HIV & AIDS: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a chronic condition that attacks the immune system directly, weakening its ability to defend the body against infections and diseases. If untreated, HIV progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the most severe stage of the infection, characterized by critical immune damage leading to the onset of opportunistic infections or cancers.

HIV belongs to a category of viruses known as retroviruses. These viruses work by embedding their genetic material into the DNA of host cells, effectively hijacking them to reproduce. AIDS develops when HIV has severely depleted a specific type of white blood cell, the CD4 or T-helper cells, crucial for immune function.

Medical research has come a long way, and what was once a lethal diagnosis, HIV is now a chronic condition. With effective treatment using antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives without developing AIDS. The key to all these possible optimal outcomes is early diagnosis, regular testing, and consistent treatment.

Symptoms and Causes

Signs and Symptoms of HIV
HIV makes its way through the body in stages, each stage having different symptoms:

Acute HIV Infection (Stage 1):

In 2–4 weeks following exposure, some start developing symptoms similar to flu, which include the following:

• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Muscle aches

Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection

In this stage, the virus continues to replicate at a lower level. Often, during this period, most people do not have evident symptoms, although the virus is still active and contagious.

Stage 3: AIDS

The prominent symptoms now include severe damage to the immune system, which presents signs such as:

• Persistent fatigue
• Rapid weight loss
• Diarrhea (long-term)
• Prolonged fever
• Night sweats
• Mouth, anal, or genital ulcers
• Skin blotches or lesions

Causes of HIV

HIV is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which targets the immune system's CD4 cells. The virus spreads through contact with certain body fluids, including:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal fluids
• Rectal fluids
• Breast milk

HIV enters the body via mucous membranes or open wounds. It cannot penetrate intact skin or spread through casual contact, such as hugging, sharing utensils, or using public facilities.

Diagnosis and Testing

Regular testing is essential for early detection and management. HIV infection is diagnosed by blood or saliva tests. These include:

Antigen/Antibody Tests:

These tests detect both HIV antibodies and p24 antigens that appear shortly after infection. Results are available to the patient usually within weeks of exposure.

Antibody Tests:

These tests check for HIV antibodies in blood or saliva. Sometimes it may take as long as three months post-exposure for the test to give an accurate result.

Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs):

This advanced test identifies the virus itself in the bloodstream and is often used in high-risk exposures.

Testing can be conducted at healthcare facilities or at home using FDA-approved kits. If positive, additional tests evaluate immune health, such as CD4 counts and viral load assessments.

Management and Treatment

Can HIV Be Cured?

There is presently no cure for HIV. However, its management has been revolutionized by ART. ART suppresses viral replication and reduces viral load to undetectable levels, hence preventing progression to AIDS.

How ART Works

ART consists of different medications acting at various stages in the life cycle of HIV. These include:

• Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs and NNRTIs): Block the virus from converting RNA into DNA.
• PIs: Block viral proteins from assembling into mature viruses.
• INSTIs: Block the virus from inserting its DNA into human DNA.
• Fusion and entry inhibitors: Block the virus from entering cells.

Adherence to therapy is crucial. Missing doses can lead to drug resistance, thus decreasing the effectiveness of treatment. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers ensure that the treatment regimen continues to work effectively.

Prevention

Lowering the Risk of HIV

Using protection greatly decreases the chance of HIV transmission:

• Safe Practices: Use latex or polyurethane condoms for all sexual activities.
• Avoid Sharing Needles: This prevents transmission among individuals who inject substances.
• Routine Testing: Early detection reduces the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus.

Preventive Medications

• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):
  A daily pill for individuals at high risk, reducing infection rates when combined with other protective methods.
• Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):
  Emergency medication started within 72 hours of exposure and continued for 28 days.

Living With HIV

HIV is a chronic, yet manageable condition. Appropriate treatment can help individuals lead healthy lives and further reduce risks of transmission. Strategies include the following: treatment adherence, viral load monitoring, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, avoidance of smoking, and avoidance of excessive consumption of alcohol. Reduce stigma.
Education and awareness about the disease help dispel stigma and can be used to normalize testing, as well as create a platform where people with HIV feel included and supported.

Outlook and Prognosis

Life expectancy is no longer defined by HIV inappropriate management. With proper use of ART and undetectable viral load, life expectancy could be almost near to normal. Timely diagnosis, consistent care, and proactive health management are critical to positive outcomes.

If left untreated, HIV advances to AIDS in about 10 years. When a person reaches the stage of AIDS, the life expectancy reduces dramatically if left untreated. Fortunately, advances in ART have made HIV less of a death sentence, but a chronic condition that can be managed easily.

Conclusion

HIV and AIDS continue to be among the most major health issues globally. Awareness, early testing, and treatment adherence are crucial in containing the virus and preventing its spread. Through prioritisation of prevention, destigmatisation of testing, and ensuring access to care, we can keep going in the right direction of reducing the burden of HIV and enhancing the quality of living for those infected.