HIV Infection and AIDS(Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
by
Rick Alan DefinitionHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks a part of the immune system. It targets white blood cells called CD4 (T cells). They are needed to fight off infections and other diseases. Low levels of CD4 cells make it harder for the body to stop or control infections and diseases. AIDS is a late stage of HIV infection. It is a sign of severe damage to the immune system. This level of damage can allow infections that do not usually occur in healthy people. It also allows the growth of some cancers.
Causes TOPHIV is spread through contact with HIV-infected body fluids. This includes blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. HIV is most commonly spread through:
Rarely, HIV can be spread through:
Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase your chance of HIV infection include:
Symptoms TOPHIV may not cause problems for a number of years. Early symptoms may appear 1 to 2 months after an infection. They may last a couple of weeks. Early symptoms may include:
There may be no additional symptoms for months to years. Symptoms that do occur over the years may include:
If left untreated, HIV infection may progress to AIDS. This may happen when the number of CD4 cells fall below certain levels. Infections that are rare in healthy people, begin to arise. Examples include:
Diagnosis TOPYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests to confirm a diagnosis of HIV infection include:
Treatment TOPThere is no cure for HIV at this time. The goal of treatment is to control HIV. Treatment, called antiretroviral treatment, can:
Medicine That Fight HIVAntiviral medicine can stop the virus from spreading in the body. However, it cannot get rid of the virus. Once treatment is stopped the virus will grow and spread again. Antiviral medicines are often given in combination. Categories of these medicines include:
Medicine That Fight AIDS-Related Infections and CancersAIDS increases the risk of infections and cancer. Medicine may help to fight these infections. These may include antibiotics or antifungal medicine. Preventing Opportunistic Infections TOPThe doctor may recommend some steps to prevent new infections. This will depend on your needs and current risk factors. Options may include:
Regular check-ups will help you stay on track. Blood tests will show if the virus has changed and if treatment is working. Support and Counseling TOPChronic diseases can impact your day to day life. There are many support options that may help with these challenges. Options include:
Reducing risk of transmission TOPThere are steps you can take to decrease the risk of spreading HIV to others:
RESOURCES:AMFAR—The Foundation for AIDS Research http://www.amfar.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:AIDS Committee of Toronto http://www.actoronto.org Canadian AIDS Society http://www.cdnaids.ca References:2015 Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 25, 2017. Accessed May 30, 2018.
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EBSCO Medical Review Board
David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 5/29/2018 | |
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