HIV
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, which normally fights off infections and diseases. HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Without treatment HIV can progress to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS); there is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms
- •Fever
- •Fatigue
- •Headaches
- •Swollen lymph nodes
- •Sore throat
- •Rash
- •Mouth ulcers
- •Muscle aches
Flu‑like symptoms often occur within 2–4 weeks of infection and can last several weeks. After the initial phase people may not have symptoms, but HIV remains active. As the virus progresses the immune system weakens; without treatment people with AIDS typically survive about three years.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests include antibody tests (detect HIV antibodies in blood, saliva or urine), antigen tests (detect HIV antigens), nucleic acid tests (detect viral RNA) and a CD4 T‑cell count to measure the immune system’s strength.
Treatment
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) uses combinations of medications targeting different stages of the HIV life cycle to reduce the amount of virus, prevent progression to AIDS and improve the immune system. Pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventive treatment for people at high risk and involves taking a daily pill containing two antiretroviral drugs or receiving a long‑acting injection; PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV by up to 99% if taken consistently. Post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is used to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure and involves taking a combination of antiretroviral drugs for 28 days, started within 72 hours of exposure. Prevention also includes using condoms during every sexual encounter and avoiding sharing needles.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc. (Medically reviewed by Kecia Gaither, MD on March 31, 2024)
- CDC: “About HIV and HIV -- CDC Fact Sheet.”
- Mayo Clinic: “HIV/AIDS”
- WebMD: “HIV”
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