What is HIV?
HIV is caused by an infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks a type of immune cell – the CD4 lymphocyte – in the body, leading to a fall in the CD4 count, and thus a weakened immune system. According to the CDC, HIV can be divided into 3 stages.
Stage 1 – Acute HIV infection
This stage occurs within 2-4 weeks of acquiring the HIV infection. HIV is a viral infection and the initial symptoms appear like that of the flu. The symptoms include:
- fever
- headaches
- body aches
- skin rashes
- swollen lymph nodes.
During this stage, the amount of virus in the blood is very high and a person at this stage is very contagious. However, the symptoms may sometimes be mild and even go unnoticed.
Stage 2 – Clinical latency (HIV inactivity or dormancy)
During this stage, the virus is still present in the body and is gradually infecting the white blood cells. People often do not have any symptoms during this phase. Some people may have some enlarged lymph nodes. This stage usually lasts for about 10 years if the person is not receiving any active treatment for the infection.
With treatment with ART (anti-retroviral therapy), this stage can be prolonged and can even go on for decades. At the end of this stage, the viral load rises and the CD4 count falls and the individual may progress to stage 3.
Stage 3 – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
During this stage, the CD4 count drops to below 200 cells/mm3. The immune system is severely weakened, and the individual becomes susceptible and develops various diseases, including opportunistic infections and cancers.
During this stage, common symptoms include:
- persistent fever
- night sweats
- weight loss
- skin rashes
- chronic diarrhoea
- fatigue
- and mouth or tongue white spots.
Without treatment, the condition can be fatal.
Get checked early!
If you have risk factors for HIV infection and experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to go for a screening blood test which can accurately detect the HIV infection and confirm the diagnosis. With highly effective ART treatments, the prognosis of HIV has improved tremendously, and HIV can be controlled.
