Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a range of different diseases and symptoms caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system.

Transmission and Symptoms

HIV is most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, but can also be spread via infected blood or from mother to child in pregnancy. The disease has 3 main stages: acute infection, chronic infection, and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The first stage, acute infection, includes flu-like symptoms.

The second stage, chronic infection, is asymptomatic. If left untreated, this stage may advance into the third stage: AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is the most severe stage. People with HIV may develop AIDS in a few years, or after decades. It can include:

• Opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia. Since HIV attacks the immune system, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are normally blocked by the immune system infect the body.
• Systemic symptoms, including fevers, sweats, and weight loss.
• Certain cancers, especially a skin cancer called Keposi's Sarcoma.

HIV is life-long, and there is no effective cure. If left untreated, almost all individuals with HIV will develop AIDS. However, individuals with this disease can live long lives with no risk of spreading the disease through sexual contact with effective treatment.

Prevention

The best methods of prevention against HIV/AIDS are:

• Condom use when having sex
• Not sharing hyperdermic needles

References

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CDC. “About HIV/AIDS.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 1 June 2021, www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “HIV Treatment.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 2019, www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/treatment.html.

HIV.GOV. “What Are HIV and AIDS?” HIV.gov, 2020, www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids.

Holmes, Charles B., et al. “Review of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1–Related Opportunistic Infections in Sub‐Saharan Africa.” Clinical Infectious Diseases, vol. 36, no. 5, Mar. 2003, pp. 652–662, 10.1086/367655.

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Krämer, Alexander, et al. Modern Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Concepts, Methods, Mathematical Models, and Public Health. Google Books, Springer Science & Business Media, 23 Jan. 2010, books.google.com/books?id=Di0_5x82HykC&pg=PA88#v=onepage&q&f=false.

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Sepkowitz, Kent A. “AIDS — the First 20 Years.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 344, no. 23, 7 June 2001, pp. 1764–1772, 10.1056/nejm200106073442306.

WHO. “HIV/AIDS.” Who.int, World Health Organization: WHO, 19 July 2018, www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids.