What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, particularly the CD4 (T-helper) cells that help fight infection. Over time, untreated HIV reduces the number of these cells, weakening the immune response and making a person more vulnerable to infections, cancers, and other illnesses.

HIV is a chronic medical condition. Thanks to modern treatment, it is manageable, and most people can live long, productive lives with proper care.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system becomes severely damaged, and the body can no longer defend itself against life-threatening infections and diseases.

AIDS is diagnosed when:

• CD4 cell count drops below 200 cells/mm³, OR
• The person develops certain “opportunistic infections” or cancers associated with severe immunosuppression.

How HIV spreads (Transmission)

HIV is transmitted when certain body fluids from a person with HIV enter the bloodstream of another person. The main transmission fluids include:

• Blood
• Semen and pre-seminal fluid
• Vaginal fluids
• Rectal fluids
• Breast milk

Common ways HIV is transmitted

• Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
• Sharing needles or syringes
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
• Blood transfusions (rare today due to screening)

HIV is NOT transmitted through

• Hugging, kissing, touching
• Sharing food, cups, or utensils
• Toilet seats, pools, or insects
• Saliva, sweat, or tears

Stages of HIV infection

1. Acute HIV infection (first weeks)

This stage occurs within 2–4 weeks after exposure. Many people experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, or rash. The viral load is very high, making transmission easier during this stage.

2. Chronic HIV infection (clinical latency)

HIV is active but reproduces at lower levels. Many people show no symptoms for years. With treatment, this stage can last several decades.

3. AIDS (advanced stage)

The immune system is severely damaged. Without treatment, survival is typically 1–3 years. With treatment, people can recover immune function and return to a chronic HIV stage.

Symptoms of HIV

Acute infection symptoms

• Fever
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache

Chronic infection symptoms

Many people have no symptoms, but some may experience:

• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Frequent infections
• Persistent diarrhea

AIDS symptoms

• Severe weight loss
• Chronic diarrhea
• Recurring fever
• Skin lesions
• Opportunistic infections (pneumonia, TB, fungal infections)
• Neurological complications

Opportunistic infections linked to AIDS

• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Kaposi’s sarcoma
• Candidiasis (oral or esophageal)
• Toxoplasmosis
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Meningitis

Diagnosis of HIV

Testing is the only way to know if someone has HIV. Common tests include:

1. Antibody tests

Detect antibodies the body produces in response to HIV. Most accurate after 3–12 weeks.

2. Antigen/antibody combination tests

Detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen. Can detect HIV earlier than antibody tests alone.

3. Nucleic acid tests (NAT)

Detect the virus itself (viral load). Used in early infection or when recent exposure is suspected.

Treatment: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

ART is the standard treatment for HIV and involves taking a combination of medications daily. These medicines reduce viral load to undetectable levels, protect the immune system, and prevent progression to AIDS.

• ART must be taken every day as prescribed.
• Most people reach “undetectable viral load” in 3–6 months.
• Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) — people who are undetectable cannot transmit HIV sexually.

Benefits of ART

• Prevents progression to AIDS
• Restores and preserves immune function
• Prevents HIV transmission
• Improves overall health and lifespan

Prevention: How to protect yourself from HIV

1. Condoms

Correct and consistent use of condoms greatly reduces the risk of sexual transmission.

2. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Daily or on-demand medication for HIV-negative individuals at high risk. When taken correctly, PrEP reduces risk by over 99% for sexual transmission.

3. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Emergency medication taken after potential exposure. Must start within 72 hours. Taken for 28 days.

4. Do not share needles

Using new, sterile equipment prevents transmission from contaminated blood.

5. Regular testing

Helps detect infection early and reduces community spread.

Living with HIV

People with HIV who take ART consistently can expect a near-normal lifespan. Living well with HIV involves medical care, healthy lifestyle habits, and emotional support.

• Take medications daily
• Attend regular checkups
• Maintain healthy diet and exercise
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
• Seek mental health or community support

Myths and misconceptions about HIV

• You cannot get HIV from casual contact (hugging, sharing food).
• HIV is not a death sentence — treatment is highly effective.
• Healthy-looking people can have HIV.
• Undetectable people cannot transmit HIV sexually.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Final thoughts

HIV is a manageable condition with modern medicine. Early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and preventive measures allow people to live long, fulfilling lives while protecting others from infection.