The Continued Marginalization of People Living With Hiv aids in U s Immigration Law
At the end of 2015, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) affected over 1.1 million people in the United States. In response, the U.S. Government currently invests roughly $26 billion every year in funding for domestic HIV services and activities. But what exactly is this virus, how does it affect people, who is susceptible to it and what HIV medical treatment is available to fight against it?
About HIV/AIDS
HIV is a virus that can quickly spread through blood fluids and can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. This virus attacks the human immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, also known as T-cells. By attacking these cells, it makes it extremely difficult for the body to fight off any infections or disease that may invade the body. If left untreated, it will lead to the most severe phase of the HIV infection, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
HIV often spreads through shared needles or intercourse, whether that be through a heterosexual, gay or bisexual partner. Gay and bisexual men are most commonly affected though. HIV facts and statistics show that in 2016, African American gay and bisexual men represented the largest number of those who were diagnosed with HIV. While African Americans represent only 12% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 44% of those diagnosed with HIV in 2016.
Symptoms
Symptoms will vary depending on what stage the virus is at and on the individual themselves. In the early stage, within two to four weeks of being infected, many may have flu-like symptoms which include but are not limited to fatigue, chills, fever, night sweats and even mouth ulcers. These symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, or in some cases, may not appear at all. In this very early stage, this virus can be difficult to detect in HIV tests, but it is still highly infectious.
The next stage is Clinical Latency Stage, also known as Chronic HIV Infection. During this stage, the HIV is still very much active, but at low levels. Those that are on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) may stay in this stage for decades while those that are not will stay in this stage for a shorter period of time.
The final and harshest stage of the infection is AIDS. This is when the virus eventually completely weakens the immune system which will lead to AIDS and is accompanied by rapid weight loss, extreme tiredness, pneumonia, memory loss, depression, fever and profuse night sweats amongst other symptoms.
While there are AIDS and HIV symptoms that may be noticed, they can only tell you so much and could possibly be caused by something else. The only way to fully know whether or not they are related to HIV is by getting tested at one of the HIV Testing Sites & Care Services.
Prevention
It is vital to start Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) if you are in the Pre-exposure prophylaxis phase which is when you are at a high risk for HIV and are quickly diagnosed. This will help prevent the virus from spreading through intercourse or needle sharing by keeping the immune system functioning and fighting away various illnesses. This treatment is highly effective if taken as prescribed. There is also Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) which is a way to prevent HIV after recently being exposed to the virus. This would involve taking ART and may help prevent you from being infected. This should only be done in emergency situations and needs to be started within 72 hours after exposure.
Treatment
Unfortunately there has not been any cure that has been discovered to fight against HIV/AIDS but it can be controlled if addressed early. The latest treatment involves taking a combination of drugs from different classes, also known as ART, which is meant to suppress the virus, preventing it from spreading. In order for it to be effective though, it must be taken in the correct dosage on a daily basis.
Inevitably, there are HIV treatment costs which can be covered either through private insurance by your employer or individual plans, federal resources such as Medicaid, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, Medicare, Federal Programs for Women and Children or the Health Center Program. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010, a lifetime of treatment cost can cost $379,668.
Source: https://www.life123.com/article/an-overview-of-hivaids?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740009%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex&ueid=5517ff4e-e4bb-41b3-8c78-22ff86aa3610
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