HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS if not treated. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection and occurs by contact with or transfer of blood, pre-ejaculate, semen, and vaginal fluid. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV completely, even with treatment. So once you get HIV, you have it for life. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which helps the immune system fight off infections.

Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells to the point that the body can no longer fight off infections and disease. These opportunistic infections or cancers take advantage of a very weak immune system and signal that the person has AIDS, the last stage of HIV infection. HIV as a potent virus is also known for coming along with a whole lot of complications. Moreover, an increasing series of public health project works and materials have made documentations of these complications. However, below are the complications associated with HIV as regard youths:


MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX: This is a type of bacterial infection. It often presents in people with severely compromised immune systems (CD4 cell counts of less than 50). If these bacteria enter the bloodstream, it often results in death

CYTOMEGALOVIRUS: This common global virus affects most adults during their lifetime. It often presents with eye or gastrointestinal infections.

TUBERCULOSIS: This disease is most common in low-income areas of the world. It can be successfully treated in most cases if caught early.

PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA (PCP): This OI is currently the leading cause of death in people living with HIV. Careful monitoring and antibiotic therapies are currently used to treat the person following diagnosis

NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH HIV AND AIDS: HIV doesn’t appear to attack nerve cells. But as virus-related inflammation damages the CNS, people with advanced HIV or AIDS may experience various symptoms, such as confusion, forgetfulness, behavioral issues, headaches, weakness, and numbness in the extremities.

It is imperative to note complication associated with HIV with regard to youths are not limited to the above. Also, that these complications on youth are almost the same with men, women, children alike.

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