HIV / AIDS
HIV / AIDS Overview
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a chronic condition, is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which impairs the immune system's ability to fight infection and disease. Left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS over several years. Fortunately, most individuals in the U.S. receive treatment before developing AIDS.
HIV transmission occurs through genital contact, such as unprotected sex, or exposure to infected blood, like sharing needles. Additionally, untreated HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
While there's no cure for HIV/AIDS, medications can effectively manage the infection and prevent disease progression. Antiviral treatments have significantly reduced AIDS-related deaths worldwide, with ongoing efforts to improve access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment globally.
Symptoms
The symptoms of HIV/AIDS vary based on the individual and the stage of infection:
- Primary infection (acute HIV): Some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks of HIV infection, including fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, weight loss, cough, and night sweats. However, some may remain asymptomatic during this stage, despite having high viral loads.
- Clinical latent infection (chronic HIV): HIV remains present in the body, affecting immune cells, yet many individuals show no symptoms or associated infections. This stage can persist for years without antiretroviral therapy (ART), although some may develop severe complications earlier.
- Symptomatic HIV infection: As the virus replicates and damages immune cells, individuals may experience mild infections or persistent symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, weight loss, oral yeast infections, shingles, and pneumonia.
- Progression to AIDS: Without treatment, HIV typically progresses to AIDS within 8 to 10 years. AIDS signifies severe immune system damage, making individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections or cancers not typically seen in those with healthy immune systems.
When to See a Doctor
Individuals who suspect HIV infection or are at risk of contracting the virus should seek medical attention promptly.
Causes
HIV is a viral infection transmitted through sexual contact, exposure to contaminated blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The virus targets CD4 T cells, weakening the immune system and increasing susceptibility to infections and cancers.
HIV/AIDS Transmission
HIV can spread through infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids entering the body through various routes:
- Sexual contact: Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner poses a high risk of HIV transmission, while oral sex carries a lower risk.
- Needle sharing: Sharing contaminated needles and syringes increases the risk of HIV and other bloodborne infections like hepatitis.
- Blood transfusion: Although rare, HIV transmission can occur through infected blood transfusions, although rigorous screening protocols minimize this risk.
- Pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding: Pregnant individuals with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies during childbirth or breastfeeding, although antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces this risk.
HIV does not spread through casual contact, air, water, or insect bites, nor through blood donation.
Risk Factors
HIV/AIDS can affect individuals of any age, race, gender, or sexual orientation, with increased risk associated with:
- Unprotected sex: Having multiple sexual partners or engaging in unprotected sex elevates the risk of HIV transmission.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs causing genital sores facilitate HIV entry into the body.
- Intravenous drug use: Sharing needles exposes individuals to infected blood, increasing HIV transmission risk.
Complications
HIV weakens the immune system, predisposing individuals to various infections and cancers, including:
- Opportunistic infections: Pneumocystis pneumonia, candidiasis (thrush), tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus, cryptococcal meningitis, and toxoplasmosis are common infections associated with HIV/AIDS.
- HIV-related cancers: Lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and HPV-related cancers (anal, oral, cervical) occur more frequently in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
- Other complications: Wasting syndrome, neurological issues, kidney disease, and liver disease are additional HIV-related complications.
Prevention
While no vaccine exists for HIV/AIDS, preventive measures can mitigate transmission risk:
- Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Oral medications like Truvada or Descovy or injectable cabotegravir can reduce the risk of HIV transmission in high-risk individuals.
- Treatment as prevention (TasP): HIV-positive individuals adhering to treatment can prevent virus transmission to sexual partners.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): Prompt PEP administration within 72 hours of HIV exposure can minimize infection risk.
- Safe sex practices: Consistent condom use during anal or vaginal sex reduces transmission risk, with additional precautions for oral sex.
- Needle safety: Avoid sharing needles and participate in needle exchange programs to reduce HIV transmission among intravenous drug users.
- Prenatal care: Early HIV detection and treatment during pregnancy significantly decrease mother-to-child transmission risk.
- Male circumcision: Studies suggest circumcision lowers HIV infection risk in heterosexual men.
By implementing these preventive strategies, individuals can protect themselves and others from HIV/AIDS transmission.