Human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, is a sexually transmitted disease that gradually weakens the immune system.

It attacks the body’s immune cells, specifically CD4 cells, leaving an individual vulnerable to infections and diseases that the immune system would typically fight off. While HIV is a persistent virus, it is treatable, and with proper medication adherence and medical care, those living with the virus can achieve and maintain healthy lives.

Transmission

The virus is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, sharing needles or syringes, and mother-to-child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Body fluids that can transmit the virus include blood, semen, vaginal secretions, anal secretions, and breast milk.

Symptoms

The symptoms of HIV often mirror symptoms of other viral infections, which can make early detection and diagnosis challenging.

Symptoms can take several days to weeks after transmission to manifest, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Some common symptoms include:.

fever
headaches
fatigue
sore throat
body rash
swollen lymph nodes
muscle and joint aches

These symptoms usually occur within 2-4 weeks after transmission and last for a few days to weeks.

After this initial stage, the virus enters a latency phase, where the immune system responds to the virus to control its replication, and the person may not experience any symptoms for several years.

Progression

Without proper treatment, HIV can progress from an asymptomatic phase to AIDS. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and is the final stage of HIV infection.

A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 count drops below 200 cells/mm³ or when they develop an AIDS-defining condition, a group of illnesses that affect people with weakened immune systems. AIDS-defining illnesses include:.

pneumonia (PCP)
tuberculosis (TB)
Kaposi’s sarcoma
lymphoma
toxoplasmosis
cryptococcal meningitis

While early detection and treatment of HIV can prevent AIDS, some people may not be diagnosed until they have progressed to late-stage HIV infection.

This makes it critical to get tested and seek medical care if an individual believes they have been exposed to the virus.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress viral replication, allowing the immune system to heal and preventing disease progression. Treatment also decreases the risk of transmission to others.

ART usually consists of a combination of medications and requires strict adherence to prevent viral resistance.

Prevention

Preventing the transmission of HIV is crucial in decreasing the spread of the virus. Ways to prevent transmission include:.

using condoms during sexual activity
not sharing needles or syringes
getting tested regularly for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication
taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication if exposed to the virus

Conclusion

HIV is a persistent virus that, without treatment, can weaken the immune system and lead to life-threatening illnesses. Early detection and treatment are critical in managing the virus and slowing disease progression.

Preventing transmission through safe sex practices and avoiding the sharing of needles or syringes can decrease the spread of the virus. With proper medical care, those diagnosed with HIV can achieve healthy and fulfilling lives.