HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a pathogen that attacks an individual's immune system. The most advanced stage of the infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, commonly known as AIDS.
HIV targets the body's whiteblood cells, weakening the immune system and making those affected more susceptible to certain diseases such as tuberculosis, other infections, and certain cancers.
HIV is transmitted through the bodily fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions. You cannot become infected through kissing, hugging, or sharing food. The virus can also be transmitted from a mother to her infant.
HIV infection can be prevented and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). If left untreated, it can progress to AIDS, often after many years.
Advanced HIV infection is characterized by a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3 or a clinical stage 3 or 4 event according to the WHO classification in adults and adolescents. All children under 5 years of age living with HIV are considered to have advanced HIV infection, regardless of their clinical condition or immunological status.
What are the signs and symptoms that a carrier of HIV and AIDS can present?
The manifestations and symptoms of HIV infection vary depending on the stage of infection.
HIV is most likely to be transmitted in the first few months after infection; however, many individuals remain unaware of their condition until they reach a more advanced stage. During the first few weeks after infection, some people show no symptoms, while others may experience a flu-like syndrome, including the following symptoms:
fever; headache; rash; sore throat.
As the infection weakens theimmune system, other signs and symptoms may appear:
lymphadenopathy; weight loss; fever; diarrhea; cough.
If left untreated, people living with HIV can also develop serious illnesses:
tuberculosis;
cryptococcal infections;
seriousbacterial infections;
cancers such as lymphoma or Kaposi's sarcoma. HIV can cause other infections, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and COPD, to worsen.
Mode of transmission of the virus
HIV can be contracted through the sharing of bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions with individuals who are already infected. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and birth. It is impossible to become infected with HIV through everyday actions such as kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or using personal items, water, or food.
Individuals living with HIV who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and have an undetectable viral load will not be able to transmit the virus to their sexual partners. Ensuring early access to ART and support for adherence to treatment is therefore crucial not only to improve the health of individuals living with HIV, but also to prevent the spread of the virus.
Causes and risk factors
There are behaviors and situations that increase the risk of contracting HIV infection, including:
anal or vaginal intercourse without a condom;
the presence of another sexually transmitted infection (STI),
such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or bacterial vaginosis;
harmful use of alcohol or drugs during sexual practices;
sharing contaminated needles, syringes, other injection equipment, or solutions while injecting drugs;