HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV damages and kills cells that are in the body 's immune system. There are different stages of HIV, but the most advanced stage is AIDS. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV is spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and blood contact, all with an infected person. In this paper I will discuss HIV/AIDS in women, also the testing and prevention of the infection for women.
Although both men and women can become infected with the disease, it is easier for a woman to contract it. If a woman has HIV, there are different symptoms than a male would have, some of these symptoms include; repeated vaginal yeast infections, a greater risk of having cervical cancer, and the chance …show more content…
Like previously stated some women have symptoms and some do not, but both types of women are still able to pass the infection to other people, thru sex, shared needles, blood contact, and childbirth.
There are different ways of testing for HIV/AIDS; HIV antibody test, HIV DUO test, P24 test, HIV-1 Proviral test, and home tests. The HIV antibody test looks for different antibodies that will show up when infected with HIV/AIDS, this test works almost immediately. The HIV DUO test looks for antibodies for both HIV-1 and HIV-2, this test will show a positive result within 4 weeks of contracting the infection. The P24 tests for proteins that are on the surface of HIV, it can detect the virus in the early weeks after getting infected. HIV-1 Proviral test detects genetic material in the virus, and works within 14 days of being in contact with the virus. Home tests work by taking a swab and mixing it with a solution to see if there is a reaction, if testing positive with an at home test you should always contact your doctor
Although both men and women can become infected with the disease, it is easier for a woman to contract it. If a woman has HIV, there are different symptoms than a male would have, some of these symptoms include; repeated vaginal yeast infections, a greater risk of having cervical cancer, and the chance …show more content…
Like previously stated some women have symptoms and some do not, but both types of women are still able to pass the infection to other people, thru sex, shared needles, blood contact, and childbirth.
There are different ways of testing for HIV/AIDS; HIV antibody test, HIV DUO test, P24 test, HIV-1 Proviral test, and home tests. The HIV antibody test looks for different antibodies that will show up when infected with HIV/AIDS, this test works almost immediately. The HIV DUO test looks for antibodies for both HIV-1 and HIV-2, this test will show a positive result within 4 weeks of contracting the infection. The P24 tests for proteins that are on the surface of HIV, it can detect the virus in the early weeks after getting infected. HIV-1 Proviral test detects genetic material in the virus, and works within 14 days of being in contact with the virus. Home tests work by taking a swab and mixing it with a solution to see if there is a reaction, if testing positive with an at home test you should always contact your doctor