HIV/AIDS remains one of the most important infectious diseases in the world. Although there is still no cure that completely removes HIV from the body, major advanices in medical treatment have changed HIV from a condition that was once often life-threatening into a manageable chronic health condition for people who have access to effective treatment and ongoing medical care.
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HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks the body's immune system, particularly cells that help protect the body against infections and certain diseases. When HIV is not treated, the immune system can become progressively weaker. AIDS, which means acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Not everyone with HIV develops AIDS, especially when treatment is started early and taken consistently. �
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HIV can be transmitted through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. It can also pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. However, HIV is not spread through ordinary everyday contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food, sitting beside someone or using the same household environment.
One of the most important developments in HIV care is antiretroviral therapy, commonly known as ART. Effective ART suppresses HIV multiplication in the body and can reduce the amount of virus in the blood to an undetectable level. People living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load through effective treatment do not sexually transmit HIV. This is commonly expressed as U=U, meaning Undetectable Equals Untransmittable.
Understanding HIV, how it spreads, how it is diagnosed, how it is treated and how it can be prevented is important for individuals, families and communities.
WHAT IS HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system.
The immune system is the body's natural defense system against infections and some cancers. HIV mainly targets important immune cells, including CD4 cells. As HIV reproduces, it can gradually damage the immune system if it is not controlled by treatment.
Without treatment, the immune system may eventually become severely weakened, leaving the person vulnerable to infections and other diseases that a healthy immune system would normally be better able to fight.
The good news is that modern HIV treatment can suppress the virus and protect the immune system. People who start treatment early and remain in appropriate care can often live long and healthy lives. �
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CHRONIC BRONCHITIS: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION GUIDE
WHAT IS AIDS?
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
It describes the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system has been severely damaged and the person becomes vulnerable to certain serious infections, cancers and other complications.
Having HIV does not automatically mean that a person has AIDS.
With early diagnosis and effective antiretroviral treatment, HIV can often be controlled before it progresses to advanced disease.
This is why HIV testing and early treatment are so important.
WHAT CAUSES HIV/AIDS?
HIV/AIDS is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus.
The virus can enter another person's body when certain infected body fluids come into contact with the bloodstream, mucous membranes or damaged tissue.
The main ways HIV can be transmitted include sexual contact, exposure to infected blood, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. �
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HIV is not caused by poor personal hygiene, sharing normal household items, shaking hands, hugging or living in the same house with someone who has HIV.
HOW HIV IS TRANSMITTED
HIV can be transmitted through vaginal or anal sex when effective prevention measures are not being used, particularly when one sexual partner has HIV with a detectable viral load.
The virus can also be transmitted through infected blood. Sharing needles, syringes or other injection equipment contaminated with infected blood can create a significant risk.
Unscreened or improperly screened blood products can also transmit HIV, although modern blood-safety systems have greatly reduced this risk where appropriate screening is available.
HIV can also be transmitted through unsterile medical, cosmetic, piercing or cutting equipment.
Another important route is mother-to-child transmission. HIV can pass from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Appropriate HIV treatment and medical care can greatly reduce this risk. �
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HOW HIV IS NOT TRANSMITTED op
There are many myths surrounding HIV transmission.
HIV is not spread through ordinary social contact.
You cannot get HIV simply by:
• Hugging a person living with HIV
• Shaking hands
• Sitting beside someone
• Sharing ordinary meals
• Sharing plates or cups
• Sharing a toilet
• Swimming in the same pool
• Coughing or sneezing
• Sharing normal household objects
• Living in the same home
These facts are important because fear and misinformation can result in unnecessary discrimination against people living with HIV. WHO confirms that HIV is not transmitted through ordinary day-to-day contact such as hugging, shaking hands or sharing food and water. �
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EARLY SYMPTOMS OF HIV
Some people develop symptoms during the early stage of HIV infection, while others may have no noticeable symptoms.
When symptoms occur, they may resemble those of influenza or another viral infection.
Possible early symptoms include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Skin rash
• Tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• Joint pains
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite
These symptoms do not prove that someone has HIV. Many other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.
The only reliable way to determine HIV status is through appropriate HIV testing. �
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CAN HIV HAVE NO SYMPTOMS?
Yes.
A person can have HIV without feeling sick.
This is one of the reasons HIV can sometimes spread without the person knowing that they have the infection.
Someone may feel completely healthy while HIV is affecting the immune system.
Therefore, waiting for symptoms before getting tested is not a reliable way to know whether someone has HIV.
People who have had a possible exposure should consider appropriate HIV testing and speak with a healthcare professional about the right time to test.
SYMPTOMS OF ADVANCED HIV INFECTION
Without effective treatment, HIV can gradually weaken the immune system.
As the disease progresses, a person may experience:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fever
• Night sweats
• Persistent diarrhea
• Prolonged cough
• Severe or ongoing tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Recurrent infections
• Skin problems
• Unusual infections
Advanced HIV can increase the risk of serious infections such as tuberculosis and certain fungal infections, as well as some cancers. �
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However, these symptoms are not unique to HIV. They should not be used to diagnose HIV without appropriate testing.
RISK FACTORS FOR HIV
Certain circumstances can increase the likelihood of HIV exposure.
These include:
• Vaginal or anal sex without effective HIV prevention measures
• Having a sexual partner with HIV who has a detectable viral load
• Having another sexually transmitted infection
• Sharing needles, syringes or other injection equipment
• Exposure to infected blood
• Receiving improperly screened blood products
• Using unsterile equipment for piercing, tattooing, cutting or medical procedures
• Certain occupational exposures to blood
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
WHO identifies several of these factors as important HIV transmission risks. �
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HIV TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS
The only way to know whether you have HIV is to get tested.
HIV testing can involve blood or other approved samples depending on the type of test being used.
Different HIV tests detect different markers of infection. Because there is a period after infection when a test may not yet detect HIV, the appropriate timing of testing depends on the test used and the timing of the possible exposure.
A positive screening result also needs to be handled according to the appropriate testing algorithm and confirmed as required.
Testing is important because early diagnosis allows treatment to begin and helps people take steps to protect their health and prevent transmission.
WHY EARLY HIV TESTING IS IMPORTANT
Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in HIV care.
Starting ART early can help protect the immune system, reduce the amount of virus in the body and lower the risk of HIV-related complications.
Treatment also plays an important role in prevention because effective treatment can suppress the virus to an undetectable level, preventing sexual transmission. �
GASTROENTERITIS: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION GUIDE
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People who believe they may have been exposed should not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking medical advice.
TREATMENT OF HIV
There is currently no generally available cure that completely eliminates HIV from the body.
However, HIV can be effectively controlled with antiretroviral therapy.
ART consists of medicines that work against HIV and prevent the virus from multiplying efficiently.
When treatment is taken as prescribed, the amount of HIV in the blood can fall dramatically.
The goal is to achieve and maintain viral suppression, protect the immune system, reduce HIV-related illness and prevent sexual transmission.
WHO's current HIV guidance continues to recommend antiretroviral treatment as the foundation of HIV care. �
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WHAT IS ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY?
Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, is the use of HIV medicines to control the virus.
HIV treatment is usually a long-term commitment. The exact medicines and treatment combination are selected by healthcare professionals based on factors such as the person's health, other medicines, pregnancy status, previous treatment and possible drug resistance.
People taking HIV treatment should take it exactly as prescribed.
Stopping or changing HIV medicines without professional guidance can allow the virus to increase and may contribute to treatment failure or drug resistance.
RESPIRATORY DISEASE: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION GUIDE
WHAT IS VIRAL LOAD?
Viral load refers to the amount of HIV in a person's blood.
When HIV is actively multiplying, the viral load can be high.
Effective ART can reduce the viral load to a very low level.
When treatment suppresses HIV to an undetectable level and the suppression is maintained, the person does not sexually transmit HIV.
This is the scientific basis of U=U — Undetectable Equals Untransmittable. �
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An undetectable viral load does not mean HIV has been cured. The virus remains in the body, which is why treatment needs to continue as prescribed.
WHAT IS CD4 COUNT?
CD4 cells are important immune cells that help the body fight infections.
HIV can reduce the number and function of these cells.
A CD4 count is one of the measurements that healthcare professionals may use to assess immune function and determine whether someone has advanced HIV disease or is at increased risk of certain infections.
Viral load, clinical assessment and other laboratory tests are also important in HIV care.
HIV AND OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS
When HIV severely weakens the immune system, infections that a healthy immune system would normally control can become serious.
These infections are often referred to as opportunistic infections.
Tuberculosis is particularly important because people living with HIV have an increased risk of developing TB.
Other serious infections can include certain fungal, bacterial and viral infections.
Effective ART reduces the risk of many of these complications by protecting immune function. �
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HIV PREVENTION
HIV is preventable, and there are several effective prevention methods.
Important prevention strategies include:
• Using condoms correctly and consistently
• Getting tested for HIV
• Testing and treating sexually transmitted infections
• Avoiding shared needles and syringes
• Using sterile medical and piercing equipment
• Using PrEP when appropriate
• Using PEP after a possible recent exposure
• Taking effective ART when living with HIV
• Appropriate prevention of mother-to-child transmission
• Ensuring blood and blood products are appropriately screened
Using more than one prevention strategy can provide additional protection depending on a person's circumstances. �
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WHAT IS PrEP?
PrEP means pre-exposure prophylaxis.
It is HIV medicine used by people who do not have HIV but may have an increased chance of exposure.
PrEP can greatly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV when used as prescribed. Current PrEP options include oral medicines and long-acting injectable options, depending on availability and clinical eligibility. �
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PrEP does not protect against every sexually transmitted infection or pregnancy, so condoms and other appropriate prevention methods may still be useful.
Anyone considering PrEP should receive HIV testing and professional guidance before starting and during treatment.
WHAT IS PEP?
PEP means post-exposure prophylaxis.
It involves taking HIV medicines after a possible exposure to reduce the chance of becoming infected.
PEP is intended for emergency situations and should be started as soon as possible. CDC guidance states that PEP should be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure, with earlier treatment being better. �
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Possible situations where PEP may be considered include certain sexual exposures, needle-sharing incidents and occupational exposure.
If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV recently, do not wait for symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately and explain what happened and when it happened.
HIV AND SEXUAL HEALTH
Safer sexual practices can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Correct and consistent condom use is an important prevention method.
Regular HIV testing is also valuable, particularly for people with increased risk of exposure.
Testing for other sexually transmitted infections is important because STIs can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.
People living with HIV who take effective treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV. �
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HIV AND PREGNANCY
HIV can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
However, appropriate HIV treatment and medical care can substantially reduce the risk.
Pregnant women should receive HIV testing as part of appropriate antenatal care.
A pregnant woman who tests positive for HIV should begin or continue appropriate treatment under the supervision of a qualified healthcare team.
WHO recommends antiretroviral treatment and appropriate care to help prevent transmission to babies and protect the mother's health. �
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Pregnant women living with HIV should not stop their medicines or change their treatment without professional advice.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION GUIDE
HIV AND BREASTFEEDING
HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.
The safest approach to infant feeding can depend on the mother's treatment, viral suppression, access to safe alternatives and national guidelines.
Women living with HIV should therefore receive individualized guidance from qualified healthcare professionals and follow the recommendations of their local HIV programme.
HIV AND BLOOD EXPOSURE
HIV can be transmitted when infected blood enters another person's bloodstream.
This is why needles, syringes and medical equipment must be sterile.
Blood and blood products should also be appropriately screened before transfusion.
Healthcare workers who experience a significant occupational exposure should seek medical assessment immediately because PEP may be appropriate.
HIV AND DRUG INJECTION
Sharing needles or syringes can transmit HIV because blood containing the virus can remain in injection equipment.
The safest approach is not to inject drugs. Where injection drug use occurs, access to sterile needles and syringes and appropriate harm-reduction services can reduce HIV and other bloodborne infection risks. �
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HIV AND STIGMA
HIV is a medical condition, not a person's character or moral identity.
Unfortunately, fear and misinformation can cause people living with HIV to experience discrimination.
Stigma can also discourage people from testing or seeking treatment.
Providing accurate information, protecting confidentiality and treating people living with HIV with dignity are important parts of HIV prevention and care.
A person living with HIV can work, study, maintain relationships, raise a family and enjoy a productive life when the condition is appropriately managed.
CAN SOMEONE WITH HIV LIVE A LONG LIFE?
Yes.
Modern antiretroviral treatment has dramatically changed the outlook for people living with HIV.
When treatment is started appropriately and taken consistently, HIV can be controlled and the immune system can be protected.
WHO describes HIV as a manageable chronic health condition when people have access to effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. �
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CAN HIV BE CURED?
At present, there is no generally available cure that completely eliminates HIV from the body.
However, treatment can suppress HIV to an undetectable level.
This allows people living with HIV to remain healthy and prevents sexual transmission when viral suppression is maintained.
It is important to understand that undetectable does not mean cured.
COMPLICATIONS OF UNTREATED HIV
Untreated HIV can progressively weaken the immune system.
Possible complications include:
• Tuberculosis
• Severe bacterial infections
• Certain fungal infections
• Cryptococcal meningitis
• Severe weight loss
• Persistent diarrhea
• Recurrent infections
• Certain cancers
• Neurological complications
• Advanced HIV disease
• AIDS
• Death
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly reduce the risk of these complications. �
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WHEN SHOULD YOU GET AN HIV TEST?
You should consider HIV testing after a possible exposure or when a healthcare professional recommends it.
Testing is particularly important if you have had sex without effective HIV prevention, have a partner living with HIV whose viral load is unknown or detectable, have shared needles or injection equipment, or have another sexually transmitted infection.
Pregnant women should also receive HIV testing as part of appropriate antenatal care.
If a possible exposure happened recently, seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting for symptoms.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A POSSIBLE HIV EXPOSURE
If you believe you have recently been exposed to HIV, act quickly.
Do not wait to see whether symptoms develop.
Seek medical care as soon as possible and explain the type of exposure and when it occurred.
PEP may be appropriate after certain exposures and must be started within 72 hours according to current CDC guidance. The sooner it is started, the better. �
STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR BETTER HEALTH
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Testing and follow-up may also be recommended.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV/AIDS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIV AND AIDS?
HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when severe immune damage has occurred. Effective treatment can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS.
CAN HIV BE CURED?
There is currently no generally available cure that eliminates HIV from the body. However, effective ART can control the virus and allow people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives. �
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CAN HIV BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH HUGGING?
No. HIV is not transmitted through ordinary contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or sitting beside someone. �
World Health Organization
CAN A PERSON HAVE HIV WITHOUT SYMPTOMS?
Yes. Some people may have no noticeable symptoms, especially during earlier stages. Testing is therefore the only reliable way to know HIV status.
CAN HIV BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH SEX?
Yes. HIV can be transmitted through certain sexual exposures. However, condoms, PrEP, PEP, HIV testing and effective ART are important prevention tools. A person living with HIV who maintains an undetectable viral load does not sexually transmit HIV. �
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WHAT DOES U=U MEAN?
U=U means Undetectable Equals Untransmittable. It means that a person living with HIV who takes effective treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load does not sexually transmit HIV to their partner. �
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WHAT IS PrEP?
PrEP is pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is HIV medicine used by people who do not have HIV to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV when they may be exposed. �
CDC
WHAT IS PEP?
PEP is post-exposure prophylaxis. It is HIV medicine taken after a possible exposure to reduce the risk of infection. PEP should be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours of the exposure when indicated. �
CDC
CAN HIV PASS FROM A MOTHER TO HER BABY?
Yes. HIV can pass during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Appropriate treatment and medical care can greatly reduce this risk. �
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CAN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV HAVE CHILDREN?
Yes. People living with HIV can have children. Proper medical care, treatment, viral-load monitoring and pregnancy planning can greatly reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.
CAN SOMEONE WITH HIV HAVE A NORMAL FAMILY LIFE?
Yes. With effective treatment and appropriate medical care, people living with HIV can have relationships, work, raise families and live healthy lives.
IS EVERY PERSON WITH HIV INFECTIOUS?
HIV transmission risk depends on factors including the presence of the virus in relevant body fluids and viral load. A person living with HIV who takes effective ART and maintains an undetectable viral load does not sexually transmit HIV.
STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR BETTER HEALTH
CONCLUSION
HIV/AIDS is a serious but manageable health condition. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
HIV is mainly transmitted through certain sexual exposures, infected blood, contaminated needles or syringes, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. It is not spread through ordinary activities such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or sitting beside someone.
Symptoms alone cannot reliably identify HIV because some people have no symptoms and others may experience symptoms that resemble many other illnesses. HIV testing is therefore essential for anyone who may have been exposed.
The biggest advancement in HIV care is effective antiretroviral therapy. ART can suppress HIV, protect the immune system and allow people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives. When treatment maintains an undetectable viral load, HIV is not sexually transmitted — an important principle known as U=U. �
World Health Organization +1
HIV prevention also involves several powerful tools, including condoms, HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, sterile medical equipment, appropriate blood screening and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Perhaps the most important message is this: do not rely on symptoms to determine whether you have HIV. Get tested if you may have been exposed. If you test positive, treatment can protect your health and prevent sexual transmission. If you have recently had a possible exposure, seek medical attention quickly because PEP may be an option.
Accurate information, early testing, effective treatment and prevention can save lives and help reduce the stigma surrounding HIV.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This article is provided for general health education and awareness only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, HIV testing, counselling or individualized treatment. HIV prevention and treatment can depend on a person's health, medications, pregnancy status, type and timing of exposure, viral load and other circumstances. Do not start, stop or change HIV medicines, antiretroviral therapy, PrEP or PEP without appropriate medical guidance. If you believe you have recently been exposed to HIV, seek medical care immediately because PEP is time-sensitive.
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