Overview
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, weakens the body's immune system over time. If HIV is not treated, it can progress to AIDS, which is the late stage of infection when the immune system is severely damaged. HIV is a major global health condition, but testing, prevention, and treatment have greatly improved outcomes.
Key Symptoms
Some people develop a flu-like illness a few weeks after getting HIV, with fever, rash, sore throat, swollen glands, or tiredness. Others may have no symptoms for a long time. As the immune system becomes more damaged, people may develop weight loss, ongoing fever, night sweats, diarrhea, repeated infections, or unusual illnesses.
Causes and Risk Factors
HIV spreads when certain body fluids from a person with HIV enter the body of another person. This can happen through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or other injection equipment, pregnancy and birth, or breastfeeding. The risk is higher when prevention methods are not used or when HIV is not diagnosed and treated.
Who Is Affected
Anyone can get HIV regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or country. Some groups may face higher risk because of exposure patterns, limited access to testing and treatment, stigma, or social and economic barriers. Babies can also acquire HIV during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding if preventive care is not available.
Prevention
Prevention includes using condoms correctly, avoiding shared needles or injection equipment, and getting tested so people know their status. Preventive medicines may be offered to some people before or after a possible exposure, through a healthcare professional. Treatment during pregnancy and after birth can greatly reduce the chance of passing HIV to a baby.
Diagnosis and Tests
HIV is diagnosed with blood or oral fluid tests, depending on the type of test used. Some tests look for antibodies, while others can detect parts of the virus earlier after exposure. If there may have been a recent exposure, a healthcare professional may advise repeat testing because HIV may not show up right away.
Treatment Categories
HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy, often called ART, which uses a combination of medicines to control the virus. Treatment helps protect the immune system and lowers the amount of virus in the body. People with HIV also may need monitoring for immune health, treatment for related infections, and support for mental and social well-being.
Living With It
Living with HIV usually involves regular medical follow-up, taking treatment as directed, and having routine blood tests. Emotional support, privacy, and protection from stigma are important parts of care. Partners and family members may also benefit from education, testing, and prevention planning with a healthcare professional.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you think you may have been exposed to HIV, if you have symptoms that could suggest a new infection, or if you want testing. People living with HIV should seek care for missed treatment, side effects, new symptoms, fever, unexplained weight loss, or signs of infection. Pregnant people should get prompt prenatal care and discuss HIV testing and prevention.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help right away for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, seizures, severe dehydration, or signs of a serious infection. Urgent care is also important after a possible HIV exposure because time-sensitive preventive treatment may be needed. Emergency symptoms should not be ignored, whether or not HIV is known or suspected.