Research by experts indicates that bananas have a substance that has the potential to slow down HIV infection. This finding is expected to open a new window in the treatment of prevention of HIV infection which the cure has yet not been found.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School are interested in lectins, chemicals that are naturally in plants, because of its ability to stop the chain reaction of various types of infections. Laboratory test results show, BanLec, lectins found in bananas, as effective as anti-HIV medicines at this time.

A new way to stop the spread of HIV is absolutely necessary. We have a number of new HIV infections exceeds the number of individuals who received antiretroviral drugs, namely 2.5 to 1. In fact, there are no signs of an HIV vaccine would appear in the near future.

At present the use of condoms is still the main method of HIV prevention when it is used consistently and correctly. Other prevention strategies are also effective to prevent transmission through the vagina and rectum by using a drug that prevents HIV entry into target cells.

Research conducted by Michigan State University researcher shows how lectins can identify the attackers from outside the body, such as viruses, and attacks it as a pathogen, can be developed to identify the HIV virus.

Besides having the same potential anti-HIV medicine currently available, the banana lectins are also much cheaper to produce as a medicine that can reach the wider community.

“The problem for anti-HIV medicines is the ability of the virus to mutate and become resistant. However, it can be prevented by lectins. Lectins can be attached to the sugar found in various points of HIV-1 and it is estimated that the virus needs multiple mutation to get it, “said Erwin J Goldstein, PhD, professor of biological chemistry.

ABOUT HERPES MEDICATION NOWADAYS

GENERAL INFO

STDs are spreading over the world and herpes is not a new thing anymore. But there is a good side in the fact that these sexually transmitted diseases force people to become more educated. Approximately 19 million new STD infections are reported each year and it’s sad to say that almost half of them occur in the ages group ranges of 12 to 24. One of the most common STDs is called Herpes. There are eight types of herpes viruses but only two main types are important because of theirs harmful effect over the human body. There are desperate efforts in the medical world for finding reliable herpes medication.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HERPES?

Once a person has been particularly exposed with open or broken skin area (which includes the eyes, mouth, esophagus, anus and vagina) the virus can be easily transmitted. While the first outbreak of herpes is usually the worst one somebody may experience, as much as 60% of those infected with the virus will fail to notice any symptoms because the outbreak is so mild. Herpes abrasions usually show up in and around the genital area, although at females herpes may cause these swellings to develop inside the vagina and may include vaginal discharge and pain or a burning sensation when urinating.

IS THERE TRUSTFUL HERPES MEDICATION OUT THERE?

In most healthy people, herpes doesn’t usually cause other health problems. The same way as in case of other STDs, antiviral medications are usually prescribed to treat herpes infections. Treating herpes can help people to feel more socially comfortable. Remember that the type of medication will differ according to the severity of the herpes condition. Since herpes is a common outbreak infection, prevention is much important rather than medication.

HERPES PREVENTION

Herpes is already alarming, being considered a worldwide concern, since millions of people all over the world are already suffering from this type of STD. Fear of outbreaks or the spreading of genital herpes to a partner or the baby can cause stress, anxiety, or depression. Herpes prevention guidelines mention that a person affected by herpes must not come into direct skin-to-skin contact with another person, should use a latex condom for sexual contact, should limit your number of sexual partners, should be disciplined and have good personal hygiene. All these will really help on controlling the spread of this contagious infectionFeature Articles, while waiting for the latest medical achievements to provide revolutionary herpes medication that kills the virus.

How HIV is Transmitted

The human immunodeficiency virus is principally spread by physical contact with blood, semen or vaginal fluid infected by the disease.  HIV is typically spread by three main scenarios:
•    Sexual contact sexual relations with someone infected with
•    Contact with an infected needle or syringe (Sharing needles with someone infected with HIV).
•    HIV may be spread to children from their mothers during childbirth or during breastfeeding.

HIV Preventative Steps Include:
•    Talk to your sexual partner about HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
•    Learn as much as possible about your partner’s past sexual behavior, previous sexual partners, drug use and lifestyle.
•    Abstain from sexual relations (anal, vaginal and oral) until you are in a relationship with only one person and you both are having sex only with each other.
•    Use a condom every time you have sexual contact.
•    Do not share needles or syringes with anyone.
•    Get tested for HIV and other STDs.

HIV Treatments

Advances in HIV treatments since the HIV/AIDS epidemic began in the 1980s have helped to slow the progression of the HIV infection to AIDS.  As a result of advancements in medical research and sciences, the number of fatalities resulting from AIDS has decreased in the United States.  Although there is no known cure for HIV/AIDS, it is a manageable virus.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, there are currently thirty-one antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) approved by the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment and management of HIV and AIDS.  These drugs do not cure or get rid of HIV or AIDS, but they do suppress the virus and allow the infected person to live a longer, healthier life.  It is important to note, that although the virus can be suppressed via use of ARVs, HIV/AIDS can still be spread by the infected individual. It is critical that the infected patient use all safeguards to prevent the spread of the virus to anyone.

Treatment Complications, Dangers and Potential Side Effects

Like many drug treatments, the medications used to treat HIV/AIDS can cause complications and side effects.  Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) on rare occasion can cause critical medical complications including: alterations in metabolism and bone loss.  Infected individuals need to be aware of possible complications when taking any medication and be alert to their body’s reaction to the drug.  It is important to convey any worries concerning your HIV treatment with your doctor.

Research has shown that HIV can create variants resistant to antiretroviral drugs when patients neglect to take all their prescribed medications consistently.  It is critical for those infected with HIV to talk to their physicians about their worries or hardships with their recommended drug schedule.  Some patients experience uncomfortable side effects and may have trouble keeping up with the required daily medication schedule.  If this is the case, it is recommended that the patient and physician find a substitute solution as quickly as possible as inconsistency with antiretroviral drugs may allow the HIV virus to become resistant to that specific medical treatment.

HIV Support Groups

Support groups and links to others who are also living with HIV/AIDS may offer some benefit.  Connecting with others who share your medical diagnosis may provide emotional support, a sense of unity and may help prevent individuals from feeling isolated in their illness.  The World Health Organization (WHO) states that support groups can provide key psychosocial support to people living with HIV/AIDS.  Becoming infected with HIV can affect all aspects of the infected individual’s life as well as the life of their family and caregivers.  Support groups may help HIV patients better deal with their disease.  Support groups should not be used to replace professional psychological services.

What are the early symptoms of HIV infection?

Despite increased awareness about HIV, AIDS and the risks of unprotected sex, many people may don’t know what the early symptoms of HIV are. While the chances of contracting the virus are still relatively low, it’s important to be aware of possible symptoms, particularly if you’ve recently had sex without a condom.

However, part of the problem is that around a third of people who contract the virus would not display any early symptoms at all. The fact that many live with HIV for years without realizing that they are infected. Of course, the earlier the infection is diagnosed with an HIV test, the better the chances of treatment.

What does HIV do to the body?

HIV is a virus which, in its advanced form, can lead to the terminal condition AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Virus). It attacks cells in the body which fight infection – leaving you more vulnerable to disease. A person infected with HIV will not necessarily develop AIDS. By the late stages of HIV, symptoms are pronounced and can have a debilitating effect on the sufferer.

However, in its early stages, HIV is known as primary HIV infection. Symptoms usually appear a couple of weeks after exposure and may only last for a short time.

Early signs to look out for:

Early stadium of HIV can share many of the same symptoms as common conditions (such as the flu or glandular fever). The key is to work out whether you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms following recent unprotected sex:

- Sore and dry throat
- Headache and high fever
- Feeling fatigued and lacking in energy
- Pain in the joints, muscles and lower back
- Feeling nauseous and having a low appetite
- Swollen glands (particularly in the neck and armpits)
- Rash on the chest and occasionally arms
- Diarrhea

As mentioned above, although around 60% of people infected with HIV will show symptoms, many others will not.

Getting diagnosed:

Don’t get panic, If you suspect that you may have contracted HIV. Your chances of infection are low – almost zero if you have been using condoms during sex.

However, if you’re concerned, or if you show symptoms a few weeks after unprotected sex, then it’s really important for you to have test for HIV (not the same as an AIDS test). If symptoms disappear after a few days this doesn’t mean that you’re all clear. Often people will experience the initial signs and then show no other outward symptoms until years later. By that time the infection may have developed in your body and become tougher to treat.

Search for a good clinic to have a HIV test if you feel like you have those symptoms. Having the right treatment at the first stage surely would help you a lot. Avoiding to have sex without condoms is the easiest way to prevent yourself from HIV. Always seek for advices from doctors or physicians to understand more about HIV and early signs of it.

Vaginal discharge means secretion from the vagina. Vaginal discharge is normal in females’ day to day lives. A normal vaginal discharge consists of about a teaspoon (4 milliliters) a day that is white or transparent, thick to thin, and odorless. This is formed by the normal bacteria and fluids the vaginal cells put off. Femi forte has been used by hundreds of thousands of women across the world who notices the changes in the appearance or consistency in the vaginal discharge. The reasons for this could be many as described below: -

*Emotional stress
*Discharge accompanied by itching, rash or soreness
*Persistent, increased discharge
*Burning on skin during urination
*Ovulation (the production and release of an egg from your ovary in the middle of your menstrual cycle)
*Pregnancy
*Sexual excitement
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