There is no cure or vaccine for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; however, early treatment can help increase the life expectancy of infected people. Read more: Can the HIV Virus Go Away? Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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HIV AIDS: Myths and Facts
What is HIV versus AIDS? What are the symptoms of HIV? Is there an HIV cure? Discover myths and facts about living with HIV/AIDS....
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A Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
Get a historical overview of the HIV/AIDS pandemic from human contraction to the present through this slideshow of pictures.
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Picture of HIV Lipodystrophy
HIV lipodystrophy describes a constellation of changes in subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution in patients on...
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HIV & AIDS Quiz: HIV Testing & Symptoms
Now, more than ever, you should know about HIV/AIDS, especially its causes, symptoms treatments, and complications. Take the...
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Picture of HIV/AIDS
Acronym for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). See a picture of HIV/AIDS...
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Picture of HIV Lipodystrophy Treatment
HIV lipodystrophy describes a constellation of changes in subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution in patients on...
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Picture of HIV-associated Dementia (HAD)
A 40-year-old woman diagnosed with HIV presented with confusion and decline in memory. See a picture of HIV-associated Dementia...
QUESTION
What is HIV? See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
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HIV Early Signs and Stages
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) weakens your immune system. Some people with HIV don’t have any symptoms, but those that do may experience mononucleosis-like or flu-like symptoms. There are 3 stages of HIV.
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Should I Be Worried About Pregnancy if I Used a Condom?
Condoms are a popular method of birth control. If used correctly, there's about a 2 percent risk of becoming pregnant while using a condom, but it's a good idea to use another method of birth control along with it. Condoms are probably the most effective means for preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as long as they are used correctly during sex.
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How Do You Know if a Guy Has HIV?
Most of the signs and symptoms of an HIV infection are the same for both men and women. However, a few symptoms are specific to men, such as low sex drive, sores on the penis and pain during urination.
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What Is the Difference Between HIV-1 and HIV-2?
There are two main types of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV and accounts for 95% of all infections, whereas HIV-2 is relatively uncommon and less infectious. HIV-2 is mainly concentrated in West Africa, is less deadly and progresses more slowly.
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How Long Can You Live with HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. If someone has HIV it means that they have been diagnosed with the HIV infection. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome); however, is the most advanced or final stage of the HIV infection. In the case of an untreated HIV infection, the overall mortality rate is more than 90%. The average time from infection to death is eight to ten years.
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HIV and AIDS
Second Source article from WebMD
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What Are the Four Stages of HIV?
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into four stages. Stage 1 (HIV infection): The CD4+ cell count is at least 500 cells per microliter. Stage 2 (HIV infection): The CD4+ cell count is 350 to 499. Stage 3 (advanced HIV disease or AHD): The CD4+ cell count is 200 to 349. Stage 4 (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]): The CD4+ cell count is less than 200.
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How Long Does It Take to See Signs of HIV?
The signs and symptoms of HIV may first appear within two to four weeks of infection. The stage in which the symptoms appear is called the stage of acute HIV infection. The symptoms appear due to the resistance or fight of the immune system against HIV. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV gets the best results.
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Can I Get HIV From Surfaces?
Studies proved that HIV cannot be transmitted through surfaces such as toilet seats, chairs, doorknobs, drinking glasses and bedsheets. The virus cannot survive outside a human host; hence, transmission through air, water (swimming pools), insect bite or casual contacts such as handshake, hug or touch is not possible.
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection left untreated causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which can infect humans when it comes in contact with tissues that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin. HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease. Three stages of HIV infection have been described. The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, often is characterized by the flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks. The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years without treatment. The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has been suppressed and complications have developed, is called the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The symptoms are caused by the complications of AIDS, which include one or more unusual infections or cancers, severe loss of weight, and intellectual deterioration (called dementia). When HIV grows (that is, by reproducing itself), it acquires the ability to change (mutate) its own structure. These mutations enable the virus to become resistant to previously effective drug therapy. The goals of drug therapy are to prevent damage to the immune system by the HIV virus and to halt or delay the progress of the infection to symptomatic disease. Therapy for HIV includes combinations of drugs that decrease the growth of the virus to such an extent that the treatment prevents or markedly delays the development of viral resistance to the drugs. The best combination of drugs for HIV are those that effectively suppress viral replication in the blood and also are well tolerated and simple to take so that people can take the medications consistently without missing doses.
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Is It Possible for HIV to Go Away on Its Own?
When a person contracts the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), they are infected for life; however, early treatment can help them live normal lives.
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How Long Does It Take to Notice Signs of HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks and damages the cells of the immune system in the body. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) disease. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection which occurs when the body’s immune system is severely damaged because of the virus and unusual infections result. Untreated, HIV infection has a mortality of 90%.
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Does HIV Have a Permanent Cure?
As of now, there is no permanent HIV cure, but antiretroviral treatment can effectively control HIV.
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What Is Usually the First Sign of HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the cells of the immune system, leading to AIDS and death if left untreated. The first signs of the human immunodeficiency virus infection are flu-like symptoms, which mainly start around two to four weeks after getting HIV. This stage is known as acute HIV infection.
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How Do You Feel When You Have HIV?
About four weeks after contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), you may experience flu-like symptoms including fever, rash, sore throat, nausea, swollen glands and achy joints. You may remain symptomless for some time, however. That doesn't mean you don't need treatment; HIV can quickly progress into AIDS, in which the immune system collapses and you die of a secondary cancer or infection.
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HIV vs. AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus causes HIV infection. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that results after HIV has extensively damaged a person's immune system. Risk factors for HIV and AIDS include use of contaminated needles or syringes, unprotected sex, STDs, receiving a blood transfusion prior to 1985 in the United States, having many sex partners, and transmission from a mother to her child.
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Can HIV be Cured Naturally?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. If someone has HIV it means that they have been diagnosed with the HIV infection. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome); however, is the most advanced or final stage of the HIV infection. It is important to get tested for HIV in the early stages of infection to minimize the damage to the immune system. Successful treatment aims to reduce HIV load to a level that is harmless to the body.
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HIV/AIDS Testing: Diagnosis and Monitoring
HIV/AIDS diagnosis and monitoring have come a long way from the days when a diagnosis was a death sentence. Crucial parts of the effective treatment regimens developed in the last 40 years are consistent monitoring of the viral load (the amount of virus in the blood), and the immune cell count, which function as biological markers of the disease’s progression. Doctors also must test for drug resistance.
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HIV/AIDS Facts: What Is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the precursor infection to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is transmitted through blood and genital secretions; most people get it through sexual contact or sharing needles for illegal IV drug use. HIV can be controlled by a strict drug regimen, but left unchecked, it leads to AIDS. In AIDS, the immune system collapses and the body falls prey to secondary, opportunistic infections and cancers that typically kill the person.
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HIV Medications List and Drug Charts
The ultimate goal of HIV treatment is getting the viral load down below detectable levels. As long as those viral load and antibody levels are below a proscribed range, people with HIV can stave off AIDS and other serious symptoms. Antiviral treatment options usually include combinations of two NRTIs, often referred to as "nucs," and a third drug, typically being a boosted protease inhibitor, a NNRTI, often called "non-nucs," and integrase strand transfer inhibitors.
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Can I Get HIV From Casual Contact Like Hugging or Touching?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cannot spread through casual contact such as hugging or touching. HIV does not spread through urine, saliva, tears, sweat, kissing (closed mouth or social kissing), shaking hands, sharing utensils, sharing food or drinks, sharing clothes, or from toilet seats. HIV is spread through bodily fluids from a person with HIV.
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HIV/AIDS Infection Transmission and Prevention
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is spread through contact with genital fluids or blood of an infected person. The spread of HIV can occur when these secretions come in contact with tissues such as those lining the vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes (the mucus membranes), or with a break in the skin, such as from a cut or puncture by a needle.
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When Should I Test for HIV?
The CDC recommends everyone between 13 and 64 should get tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at least once in their lifetime. If you've had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners, pregnant women, intravenous drug users, are being treated for a STD, have tuberculosis, or hepatitis, are also reasons to get screened and tested.
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When should you start HIV medication?
Nearly everyone who is infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) should start antiviral medication therapy as soon as they are diagnosed. Older guidelines recommended delaying treatment to help reduce the potential for drug side effects and viral resistance to treatment. Current thinking theorizes that early treatment may preserve more of the body's immune function.
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Should I Take PrEP for HIV?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a course of prescribed medications that people who are at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may take to prevent infection. This medication is administered to individuals who have tested negative for HIV but are at a high risk of HIV infection.
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What Are the Side Effects of HIV Medications?
It’s important to know the potential side effects of all the drugs you take to control your HIV infection, as well as potential drug interactions. All of the NNRTIs (nonnucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors), for example, are associated with important drug-drug interactions so they must be used with caution in patients on other medications. Learn more about the side effects of the drugs in standard treatment regimens.
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What Are the First Signs of HIV?
Initial signs and symptoms of HIV generally appear within two to four weeks of infection. Fever, body aches, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, headache, rash, night sweats, fatigue, mouth ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes (glands) are possible first signs and symptoms.
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What Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is a virus that causes immunosuppression. The difference between HIV and AIDS is that HIV is the first stage of the viral illness while AIDS represents the progression of the illness.
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What Comes First HIV or AIDS?
HIV is an infectious that suppresses the immune system. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of the infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Treatment & Diagnosis
- HIV-AIDS FAQs
- HIV Treatment, Medications, and Prevention
- HIV Urine Test Approved
- HIV: Two Patients Face The Diagnosis
- HIV Treatment - To Interrupt or Not
- Does Circumcision Prevent HIV and AIDS?
- How Long Should You Wait to Get an HIV Test?
- What Liver Problems Does HIV Cause?
- Can HIV Cause Kaposi's Sarcoma?
- Do You Need Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV with No Symptoms?
- Does HIV Cause Colorectal Cancer?
- Does Anti-Retroviral Therapy for HIV Cause Diabetes?
- HIV Infection Facts, History, Causes, and Risk Factors
- HIV Tests, Symptoms, Signs, and Stages of Infection
- Baby "Cured" of HIV Infection
Medications & Supplements
- What Are NNRTIs In Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection?
- How Effective Is ART for HIV Infection?
- What ART Drugs Prevent HIV Entry into the Human Immune Cell?
- How Do Integrase Strand-Transfer Inhibitors Work in Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection?
- zalcitabine
- What Are NRTIs in Antiretroviral Therapy For HIV Infection?
- How Do Protease Inhibitors Work in Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection?
- dolutegravir
- What Are the Single-Tablet ART Regimens for HIV Infection?
Prevention & Wellness
- Could HIV Meds Help Slow Advanced Cancers?
- Woman Cured of HIV After Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant
- 1 in 5 Younger Americans Tested for HIV
- HIV Can Damage Brain Early On, Study Says
- Is HIV Becoming Less Contagious?
- HIV Transmission Between Women Rare, But Possible: CDC
- HIV Resistance Mapped by Gene Researchers
- HIV Patients Get a Mental Lift From Exercise, Study Finds
- New Drug Approved to Treat HIV-1
- HIV May Raise Risk of Heart Attack
- HIV Drug Combo May Help Prevent Malaria Reinfection
- HIV Hits 1,000 Young Americans Each Month
- FDA Approves New Once-a-Day HIV Pill
- HIV Diagnosis Calls for Immediate Treatment
- HIV Drug Tenofovir Safe During Pregnancy, Study Suggests
- HIV Raises Anal Cancer Risk in Women, Study Says
- Drug Users With HIV at Much Higher Overdose Risk
- Despite Advances, HIV/AIDS Still Takes Heavy Emotional Toll
- HIV Care System Is Getting Swamped
- How to Use Pills to Prevent HIV
- HIV/AIDS Cure? FAQ
- Vaginal Gel May Prevent HIV
- Most People With HIV Begin Care Too Late
- Smallpox Vaccine May Protect Against HIV
- Primary Care Docs Handling More HIV Cases
- HIV Drugs Might Combat Two Other Diseases
- HIV Hides Out in Bone Marrow Cells
- HIV Therapy Linked to Fewer Suicides
- New Drug Approved for Resistant HIV
- New HIV Therapy Clears Out Hidden Virus
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