What Is HIV/AIDS?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Over time, it damages the cells that help fight infection, making it harder for the body to stay healthy.
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. With early diagnosis and proper treatment. HIV spreads through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus is most commonly transmitted through:
- Unprotected sexual contact
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
Symptoms
Symptoms of HIV vary from person to person. Some people notice flu-like symptoms shortly after exposure, while others may not have symptoms for years.
Common early symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
- Headache
- Muscle aches
As HIV progresses without treatment, symptoms may become more serious and can include:
- Ongoing fatigue
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Frequent infections
- Chronic diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Yeast infections
How Is It Diagnosed?
HIV is diagnosed with laboratory testing, most often through blood tests. Many providers use antigen-antibody tests because they can detect infection earlier than older testing methods.
If someone may have been recently exposed to HIV, repeat testing may be recommended. Early diagnosis is important because treatment can begin before the immune system becomes severely damaged.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment for HIV focuses on controlling the virus and protecting the immune system. The standard treatment is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which uses a combination of medicines to reduce the amount of virus in the body.
Many people who take ART consistently are able to keep the virus under control and maintain good overall health. Treatment can also lower the risk of passing HIV to others.
Regular follow-up care, routine lab monitoring, and healthy lifestyle habits all play an important role in long-term health. Although there is currently no cure for HIV, ongoing treatment allows many people to live full and active lives.
