What Is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help fight infections. If left untreated, HIV weakens the immune system over time, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

How Is HIV Transmitted?

HIV is spread through certain body fluids, including:

• Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person)
• Sharing needles or syringes
• From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding
• Blood transfusions (though rare due to screening measures)

HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, hugging, sharing food, or mosquito bites.

Symptoms of HIV

HIV symptoms vary by stage:

• Acute HIV Infection (First Few Weeks): Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen glands, rash, and fatigue.
• Chronic HIV Stage: The virus remains in the body, but symptoms may not appear for years while it slowly damages the immune system.

What Is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final and most severe stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system is severely damaged, making the body highly susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

Symptoms of AIDS

A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, or when they develop opportunistic infections such as:

• Tuberculosis
• Pneumonia
• Severe fungal infections
• Certain types of cancer, like Kaposi’s sarcoma

Without treatment, AIDS significantly reduces life expectancy. However, with proper medical care, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and may never progress to AIDS.