needs to be done.
“Is HIV infection” the same as “AIDS”?
Dr. Supitcha explains that AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, occurring when the immune system is destroyed to the point that it can no longer fight off various infections. Meanwhile, people infected with HIV may not necessarily progress to AIDS.
How is HIV transmitted?
There are several ways the infection can be transmitted from an infected person, including:
- Sexual intercourse and bodily fluids
- Blood, from using contaminated needles, receiving infected blood through wounds or mucous membranes
- From mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding
How to live safely with someone infected?
When a family lives with someone infected with HIV, Dr. Supitcha says the important thing is to seek accurate and comprehensive knowledge about the disease, including transmission, prevention, treatment, and taking the patient to see a doctor for scheduled treatment.
- Behaviors that do not cause infection
- Using a shared serving spoon when eating together
- Hugging
- Clothes can be washed together, but those contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, feces, or urine must be washed separately and gloves should always be worn
- Sharing soap, body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, and powder
- Behaviors that pose a risk of infection
- Using equipment that may come into contact with blood or personal items shared among people, such as razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes
- When a household member is ill, such as with fever, measles, rubella, or chickenpox, and is not separated from the infected person
- Household members should be vaccinated against various infectious diseases such as influenza, measles, diphtheria, and pertussis
- Frequent hand washing, such as before and after eating, cooking, and using the bathroom
- Husband and wife must use condoms every time during sexual intercourse and be cautious about transmission during sex
What to do if you think you are at risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Supitcha advises that you should see a doctor immediately within 72 hours to get a blood test for HIV and other infections, hepatitis B and C, check liver and kidney function, and receive antiretroviral medication (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: PEP) to reduce the chance of infection. The medication must be taken continuously for 28 days. The effectiveness of the antiretroviral medication is highest if taken within 24 hours after exposure. Follow-up tests should be done as scheduled by the doctor, and avoid risks that may lead to infection.
When everyone in the family understands and is open-minded, living with someone infected with HIV is no longer frightening or worrisome. The life of the “family” can continue warmly as before.
