AIDS / HIV
Introduction to AIDS and HIV
💡 What is AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) refers to a condition caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus targets the immune system, and if left untreated, it can eventually progress to AIDS. HIV specifically attacks certain immune cells, particularly CD4 lymphocytes, gradually weakening the body's defense against infections and some types of cancer.
🔑 Key Distinction
It’s important to understand that AIDS itself is not a virus; rather, it’s the advanced stage that may result from untreated HIV infection.
A person living with HIV can maintain a healthy life without progressing to AIDS, especially with timely administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Factors Influencing the Progression of HIV
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Access to Treatment:
Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of effective antiretroviral therapy dramatically improve quality of life and life expectancy.
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Overall Health Condition:
A robust immune system can slow down disease progression.
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Treatment Adherence:
Regular medication intake and consistent monitoring significantly influence treatment success.
HIV Situation in Greece
According to recent epidemiological data from official health authorities (e.g., EODY), HIV prevalence in Greece remains relatively low compared to other countries. Nevertheless, continuous education and preventive measures remain essential in further reducing new HIV infections.
How HIV is Transmitted and Major Risk Factors
🚑 Primary Modes of HIV Transmission
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Unprotected Sexual Intercourse:
Including vaginal, anal, or oral sex without the use of condoms. -
Shared Needles:
Commonly seen in intravenous drug users or unsafe medical procedures. -
Mother-to-Child Transmission:
Can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, especially if the mother is HIV-positive and untreated. -
Blood Transfusions:
Extremely rare in developed countries due to strict blood-screening protocols.
🏷️ Key Risk Factors
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Having multiple sexual partners without consistent condom use.
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Lack of awareness about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
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Intravenous drug use with shared needles.
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Limited access to quality medical services and regular HIV testing.
🩺 Important Note on STDs
HIV is classified as a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Other STDs (e.g., syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia) can increase susceptibility to HIV infection by causing mucosal damage, facilitating viral entry.
Prevention Measures:
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Consistent condom use during sexual activity.
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Reducing or maintaining a stable number of sexual partners.
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Regular HIV screening, especially for sexually active individuals.
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Staying informed daily through trusted medical sources.
HIV Symptoms and Stages of Infection
HIV infection typically progresses through several distinct stages. It’s crucial to understand that symptoms are not always apparent, and many individuals may live several years without noticeable health issues.
🔍 Stages of HIV Infection
Acute Infection Stage (first 2-4 weeks after exposure):
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Flu-like symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, sore throat, and muscle aches, may occur.
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High viral load in the blood, leading to increased infectiousness.
Asymptomatic Stage:
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May last several years.
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The virus continues to replicate slowly, progressively damaging the immune system.
Advanced HIV Infection (pre-AIDS stage):
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Increased susceptibility to infections or noticeable symptoms due to immune system weakening.
AIDS Stage:
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Characterized by multiple opportunistic infections (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia, fungal infections).
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Rare forms of cancer (e.g., Kaposi's sarcoma) often occur.
💡 Common HIV Symptoms (may vary between individuals):
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Persistent fatigue
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Unexplained weight loss
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Chronic, swollen lymph nodes
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Frequent diarrhea, recurring fever, night sweats
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Skin lesions or persistent rashes
If you experience persistent symptoms or have been exposed to HIV risk factors, it is essential to seek immediate HIV testing.
HIV Diagnosis and Testing
🔬 Types of HIV Tests
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Serological Tests (e.g., ELISA, Western Blot):
Detect antibodies against HIV in the blood.
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Rapid HIV Tests:
Provide results within approximately 20 minutes, primarily detecting antibodies and the HIV antigen (p24).
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Viral Load Testing (RNA tests):
Directly detects the virus itself, useful for early diagnosis and monitoring treatment effectiveness.
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CD4 Count:
Measures CD4 lymphocytes in the blood—a key indicator of immune system health.
⏰ When Should You Get Tested?
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Regularly, especially if sexually active with multiple partners.
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After any potentially risky, unprotected sexual encounter.
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Before starting new sexual relationships, ensuring mutual safety.
ℹ️ The Seroconversion Window Period
There is a period, known as the window period, during which the body has not yet produced sufficient antibodies for detection by standard tests. This period may last several weeks. If recent exposure is suspected, repeat testing is recommended after 1 to 3 months.
HIV Treatment and Medical Care (Antiretroviral Therapy – ART)
💊 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
Modern HIV management involves combinations of medications, commonly known as "drug cocktails," designed to target different stages of the virus lifecycle. The primary goals of ART include:
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Reducing viral load to undetectable levels.
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Increasing CD4 cell counts (strengthening the immune system).
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Decreasing the risk of HIV transmission.
🩺 Patient Responsibilities and Benefits
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Consistent daily medication adherence without interruption.
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Regular monitoring and care from a specialized medical team (infectious disease specialist, urologist in specific cases, psychologist, etc.).
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Improved quality of life and significant extension of life expectancy.
PrEP and PEP Explained
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PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis):
Administered to individuals at high risk (e.g., partners of HIV-positive persons, intravenous drug users). Regular use of PrEP substantially reduces the risk of acquiring HIV. -
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis):
Implemented immediately after potential HIV exposure (within 72 hours) to prevent the virus from establishing infection.
HIV Prevention and Daily Tips
🔒 Condom Use
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Use condoms consistently during every sexual encounter.
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Regularly check expiration dates and ensure proper storage.
💉 Safe Needle Practices
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Never share needles.
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Participate in Harm Reduction Programs wherever available to minimize risk.
💬 Awareness and Education
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Engage in public health campaigns and school-based sexual education programs.
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Attend seminars and workshops provided by health experts.
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Inform partners, friends, and family members—education and knowledge help reduce stigma.
🌍 Global HIV Statistics
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 37.7 million people worldwide were living with HIV as of 2020.
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Approximately 1.5 million new HIV infections are recorded annually.
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Global access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) continues to improve, with over 28 million people currently receiving treatment.
Common Myths and Facts About HIV and AIDS
❌ Myth 1: “HIV can be transmitted through saliva.”
Fact:HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or tears. Transmission requires contact with specific bodily fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, semen, or breast milk.
❌ Myth 2: “I can catch HIV from a shared toilet seat.”
Fact:The HIV virus cannot survive outside the human body for long and is not transmitted through surfaces or shared objects, such as toilet seats, countertops, or towels.
❌ Myth 3: “I am not at risk because I have a long-term partner.”
Fact:It's essential for both partners to undergo regular HIV testing and to be aware of each other's HIV status to ensure mutual protection.
❌ Myth 4: “An HIV diagnosis is a death sentence.”
Fact:With modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), individuals living with HIV can expect significantly improved long-term survival and an excellent quality of life.
Living with HIV – Social Support and Practical Advice
🤝 Social Support
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Support Groups:
Various NGOs and community organizations provide psychological, medical, and legal support for people living with HIV. -
Informing Family and Friends:
Honesty and active support from loved ones can significantly reduce social stigma and feelings of isolation. -
Individual Psychotherapy:
Can effectively help manage stress, depression, or uncertainty about the future.
⚖️ Legal Rights & Anti-Discrimination
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People living with HIV are legally protected against discrimination in employment, healthcare services, and education.
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Employers must respect medical confidentiality and cannot discriminate based on HIV status.
💼 Daily Living
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With proper treatment, HIV viral load can become undetectable (U=U – Undetectable=Untransmittable), meaning there is virtually no risk of transmitting HIV to others.
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Maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups are vital for a healthy life.
🏁 Conclusion
Today, HIV infection is no longer the incurable, life-threatening disease it once was. With proper awareness, prevention, protective measures, prompt diagnosis, and advanced treatment options, millions worldwide live healthy, normal lives. In Rhodes and throughout Greece, strengthening healthcare services, continuously educating the community, and fostering solidarity towards those living with HIV lay the foundation for a future with reduced stigma and fewer new infections.
Θεραπεία των Πέτρων στα Νεφρά (Νεφρολιθίαση)
Η θεραπεία για τις πέτρες στα νεφρά εξαρτάται από το μέγεθος, τη θέση, τη χημική σύσταση της πέτρας, τα συμπτώματα του ασθενούς και τυχόν επιπλοκές που έχουν προκύψει. Στόχος της θεραπείας είναι η απομάκρυνση της πέτρας, η ανακούφιση των συμπτωμάτων και η πρόληψη υποτροπών.
1. Συντηρητική Θεραπεία
Αναμονή και Αυθόρμητη Αποβολή
- Μικρές πέτρες (διάμετρος έως 5-6 χιλιοστά) συχνά αποβάλλονται μόνες τους μέσω των ούρων.
- Συνιστάται:
- Αυξημένη κατανάλωση υγρών για την προώθηση της πέτρας μέσω του ουροποιητικού.
- Αναλγητικά φάρμακα (π.χ. ιβουπροφαίνη) για την ανακούφιση του πόνου.
- Φάρμακα για τη χαλάρωση του ουρητήρα (π.χ. α-αδρενεργικοί ανταγωνιστές) για τη διευκόλυνση της αποβολής.
Διατροφική Αλλαγή και Φαρμακευτική Θεραπεία
- Εξατομικευμένη δίαιτα με περιορισμό τροφών που συμβάλλουν στο σχηματισμό λίθων, όπως οξαλικά (σπανάκι, παντζάρια), ζωικές πρωτεΐνες και αλάτι.
- Φαρμακευτική αγωγή για τη μείωση της δημιουργίας λίθων, ανάλογα με τη χημική σύστασή τους:
- Διουρητικά θειαζιδικά για λίθους ασβεστίου.
- Αλλοπουρινόλη για λίθους ουρικού οξέος.
- Κιτρικά άλατα για την αύξηση των επιπέδων κιτρικών στα ούρα.
2. Επεμβατικές Θεραπείες
Όταν οι πέτρες δεν αποβάλλονται φυσικά ή προκαλούν σοβαρά συμπτώματα ή επιπλοκές, μπορεί να απαιτηθεί επεμβατική αντιμετώπιση:
Λιθοτριψία με Κρουστικά Κύματα (ESWL)
- Μη επεμβατική μέθοδος που χρησιμοποιεί κρουστικά κύματα για τη διάσπαση της πέτρας σε μικρότερα κομμάτια, τα οποία αποβάλλονται μέσω των ούρων.
- Ιδανική για πέτρες μικρού ή μεσαίου μεγέθους.
- Μπορεί να προκαλέσει παροδικό πόνο ή αιματουρία.
Ενδοσκοπική Λιθοτριψία (URS)
- Μέσω ενός λεπτού ενδοσκοπίου, η πέτρα εντοπίζεται και αφαιρείται ή διασπάται με laser.
- Ιδανική για πέτρες στον ουρητήρα ή στην ουροδόχο κύστη.
Διαδερμική Νεφρολιθοτριψία (PCNL)
- Χρησιμοποιείται για μεγάλες ή πολύπλοκες πέτρες στους νεφρούς.
- Πραγματοποιείται μέσω μικρής τομής στο δέρμα, με τη χρήση ειδικών εργαλείων για τη διάσπαση και αφαίρεση της πέτρας.
Λαπαροσκοπική Χειρουργική
- Σπάνια απαιτείται και συνήθως επιλέγεται σε περιπτώσεις πολύ μεγάλων λίθων ή ανατομικών ανωμαλιών του ουροποιητικού συστήματος.
3. Θεραπεία Επιπλοκών
- Τοποθέτηση ουρητηρικού καθετήρα (Pig-tail) για την ανακούφιση της απόφραξης.
- Αντιβιοτική αγωγή σε περίπτωση λοίμωξης του ουροποιητικού συστήματος.
4. Πρόληψη Υποτροπών
Μετά την απομάκρυνση της πέτρας, είναι σημαντικό να υιοθετηθούν μέτρα πρόληψης:
- Αυξημένη κατανάλωση νερού για τη διατήρηση αραιών ούρων.
- Διατροφικές τροποποιήσεις με τη βοήθεια διαιτολόγου ή ειδικού.
- Τακτική παρακολούθηση με απεικονιστικές και εργαστηριακές εξετάσεις για την έγκαιρη ανίχνευση νέων λίθων.
Η σωστή θεραπεία της νεφρολιθίασης εξαρτάται από την έγκαιρη διάγνωση και την εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση, ώστε να επιτευχθεί η μέγιστη ανακούφιση και πρόληψη των υποτροπών.