Quick Facts
Type:
Viral STD
Status:
Incurable but manageable
Incubation:
2-4 weeks for initial symptoms
Contagious:
Yes, through bodily fluids
About This Disease
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.
Possible Causes
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person
- Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV
- Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding
- Contact with infected blood through transfusions (rare in countries with screening)
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection:
Early Stage (2-4 weeks after exposure):
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
Later Stage (Without Treatment):
- Rapid weight loss
- Recurring fever
- Extreme tiredness
- Prolonged swelling of lymph glands
- Diarrhea lasting more than a week
- Sores in mouth, anus, or genitals
- Pneumonia
- Memory loss/depression
Prevention
Medical Prevention
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of exposure
- Consistent and correct condom use
- Regular testing for sexually active individuals
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV+ mothers to prevent transmission
Natural Prevention
- Mutual monogamy with uninfected partner
- Limiting number of sexual partners
- Never sharing needles or injection equipment
- Choosing less risky sexual behaviors
- Getting tested with partners before sexual contact
Treatment Options
While there's no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus and prevent transmission to others. People with HIV who take ART as prescribed can live long, healthy lives.
Medical Treatment
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) - daily medication
- Combination of HIV medicines (usually 3 drugs)
- Regular viral load and CD4 count monitoring
- Treatment of opportunistic infections
- Vaccinations to prevent other infections
Supportive Care
- Nutritional support and supplements
- Mental health counseling
- Support groups and community services
- Regular exercise and stress management
- Adequate sleep and healthy lifestyle
Potential Complications
Without treatment, HIV can lead to:
- Opportunistic infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.)
- Certain cancers (lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma)
- Neurological complications (neuropathy, dementia)
- Wasting syndrome (severe weight loss)
- Kidney disease
- Liver damage (especially with co-infection)
- Cardiovascular disease