HIV and AIDS
#99
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, known as AIDS, is a chronic condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
A common misconception is that HIV and AIDS are the same thing, but HIV infection goes through multiple stages, with AIDS being the most advanced stage.
Stages and Symptoms
HIV progresses through 3 main stages: acute HIV infection, chronic HIV infection, and AIDS.
Acute HIV infection: 2-4 weeks after the virus enters the body; the virus rapidly proliferates throughout the body
flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, sore throat)
rash
muscle aches
swollen lymph nodes
fatigue
Some people experience no symptoms at all.
Chronic HIV infection: also known as clinical latency
People may not experience any symptoms because the virus remains active but replicates at low levels.
If untreated, this stage may last for years before progressing into AIDS
AIDS:
People with AIDS are highly susceptible to opportunistic infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain cancers because HIV weakens the immune system.
rapid weight loss
recurring fever
mouth sores
diarrhea
Transmission
HIV is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Examples include sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Treatment
There is no cure for HIV, but it is treated with antiretroviral therapy (through pills or shots) to lower the levels of the virus in the body and help strengthen the body’s immune system.
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