Infection Can Only Be
Determined Through Testing
AIDS can only be detected through testing! Even if infected, with proper treatment, immunity can be adequately maintained.
What Is AIDS?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the causative virus of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The state of being infected with this virus is commonly referred to as HIV infection. When infected with HIV, the immune cells in our body are infected and destroyed by the virus, leading to a decline in immunity. As a result, various infectious diseases and tumors develop, ultimately leading to death. The state in which immunity has declined significantly enough for these infections and tumors to begin appearing is called AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Route of HIV Infection
HIV is divided into HIV-1 and HIV-2, and it is HIV-1 that has spread worldwide causing HIV infections.
The virus can be detected in all bodily fluids, but it exists in high concentrations primarily in blood and semen. HIV infection can occur when blood, semen, vaginal secretions, etc. enter through mucous membranes or minor skin wounds. Routes of HIV transmission include sexual contact, transmission through blood transfusions or blood products, accidental needlestick injuries among healthcare workers, and mother-to-child transmission.
Major Routes of HIV Transmission
Through Body Fluids
01Sexual intercourse with an HIV-infected person
02Sharing syringes or needles with an HIV-infected person
03Receiving a transfusion of HIV-infected blood
04Mother-to-child transmission through pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding
05Accidents during medical procedures on an infected person
Symptoms of AIDS
AIDS Symptoms Resembling
a Common Cold or Flu
Acute HIV syndrome occurs after an initial incubation period of 1 to 6 weeks following infection, presenting as an acute flu-like illness with fever, numbness, fatigue, sore throat, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, headache, stiff neck, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In most cases, the symptoms are so similar to a common cold that they are easily overlooked. When immunity drops below a certain level, various types of infectious diseases that rarely occur in healthy individuals begin to develop, and malignant tumors occur at significantly higher rates due to immunodeficiency, which can lead to death.
Diagnosis of AIDS
HIV infection can be diagnosed through blood tests — by detecting antibodies to HIV in the blood, and through tests that directly identify HIV antigens.
If the screening test returns positive, a confirmatory test is performed to definitively determine infection, using the Western blot test. Even if the initial screening test is positive, the result is not considered an HIV infection until the confirmatory test is completed, so there is no need to worry prematurely.
Treatment of AIDS
To date, no treatment has been developed that can fully restore the immune system destroyed by HIV infection. However, a preventive vaccine is currently under development, and treatment typically involves the so-called cocktail therapy, which uses three types of medications simultaneously. Recently, powerful treatments capable of strongly suppressing the HIV virus have been developed, so even if infected with HIV, with proper treatment, immunity can be adequately maintained.
Treatment Process
01
Registration
Smoother treatment is possible with a prior appointment.
02
Consultation
In-person consultation with the doctor.
03
Examination
Tests determined after consultation are performed.
04
Treatment
Treatment is carried out based on examination results.
05
Discharge
1-year VIP complimentary care service.
