Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system. HIV can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is life-threatening when left untreated.

HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells that are important to fight off infections and diseases. As the virus weakens the immune system, the body becomes vulnerable to infections and cancers.

HIV infection occurs in different stages and symptoms vary from person to person. Knowing the stages of HIV infection can help you understand the symptoms and seek timely treatment or medical attention. Here are the stages of HIV infection:.

Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection

This stage begins 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to the virus and can last up to several weeks. During this stage, the virus rapidly replicates, spreads and destroys CD4 cells in the blood.

Symptoms of acute HIV infection can be similar to those of flu or other viral infections, and can include:.

Fever
Body rash
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle and joint pain
Headache

Some people may not experience any symptoms during this stage. It is important to note that these symptoms are not specific to HIV infection. Testing is the only way to confirm HIV infection.

Stage 2: Clinical Latency Stage

This stage, also known as asymptomatic HIV infection or chronic HIV infection, can last for several years. During this stage, the virus continues to replicate, but at a lower level.

Symptoms may not appear or be mild, making it difficult to detect HIV without testing. However, people in this stage can still pass the virus on to others. Some symptoms that may occur during this stage include:.

Fever
Night sweats
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes

Testing for HIV is important during this stage to prevent the virus from causing further damage to the immune system.

AIDS: Stage 3

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. When a person’s immune system is severely damaged, it becomes vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers that can result in death.

AIDS is diagnosed when a person with HIV develops opportunistic infections or cancers that indicate severe immune suppression. Some of the common opportunistic infections and cancers that occur during AIDS include:.

Tuberculosis (TB)
Pneumonia
Cryptococcosis
Cancer
Wasting syndrome
Toxoplasmosis

People with AIDS can also experience neurological symptoms, such as confusion and memory loss.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The only way to know if someone is infected with HIV is through testing. Early diagnosis and treatment for HIV can help prevent the virus from causing further damage to the immune system.

There is no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help people living with HIV lead longer and healthier lives. ART involves taking a combination of HIV medications to reduce the amount of virus in the body.

Prevention

There are several ways to reduce the risk of HIV infection. These include:.

Practicing safe sex by always using condoms during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Getting tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly, particularly if you are sexually active.
Avoiding sharing needles or any equipment that may have come into contact with another person’s blood (such as razors or toothbrushes).
Seeking medical attention immediately if you are sexually assaulted, as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be effective in preventing HIV infection.

People living with HIV should also take measures to prevent the spread of the virus to others. This includes taking antiretroviral therapy to reduce the amount of virus in the body and using condoms during sex.