how to prevent the HIV/AIDS infection
White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. HIV infects and destroys certain white blood cells called CD4+ cells. If too many CD4+ cells are destroyed, the body can no longer defend itself against infection.
The last stage of HIV infection is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). People with AIDS have a low number of CD4+ cells and get infections or cancers that rarely occur in healthy people. These can be deadly.
But having HIV doesn't mean you have AIDS. Even without treatment, it takes a long time for HIV to progress to AIDS—usually 10 to 12 years.
When HIV is diagnosed before it becomes AIDS, medicines can slow or stop the damage to the immune system. If AIDS does develop, medicines can often help the immune system return to a healthier state.
With treatment, many people with HIV are able to live long and active lives.
There are two types of HIV:
1: HIV-1, which causes almost all the cases of AIDS worldwide
2: HIV-2, which causes an AIDS-like illness. HIV-2 infection is uncommon in North America.
HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. You can get HIV from contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.
Most people get the virus by having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV.
Another common way of getting it is by sharing drug needles with someone who is infected with HIV.
The virus can also be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
HIV doesn't survive well outside the body. So it can't be spread by casual contact like kissing or sharing drinking glasses with an infected person
CAUSE
The HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
After HIV is in the body, it starts to destroy CD4+ cells, which are white blood cells that help the body fight infection and disease.
HIV is spread when blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from an infected person enter another person's body, usually through sexual contact, from sharing needles when injecting drugs, or from mother to baby during birth.
Symptoms & Types
Here's where you can find out more about the signs and symptoms of HIV infection -- and the types of opportunistic infections and cancers linked to AIDS.
Symptoms
Symptoms and Stages of HIV/AIDS
Learn about early and late symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
Types
Stages of HIV Infection
There's a progression of illness from HIV infection to AIDS. Here's a brief description.
Complications: AIDS and Other Health Problems
HIV/AIDS and Opportunistic Infections
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body's white blood cells -- specifically a subset called CD4 or helper T cells. This attack allows opportunistic infections to take advantage of a weakened immune system, and can lead to illnesses, cancers, or neurological problems.
AIDS, HIV, and Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs.
HIV, AIDS, and Cytomegalovirus
CMV can cause severe disease in people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). It's able to take advantage of a weakened immune system, which is why it's called an opportunistic infection.
HIV, AIDS, and Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis takes advantage of a weakened immune system, which is why it's called an opportunistic infection. Worldwide, tuberculosis is the leading cause of death for people infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency syndrome).
HIV, AIDS, and Mycobacterium Avium Complex
With HIV, MAC infection usually happens only after you receive a diagnosis of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and when CD4 cell counts drop below 50.
HIV and AIDS Dementia
AIDS dementia complex is caused by the HIV virus itself, not by the opportunistic infections that occur commonly in the course of the disease. We do not know exactly how the virus damages brain cells.
AIDS Wasting Syndrome
AIDS wasting syndrome occurs when you have AIDS and lose at least 10% of your body weight -- especially muscle. You may also have at least 30 days of diarrhea or extreme weakness and fever that's not related to an infection.
HIV, AIDS, and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
People with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) have a weakened immune system. As a result, they are more likely to develop certain cancers. This includes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
Lipodystrophy and HIV
Lipodystrophy is a problem with the way the body produces, uses, and stores fat. It is also called fat redistribution. Since the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy began, the numbers of HIV-positive people with lipodystrophy has increased.
HIV, AIDS, and Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that mainly affects the skin, mouth, and lymph nodes -- infection-fighting glands -- but can also affect other organs such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
Preventing Other Infections When You Have HIV
A person who has HIV has difficulty fighting off other infections. You can help protect the person from infections.
Treatment & Care
Without treatment, nearly everyone with HIV will get AIDS. These links will give you all the information you need to get the best treatment and care.
Treatment
HIV Treatment
When people discover they have HIV, they may not begin taking medications immediately. The decision to start treatment for HIV is individual and considers a person's past medical history, the length of time they've been infected with HIV, current CD4 T cell count, and current health.
HIV Vaccines
Two main types of HIV vaccines are currently being tested -- preventive and therapeutic.
Alternative Medicine for HIV and AIDS
Antiretroviral therapies have brought renewed hope for many people living with HIV. However, they do not offer a cure, and they can cause many side effects.
HIV Treatment: Coping With Side Effects
Here are some common side effects of HIV treatment and tips for coping with them.
Finding an HIV/AIDS Doctor
The HIV/AIDS doctor you choose should be knowledgeable about HIV and have experience treating patients with HIV and AIDS. You'll also want to find a person with whom you feel at ease and can talk comfortably.
Expanding HIV and AIDS Drug Options
Today, HIV-positive people have many options for AIDS and HIV medication.
HIV Treatment in Children
If HIV is diagnosed before it becomes AIDS, medicines can slow or stop the damage to the immune system. Early treatment can help your child live a long and active life.
Care
AIDS Care
Are you caring for someone with AIDS? You must read this CDC guide.
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