Final answer:
Oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS include conditions like oral candidiasis, which presents as white lesions in the mouth, and can progress to more severe symptoms in later stages of the disease. Preventive measures and avoiding high-risk behaviors can help protect against HIV infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS can include a variety of symptoms due to the compromised immune system status of the affected individual. One of the most common oral conditions associated with HIV infection is oral candidiasis or yeast infection, which is an opportunistic infection. This presents as white lesions in the mouth and throat, as described in Figure 21.3.2. Other oral manifestations may include hairy leukoplakia, oral hairy leukoplakia, gingivitis, and periodontitis. During the acute stage of HIV infection, which often shows flu-like symptoms including fever and malaise, oral problems may not be as prominent as in the later stages like AIDS-related complex or full-blown AIDS, where the CD4 T-cell count drops below 200 cells/μL or certain opportunistic illnesses develop. At this stage, the symptoms are more severe, including weight loss, night sweats, lymphadenopathy, and opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia and esophageal candidiasis.
It is important to debunk myths around HIV transmission; it cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as kissing, sharing a glass, or sitting on a public toilet seat. Preventing HIV infection involves avoiding high-risk behaviors, practicing safe sex, and avoiding sharing needles or contact with infected bodily fluids.