HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. It affects the body by attacking cells in the immune system called CD4+ T cells. As more and more of these cells are destroyed, the body loses its ability to fight infection and becomes susceptible to illnesses that are normally rare or easily treatable. When the body's CD4+ T cell count reaches a critical low, the infected individual is clinically diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the median period of time between HIV infection and the onset of AIDS-without undergoing any antiviral treatment-is 10 to 12 years. However, this varies greatly and depends upon an individual's age, genetic disposition and access to treatment.

How is it transmitted?

HIV is spread by (1) semen or pre-cum, (2) vaginal fluids, (3) breast milk, and (4) blood (including hypodermic needles).

What are the symptoms?

About half the people infected with HIV don't experience any symptoms. Those that do report flu-like symptoms within 2-3 weeks of infection, the most common if which include fever, fatigue, and rash. Others include headache, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and night sweats. (AIDS.org)

How is it treated?

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of medications for HIV infection and the diseases that commonly accompany it. Treatment is a lifelong undertaking and often involves taking several different medications every day, many of which can cause serious side effects such as swelling of the pancreas, nerve damage, nausea, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal complications. Constant observation from a healthcare provider is necessary.