HIV
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, which is responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. HIV is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. HIV is a serious health condition that can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated. There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS. In the U.S., as of 2025, approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV, and about 13% of them are unaware of their status.
Symptoms
- •Fever
- •Fatigue
- •Headaches
- •Swollen lymph nodes
- •Sore throat
- •Rash
- •Mouth ulcers
- •Muscle aches
These symptoms can occur within 2-4 weeks of infection and can last for several weeks. After this initial phase, people may not have any symptoms but HIV is still active and can transmit HIV. As the virus progresses, the immune system weakens and this can lead to AIDS. Without antiviral treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years.
Diagnosis
- •There are several diagnostic tests available for HIV/AIDS. Some of the most common diagnostic tests include:
- •Antibody tests: These tests detect the presence of antibodies to HIV in the blood, saliva, or urine. These antibodies are produced by the body in response to the presence of HIV. Antibody tests are the most commonly used diagnostic tests for HIV.
- •Antigen tests: These tests detect the presence of HIV antigens (proteins produced by the virus) in the blood. Antigen tests are less commonly used than antibody tests.
- •Nucleic acid tests (NATs): These tests detect the genetic material (RNA) of the virus in the blood. NATs are very sensitive and can detect HIV in the blood within a few days of infection.
- •CD4 T-cell count: This test measures the number of CD4 T-cells in the blood. CD4 T-cells are a type of white blood cell that is targeted and destroyed by HIV. A low CD4 count indicates that the immune system is being weakened by HIV.
Treatment
- •Antiretroviral therapy (ART): This is the most common treatment for HIV. ART involves taking a combination of medications that target different stages of the HIV life cycle. ART can help reduce the amount of virus in the body, prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS, and improve the immune system. WHO’s 2025 guidelines now allow for switching to long-acting injectable therapy (cabotegravir + rilpivirine) for adults/adolescents who are virally suppressed and do not have active hepatitis B infection.
- •Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): This is a preventive treatment for people who are at high risk of getting HIV. PrEP involves taking a daily pill that contains two antiretroviral drugs. Another option for PrEP is long acting injections. PrEP can help reduce the risk of getting HIV by up to 99% if taken consistently. As of June 2025, FDA approved injectable lenacapavir (LEN) given every 6 months as a PrEP option in the U.S.
- •Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): This is a treatment that is used to prevent HIV infection after exposure to the virus. PEP involves taking a combination of antiretroviral drugs for 28 days after exposure to HIV. PEP is most effective when started within 72 hours of exposure.
- •Use a condom every time you have sex to protect yourself.
- •Avoid sharing needles with others.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc. and Kecia Gaither, MD. on November 1, 2025
- CDC: “About HIV and HIV -- CDC Fact Sheet.”
- Mayo Clinic: “HIV/AIDS”
- WebMD: “HIV”
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