HIV (AIDS): What It Is, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

HIV is a virus that affects the human immune system. When this virus enters the body, it weakens the immune system, making the person more susceptible to diseases and creating life-threatening risks. While there is no treatment that can remove the virus from the body, various methods allow the person to live a long and healthy life in a normal way.

What is HIV (AIDS)?

HIV can be transmitted from person to person through sexual contact or blood exposure. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and in Turkish, it is referred to as "insan immün yetmezlik virüsü." HIV causes a decrease in white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections in the human body. A reduction in white blood cells leads to a weakened immune system. The final stage of HIV infection is known as AIDS. This stage occurs after a long period, typically when HIV is diagnosed too late or when immune-boosting medications are not used. AIDS, also known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, causes the development of various serious diseases due to the weakened immune system.

What Are the Symptoms of HIV (AIDS)?

HIV initially presents with flu-like symptoms. These symptoms often appear within two to four weeks. If the infection is not treated during this period, it progresses into chronic HIV infection. Often, at this stage, there are no noticeable symptoms. However, because the immune system is severely damaged, the body is unable to fight off other infections. The symptoms of HIV are as follows:

• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Muscle aches
• Mouth sores
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Extreme fatigue

Due to the damage to the immune system, HIV infection later progresses to AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS are as follows:

• Rapid weight loss
• High fever
• Increased night sweats
• Unusual fatigue
• Swelling in lymph nodes
• Diarrhea lasting more than a week
• Spontaneous sores in the mouth or genital area
• Pneumonia
• Purple spots on the skin, inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
• Neurological disorders such as memory loss
• Psychological problems like depression

What Causes HIV (AIDS)?

HIV is primarily spread through contact with blood or sexual fluids during sexual intercourse. If the mother has HIV, it is also expected to pass to the baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, individuals cannot become infected through casual daily contact such as kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or sharing personal items, food, or water. Some conditions that increase the risk of HIV transmission include:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse
• Presence of sexually transmitted infections (syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, etc.)
• Use of foreign substances
• Sharing of needles
• Blood contact
• Accidental needle-stick injuries from contaminated needles

How to Prevent HIV (AIDS)?

The way to protect against HIV is by avoiding sexual contact with infected individuals. However, there are also measures that can be taken to prevent HIV infection even if sexual activity occurs. One such method includes medications that can help prevent HIV. These medications are known as PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). PrEP is used before potential exposure to HIV and is intended for individuals who are at risk but have not yet been exposed to the virus. PEP, on the other hand, is used after potential exposure to HIV. These medications are used to prevent infection in individuals who have been exposed to HIV. PEP is only for emergency situations and should be started as soon as possible. If an individual is already HIV-positive, antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be required to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

What Symptoms Appear with HIV (AIDS)?

The acute phase of HIV, known as Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS), occurs immediately after infection, during which the immune system has not yet been able to control the virus. This phase typically appears 7-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms during this period may include:

• A rash consisting of pink and red bumps, often appearing on the upper body.
• The rash may gradually turn into larger, raised lesions.
• Around this time, the virus starts to slow down and stop rapidly multiplying. Some people may experience symptoms of the acute phase for up to three months, but as the immune system begins to control the infection, most people start feeling better within two weeks. However, swollen and painful lymph nodes may appear in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin. HIV is not a virus that clears up on its own.

The chronic phase of the infection occurs when the immune system is able to control the virus. HIV can remain asymptomatic for 10 years or more, though some individuals may experience symptoms within one or two years. During the early chronic phase, swollen lymph nodes may be the only noticeable sign of HIV infection. Even during this period, when symptoms have not yet appeared, the virus continues to multiply and depletes immune cells.

Symptoms of late-stage HIV and AIDS may include infections, as well as cancers such as invasive cervical cancer and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

What Symptoms Appear with HIV (AIDS)?

The acute phase of HIV, known as Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS), occurs immediately after infection, during which the immune system has not yet been able to control the virus. This phase typically appears 7-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms during this period may include:

• A rash consisting of pink and red bumps, often appearing on the upper body.
• The rash may gradually turn into larger, raised lesions.
• Around this time, the virus starts to slow down and stop rapidly multiplying. Some people may experience symptoms of the acute phase for up to three months, but as the immune system begins to control the infection, most people start feeling better within two weeks. However, swollen and painful lymph nodes may appear in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin. HIV is not a virus that clears up on its own.

The chronic phase of the infection occurs when the immune system is able to control the virus. HIV can remain asymptomatic for 10 years or more, though some individuals may experience symptoms within one or two years. During the early chronic phase, swollen lymph nodes may be the only noticeable sign of HIV infection. Even during this period, when symptoms have not yet appeared, the virus continues to multiply and depletes immune cells.

Symptoms of late-stage HIV and AIDS may include infections, as well as cancers such as invasive cervical cancer and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment of HIV (AIDS)

HIV treatment involves the use of effective medications called antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control the virus. ART is recommended for everyone with HIV, and individuals diagnosed with HIV should begin ART as soon as possible, ideally on the same day as the diagnosis.

There are several options where two or three different HIV medications are combined into a single daily pill. When taken as prescribed, HIV medications reduce the amount of virus in the bloodstream to very low levels. This allows the immune system to function better and helps prevent other diseases.

Individuals who are aware of their HIV status and take their HIV medication as prescribed can live long and healthy lives. If left untreated, HIV damages the immune system, and a weakened immune system can lead to various infections and cancers. HIV-positive individuals who become pregnant and have not yet started HIV medication should begin treatment as soon as possible to protect their health and prevent the transmission of HIV to others.

If you have problems with your immune system or think you may be at risk for HIV, you should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.