Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus):

• A viral infection that attacks the immune system of the human body.
• No effective treatment exists to cure it; the disease lasts for life.
• With proper medical care, the virus can be controlled.
• Effective treatment allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome):

• Develops within 8–10 years if HIV is not treated.
• Severely weakens the immune system, making the patient susceptible to opportunistic infections and cancers.

Symptoms

• Some develop flu-like symptoms 2–4 weeks after infection (acute HIV infection):
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Rash
  • Muscle ache
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Mouth ulcers
• Not all experience symptoms, and these symptoms do not confirm HIV.

Diagnosis

• HIV antibodies appear in the blood within 1–3 months (up to 6 months).
• Antibodies can be detected through a blood test.

Transmission

Transmission occurs through:

• Sexual intercourse.
• Use of contaminated tools (e.g., needles, nail sets, toothbrushes).
• Blood transfusion.
• From mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.

HIV is NOT transmitted through:

• Hugs, air, saliva, tears, sweat.
• Sharing dishes or toilet seats.

What are the stages of HIV?

• Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection
  • Individuals with large amounts of HIV in the blood are highly contagious.
  • Some experience flu-like symptoms.
• Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection
  • Viral load increases, CD4 cells decrease.
  • Symptoms may appear as viral load rises.
  • Proper medication can prevent progression to stage 3.
• Stage 3: AIDS
  • Severe immune impairment leads to opportunistic infections.
  • Diagnosed when CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³ or certain infections develop.
  • Without treatment, survival is approximately three years.

What treatments are available?

• Medications reduce the viral load and increase CD4 count.
• Early administration is critical.

What are the preventive measures?

• Antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy to reduce transmission to the fetus.
• Sterilizing tools (needles, nail sets, etc.) and not sharing personal items.
• Formula feeding instead of breastfeeding in case the mother is infected to prevent transmission to the infant.
• Using protective measures such as condoms.