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HIV/AIDS
Urgent
HIV infection is caused by human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks cells of the immune system and can weaken the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. Early infection may cause flu-like symptoms or no noticeable symptoms. Without effective treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, the most advanced stage of infection. Modern antiretroviral therapy can control HIV and reduce complications.
Body System
Blood & Immune System
When to Seek Medical Attention
People with HIV should seek prompt medical assessment for persistent fever, severe or worsening infections, significant unexplained weight loss, severe diarrhea, breathing difficulty, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness. Emergency care is needed for severe breathing difficulty, altered consciousness, severe dehydration, or sudden neurological symptoms.
Symptoms
4
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
HIV infection is caused by human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks cells of the immune system and can weaken the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. Early infection may cause flu-like symptoms or no noticeable symptoms. Without effective treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, the most advanced stage of infection. Modern antiretroviral therapy can control HIV and reduce complications.
Symptoms 4
Fever
Persistent Hoarseness
Poor Concentration
Weight Loss
Causes 1
HIV spreads when certain body fluids from a person with HIV enter another person's body. Transmission can occur through vaginal or anal sex, sharing needles or other injection equipment, exposure to infected blood, and from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV is not spread by ordinary casual contact such as hugging, sharing food, or being near someone who has HIV.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk is increased by sex without effective HIV prevention methods, having another sexually transmitted infection, sharing needles or injection equipment, and exposure to infected blood. Risk can also be affected by access to testing, prevention medicines, treatment, and healthcare. People with ongoing exposure risks may benefit from discussing HIV testing and prevention options with a healthcare professional.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
HIV is diagnosed with laboratory testing or an approved home test that detects HIV infection. Testing may involve an antigen and antibody test, an antibody test, or a nucleic acid test depending on the situation and timing of exposure. A positive screening result generally requires follow-up testing. Additional tests such as viral load and CD4 testing help assess the infection after diagnosis.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
HIV prevention includes using condoms or other effective prevention methods, getting tested, and treating sexually transmitted infections
People at substantial risk can discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis with a healthcare professional, while post-exposure prophylaxis is an emergency option that must be started promptly after a possible exposure
Avoiding shared needles and maintaining effective HIV treatment also reduces transmission
Prevention Guidance
HIV prevention includes using condoms or other effective prevention methods, getting tested, and treating sexually transmitted infections. People at substantial risk can discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis with a healthcare professional, while post-exposure prophylaxis is an emergency option that must be started promptly after a possible exposure. Avoiding shared needles and maintaining effective HIV treatment also reduces transmission.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Protein-rich foods
Support immune function and body strength
Fresh fruits
Provide vitamins and antioxidants
Vegetables
Support nutritional needs
Foods to Avoid
Raw or contaminated foods
May increase infection risk
Excess alcohol
May weaken immune function
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system.
Through infected blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission.
There is currently no cure, but treatment controls the infection.
Blood tests detect HIV antibodies, antigens, and viral load.
Yes, with modern treatment many people live long healthy lives.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.