HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the human immune system, partyculary CD4 cells, making the body vulnerable to various infections and diseases. Adolescents are individuals aged between 10 and 19 years old, a transitional proid from chilhood to adulthood marked by physical,emotional, and social changes. Physical health in adolescents refers to the optimal condition of the body in perfoming biological and motor functions, as well as being free from diseases that hinder growth and daily activites. I agree that the HIV virus has a signifikan negative impact on adolescents physical health. This can be seen from various symptoms and physical complications experienced by adotescents living with HIV, such as:
- Dratic Weight Loss
- Skin Problem
- Prolonged Fatigue
First, teenagers infested with HIV tend to experience sginifikan weight loss due to a weakened immune system. HIV attacks CD4 cells, which funetion to protect the body from infections making it harder for the body to fight of diseases. This condition leads to metabolic disorders and a decreased appetite, which ultimetly result in substantial weight loss. According to the Wolrd Health Organization (WHO) HIV wasting syndrome is one of the common symptoms of HIV infection, especially if antiretroviral treatment is not receveid in a timely manner. This weight loss is particulary dangerous for teenagers because it can hinder their physical growht and development, wich naturally occurs during pubery.
Second, skin problem are one of the physical effects often experienced by teenagers with HIV. The weakened immune system caused by HIV makes the body more susceptible to fungal, viral, and bacterial infections that affect the skin. As a result, teenagers living with HIV often experience rashes, wounds that are slow to heal, white patches in the mouth (candidiasis), and recurring skin infections. Based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 90% of people living with HIV experience skin disorders during the course of their illness. These skin problems not only cause pain or discomfort but also affect teenagers’ self-esteem and can impact their psychological well-being.
Third, prolonged fatigue is another common symptom experienced by adolescents with HIV, even when they are not engaging in strenuous activities. This fatigue is caused by various factors, including opportunistic infections, anemia, metabolic disorders, and side effects of antiretroviral medications. According to AIDSinfo.nih.gov, chronic fatigue in people living with HIV can disrupt daily activities and reduce overall quality of life. For teenagers, this has a serious impact because it can interfere with their learning process, social activities, and emotional development. If not managed properly, this fatigue can worsen both physical and mental conditions simultaneously.
In conclusion, HIV has a severely negative impact on the physical health of teenagers in Indonesia, such as weight loss, skin problems, and even prolonged fatigue experienced by those living with HIV. HIV can spread due to a lack of education among Indonesian youth who are not yet aware of the effects and causes of HIV