Today we will talk about how to increase immunity in HIV infection, because this is a rather complex problem regarding modern immunology. The term HIV refers to an immunodeficiency virus that is able to suppress immunity. The weakened work of the body's defenses puts a person in great danger, because it becomes easily accessible to many ailments. Thus, even the most common, it would seem, not at all dangerous colds can be fatal.
Every infected person should know how to increase immunity in HIV, because this is the main task for the patient and the doctor during therapy. It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question about the state of the immune system in an infected person. After all, it all depends on the course and severity of the disease. However, it can be argued that he cannot stay normal. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with this infection in more detail.
HIV infection
This infection is constantly progressing, which leads to a weakening of the human immune system. There is a stage of this disease called AIDS, in which other infectious diseases or tumors join. The term AIDS refers to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Where does this dangerous infection come from? For the first time this term was spoken back in the 80s. XX century. But now everyone knows about this problem, even small children, which indicates the spread of infection exponentially. Despite this prevalence, a cure has not yet been found. The only way to contain the spread is prevention.
Hailing from West Africa. At present, in medicine they already have an idea of the nature and structure of the virus, of transmission routes and viability, but they cannot develop an effective medicine. According to available statistics, more than fifty million people are infected worldwide.
The final step in this section is to highlight all the transmission routes of the virus:
- sexual (approximately 70% of cases, provided that the contact was unprotected);
- use of a common injection tool (10% of cases);
- transfusion of infected blood (10% of cases);
- infection of the child by the mother at the time of birth or during breastfeeding (10% of cases);
- the use of non-sterile accessories for tattoos or piercings (rarely);
- use of a razor or toothbrush with traces of blood from an infected person (rarely).
So, the bacterium can be transmitted with blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Other biological materials do not pose a threat (sweat, urine, feces, saliva, tear). Everything is explained by concentration. For example, the amount of virus needed for infection is in a drop of blood placed on the tip of a needle, and saliva for the same concentration requires as much as 4 liters.
Is it possible to get rid of the problem forever?
A disease called HIV is not fatal, but carries a serious danger to the body. This virus acts on T-leukocytes (cells that organize the fight against infections), which reduces the body's resistance to various diseases. So the body is not able to cope even with the weakest and safest virus.
To the question: “Is it possible to cure HIV?” no definite answer can be given. After all, the term “treatment” refers to the restoration of the body, and under the “cure” - complete elimination of the disease. Thus, we can say that HIV is treated with the strongest antiretroviral drugs that can reduce the activity of viruses. Then immunity can work for the good of the whole organism, because it no longer needs strength to attack. However, AIDS is an incurable disease. All sick people are required to know how to increase immunity in HIV infection, because therapy is aimed at this. But work is still underway on finding an effective drug.
The immune system of an HIV-infected person
A slight deviation from the norm is permissible. But as an example, we take the stage of secondary manifestations, in which this indicator decreases immediately by 5 times, and the terminal stage is characterized by a decrease of 10 times. It is for this reason that the question of how to increase immunity in HIV and hepatitis C is very important and priority.
Why did we mention HCV? It is worth noting that these two problems are very closely related. The immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C have much in common, and infection with two viruses at once is most likely due to contact with infected blood or through unprotected sexual intercourse. In about 35% of cases, a person with immunodeficiency virus also has HCV.
So, HIV affects the cells of the immune system, which makes a person vulnerable. Especially strong indicators fall in two stages:
- the moment of transition to the acute period of incubation;
- transition to the stage of secondary latent manifestations.
Treatment
Many people are interested in the question: "How to raise immunity in HIV, to bring down the temperature?". Let's try to understand the reasons for the temperature increase. To begin with, this is an indicator of a malfunction in the immune system. Subfebrile temperature (up to 37.5 ° C) is the norm for HIV, it is not necessary to bring it down. However, when raising the thermometer, it is necessary to find the cause and begin its treatment.
As mentioned earlier, there is no cure for the virus. Therefore, you need to know how to increase immunity in HIV and take antiretroviral drugs for life. The latter help to contain the virus by destroying active microorganisms. But it is worth noting that sleepers are not amenable to this therapy. That's what lifelong drug use is all about.
Immune system functionality
Many do not even think about how the immune system works. It seems that a small cut or cold goes away even without treatment. But this is not so, it is the human defense system that helps to cope with the problem. But with HIV, this system is greatly weakened, which helps viruses to "manage" in the human body unhindered.
The first line of defense is the mucous membrane and skin. They prevent the entry of harmful microorganisms transmitted by airborne droplets into the body.
The second line of defense is white blood cells. If the infection nevertheless bypassed the first line and entered the body, then the white blood cells destroy it.
The third line of defense is T and B lymphocytes. If the white blood cells could not cope with the infection, then these cells are connected. What is their job? They recognize the pest and produce antibodies. They subsequently help to quickly identify and destroy the same virus or bacterium.
Folk remedies
Now we will talk about how to increase immunity in HIV and tuberculosis using folk remedies. Why did we mention the second disease? The thing is that they are closely related. If a person has progressive tuberculosis, then it must be examined for the presence of the immunodeficiency virus.
So, how to raise immunity with HIV folk remedies? This can be done using the following herbs:
- calendula;
- death;
- green tea.
Kvass based on a banana peel is also effective, which is taken up to 4 times a day. Calendula tincture is consumed in two drops in the morning and evening. But the use of decoction from death is extremely careful, a single dose is not more than a tablespoon after eating. Please note that when using the latter, it is strictly forbidden to take alcohol.
Drinking at least 2 cups of green tea a day is recommended. This is due to the presence of kakhetins in it, which can slow the reproduction of the virus.
The mood for recovery
When thinking about how to increase immunity in HIV infection, one should not forget about the patient’s psycho-emotional state. The patient simply needs positive emotions, because stress, overwork and lack of sleep interfere with the work of cells that can barely cope with their task.
If you feel that you need rest - do not deny yourself it, sleep more, because psychological directly depends on physical comfort.
Proper nutrition
So, how to raise immunity with HIV without therapy? Another tip: proper and healthy nutrition. After all, it is with a meal that we get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. It is necessary to eat fully, correctly, taking care of the state of the digestive tract. Everything that we get with food is simply necessary for the body to function better (for example, calcium strengthens bones, and vitamin C strengthens the body's resistance to colds).
Infected people must include in their diet:
- carbohydrates;
- vegetables;
- fruits;
- meat;
- dairy products;
- legumes;
- fish.
What is included in the menu?
We said in the last section that meat should be present in the diet, but do not forget that it should be a source of protein, not fat. Prefer low-fat species such as chicken, turkey or beef. A large amount of fat overstrain the glands of the digestive system.
Carbohydrate-containing foods help energize the body and support the patient’s weight. Carbohydrates can be obtained from cereals, potatoes, pasta, bread and so on.
The need for fruits and vegetables is the presence in them of a large amount of vitamins and other beneficial substances. What are they needed for?
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Promote tissue regeneration.
- Contribute to better digestion.
Be sure to eat a small amount of fruits and vegetables daily. But do not forget that some vitamins are fat-soluble. For better assimilation, vegetable salads should be seasoned with vegetable oils.
Dairy and dairy products are a source of calcium. Legumes are a source of protein. Fish is the source of omega-3s.
Exercise stress
In this section, we will talk briefly about how to increase immunity in HIV infection and not harm your body. Just note that infected people often face the problem of weight loss. Pay attention to the fact that basically they lose muscle mass.
To keep fit, you need to play sports, but do not overwork. Best in this case, yoga or doing a small set of simple exercises.
Vitamins and Minerals
How to increase immunity in HIV to an adult? Everyone, without exception: both adults and children need vitamins. Surely, there were days when you really want nothing to eat. Or your work schedule does not allow you to fully eat. What to do? Vitamin complexes come to our aid. It is better if your doctor selects them for you.
Please note that in summer and winter, as a rule, different complexes are assigned. Why? Everything is quite simple, because in the summer we have access to a large number of fruits and vegetables that are enriched with vitamins.
Necessarily necessary:
- vitamin C (for infectious diseases);
- A (ensuring the normal functioning of the intestines, lungs, a positive effect on the skin);
- B6 (normalizes the function of immunity);
- selenium (stimulation of blood cells);
- potassium (increasing the body's resistance to infections) and so on.
Get rid of bad habits
Now about another way to raise immunity in HIV. Men whose reviews have been studied, along with women argue that it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle. That is, to stop smoking, drug addiction and drinking alcohol.
To begin with, all this entails the destruction at the cellular level not only of the central nervous system, but also of the circulatory system, and also destroys the digestive organs. In addition, as mentioned earlier, people are prescribed antiretroviral drugs that are already heavy for the liver. And in combination with alcohol, they are generally deadly.
It is also worth remembering that in alcohol or drug intoxication, people more easily agree to sexual intimacy. And the likelihood of infecting another person increases so many times.
We observe the daily routine
Another way to raise the immunity of an adult with HIV infection is to follow the daily regimen. If you have the opportunity to sleep well, distract from physical and mental stress, then this is very good. If this is not possible, then you must learn not to take stressful situations to heart. Also, to distract and recharge with positive emotions will help yoga or doing what you love. That is, find yourself a hobby. This helps to escape from harsh everyday life and recharge with positive emotions.