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HIV

What is HIV? | Symptoms | How HIV Spreads | Risks and Complications | Testing and Treatment

What Is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that targets and weakens the immune system by attacking and destroying specific cells called CD4 cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most severe stage of the infection.

There is currently no effective cure for HIV, but with proper medical care and treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives and protect their partners from contracting the virus.

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Symptoms and Stages of HIV

Acute HIV Infection (Stage 1)

  • This is the initial stage of HIV infection, occurring 2-4 weeks after transmission.
  • Many people experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
  • During this stage, the viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood) is extremely high, making individuals highly contagious.

Clinical Latency (Stage 2)

  • Also known as asymptomatic HIV infection or chronic HIV infection.
  • During this stage, the virus is still active, but it reproduces at very low levels.
  • People may not experience any symptoms, but they can still transmit the virus to others.
  • Without treatment, this stage can last for several years or even decades.

AIDS (Stage 3)

  • This is the most severe stage of HIV infection, occurring when the immune system becomes severely compromised due to the depletion of CD4 cells.
  • People with AIDS are susceptible to life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers.
  • Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years.

How is HIV Spread?

HIV is primarily transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of transmission include:

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal) with an infected partner
  • Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment
  • Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

How HIV is Not Spread

It is important to note that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact or everyday activities. HIV is NOT spread through:

  • Mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects
  • Saliva, tears, or sweat
  • Hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, or closed-mouth or "social" kissing with someone who has HIV
  • Other sexual activities that do not involve the exchange of body fluids (e.g., touching)
  • Air or water

HIV does not survive long outside the human body and cannot reproduce outside a human host. Therefore, the risk of transmission through environmental exposure is negligible.

Risk Factors and Complications

Certain behaviors and conditions can increase the risk of contracting HIV, including:

  • Unprotected sexual activity with multiple partners
  • Injection drug use or sharing needles
  • Having a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
  • Being a recipient of blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1985 (when HIV testing became mandatory)

If left untreated, HIV can lead to severe complications, including:

  • Opportunistic infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain cancers)
  • Neurological disorders
  • Wasting syndrome (severe weight loss and muscle mass depletion)
  • Increased risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions

Testing and Treatment

Early detection and treatment of HIV are crucial for managing the condition and preventing its progression to AIDS. Testing for HIV is recommended for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64, regardless of risk factors.

HIV testing is widely available and can be performed through various methods, including blood tests, oral fluid tests, and rapid tests. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate testing method and frequency based on individual risk factors.

If diagnosed with HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the primary treatment option. ART involves a combination of medications that suppresses the virus and allows the immune system to recover. When taken as prescribed, ART can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, significantly improving the quality of life and reducing the risk of transmission to others.

Testing and Treatment
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023, March 13). About HIV/AIDS. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/about/
  2. HIV.gov. (2023, April 3). HIV Basics. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics
  3. World Health Organization (WHO). (2023, March 9). HIV/AIDS. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
  4. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023, March 7). HIV/AIDS: The Basics. https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets
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