HIV/AIDS: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks certain immune-system cells called CD4 T-lymphocytes, which are essential for defending the body against infection. Over time, if left untreated, the virus destroys an increasing number of these cells, gradually weakening immunity.

When immune weakness reaches an advanced stage, the condition becomes known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), where the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and tumors that do not affect people with healthy immunity. It is important to stress, however, that being infected with the virus does not automatically mean AIDS; with modern treatment, a patient may never reach this stage.

The virus spreads through certain body fluids (blood, sexual fluids, and breast milk), that is, through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It never spreads through casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing food, or insect bites. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has brought a real revolution: adhering to it lowers the virus to undetectable levels, which keeps the patient healthy, enables a near-normal life, and prevents transmission to others (the undetectable = untransmittable principle).

• There may be no symptoms for years.
• Flu-like symptoms after initial infection (fever, fatigue, swollen glands).
• In advanced stages: weight loss, recurrent infections, and night sweats.

• Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus.
• Spread through blood, sexual fluids, and breast milk.
• Sharing needles and contaminated equipment.

• Special blood tests to detect the virus or its antibodies.
• Measuring viral load and CD4 count to monitor the condition.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

• A combination of medications taken daily; adherence lowers the virus to undetectable levels.
• It preserves immunity, enables a near-normal life, and prevents transmission.

Follow-up

• Regular monitoring of viral load and CD4 count and prevention of opportunistic infections.

This content is educational and does not replace consulting a specialist; treatment is monitored under medical supervision.

• Opportunistic infections in advanced, untreated stages.
• Certain tumors.
• A psychological and social impact that needs support.

• Safe sexual practices and using protection.
• Not sharing needles and sharp instruments.
• Early testing, preventive treatment for at-risk groups, and preventing mother-to-child transmission.