HIV Explained: Symptoms, Transmission, and Treatment

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a significant global health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding what HIV is, how it is transmitted, and the symptoms and treatment options available is crucial for prevention and management.

What Exactly is HIV?

 
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting infections. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can't fight off infections and disease. Unlike some other viruses, the human body can't get rid of HIV completely, so once someone has HIV, they have it for life.
 

How Does HIV Spread?

 
HIV is primarily spread through certain body fluids from a person who has HIV. These fluids include blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV is transmitted include:
  • Unprotected sexual contact: Engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with someone who has HIV.
  • Sharing needles: Using needles or syringes that have been used by someone with HIV.
  • Mother-to-child transmission: During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
It's important to note that HIV is not spread by air or water, mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects, saliva, tears, or sweat that is not mixed with the blood of an HIV-positive person.
 

Recognizing the Signs: HIV Symptoms

 

Initial Symptoms

 
After initial exposure to HIV, some people may experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks. This stage is known as acute HIV infection. Symptoms can include:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Rash
  • Night sweats
  • Muscle aches
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Mouth ulcers
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. However, some people may not experience any symptoms during this early stage.
 

Symptoms by Stage

 
HIV progresses through several stages, each with different symptoms:
  1. Acute HIV Infection: As mentioned, flu-like symptoms may occur.
  2. Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency Stage): This stage can last for several years. The virus is still active but reproduces at very low levels. People may not have any symptoms or only mild ones.
  3. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): This is the most severe phase of HIV infection. Because the immune system is badly damaged, people with AIDS are vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers. Symptoms can include rapid weight loss, recurring fever, extreme tiredness, prolonged swelling of the lymph glands, diarrhea that lasts for more than a week, sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals, pneumonia, and memory loss.

 

Treatment Options for HIV

 

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

 
The primary treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines every day. ART is recommended for everyone with HIV, and it helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission.
 

Monitoring CD4 Counts

 
CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the immune system. Monitoring CD4 counts is crucial for people with HIV. A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1,500 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. When the CD4 count drops below 200, a person is diagnosed with AIDS.
 

Common HIV Medications

 
Medication Class
Example Drugs
Function
NRTIs
Zidovudine, Lamivudine
Block reverse transcriptase, an HIV enzyme
NNRTIs
Efavirenz, Nevirapine
Bind to and later alter reverse transcriptase
PIs
Ritonavir, Lopinavir
Inhibit protease, another HIV enzyme
INSTIs
Raltegravir, Dolutegravir
Block integrase, an enzyme HIV needs to replicate
 

Living with HIV: What You Need to Know

 

Lifestyle Adjustments

Living with HIV requires some lifestyle adjustments to maintain health and prevent transmission:
  • Regular medical care: Regular check-ups and monitoring of viral load and CD4 counts.
  • Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet to support the immune system.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity to maintain overall health.
  • Mental health support: Counseling or support groups to manage stress and emotional well-being.
 

Preventing Transmission

People with HIV can take steps to prevent transmitting the virus to others:
  • Consistent use of ART: Reduces viral load to undetectable levels, significantly lowering the risk of transmission.
  • Safe sex practices: Using condoms and considering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for partners.
  • Avoiding sharing needles: Using clean needles and syringes.
 

FAQs

 

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that causes the infection, while AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
 

Can HIV be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but it can be managed with proper medical care.
 

How often should someone with HIV see their healthcare provider?

Regular visits, typically every 3 to 6 months, are recommended to monitor health and treatment effectiveness.
 

Is it safe for someone with HIV to have children?

Yes, with proper medical care and treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be significantly reduced.
 

Can someone with an undetectable viral load transmit HIV?

When the viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmission is effectively zero.
 

References

  3. https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/pepfar-global-aids/global-hiv-aids-overview