A radical approach to AIDS within 40 years could be argued was finished. A South African scientist, HIV risk group and the patient to everyone on all of the test drugs against the virus under control provision in the event of a global pandemic could be said

AIDS patients in the world every 8 from South Africa by Dr lived in 1. Brian Williams, the virus can be transmitted to anyone else within five years of intense global drug programs stop the spread of the disease in blood. Or people that work to find a vaccine protected against the virus, instead of waiting for sexually-directed drugs are used widely as experts advocate Dr. Williams, attended a conference in the U.S. city of San Diego in the epidemic to stop “greatest hope” of drugs, he said. Drugs against the virus in the blood by reducing the HIV rate up to 10 thousand times, but does not protect the patient, the possibility of infection is reduced 25′te 1.

Annual cost $ 30 billion
According to a study by a global treatment program within 10 years at a rate of 95 percent reduction of new cases possible, so that will stop the spread of disease and AIDS 21 When reached the middle of the century will be eliminated. AIDS drugs next year for the first time the idea of stopping G. In Africa, a clinical trial involving thousands of people apply. However, the cost of the drug program seems to be the biggest obstacle. These drugs every day should be taken only G. Cost $ 3-4 billion per year for Africa, AIDS research and treatment of this money for the world $ 30 billion per year is spent.

There are 30 million patients
Some experts, this amount will double in the next 10 years estimates. AIDS is already causing significant costs indicating Williams, who died at a young age also highlighted the cost to the economy. “So far, only kurtadık life, but were unable to prevent AIDS” said Dr.. Williams long-term help to prevent AIDS programming sure. Is estimated that a total of 30 million AIDS patients in the world can take the drug and only 12 per cent each year 2 million people lost their lives due to AIDS.

Why you should get tested
If there’s a possibility you may have an STI, it’s important to get tested. Don’t wait for obvious symptoms to appear. Chlamydia, for example, has few recognisable symptoms, especially in women. You can be infected and not know.

Those particularly at risk of infection are young people who’ve had several partners and men who have sex with other men.

You can reduce the risk of infection by always using a condom, but not all STIs are just passed on by penetrative vaginal or anal intercourse. Some can be picked up through oral sex too, while genital herpes, HPV and even sometimes infections such as gonorrhoea can be transferred by intimate contact, so condoms don’t protect against all infections.

Growing problem
The number of STIs has increased recently, especially in the past two years. According to the Health Protection Agency, the number of new cases diagnosed in specialist clinics in the UK in 2008 rose to 399,738 – that’s six per cent six more compared to 2006, and a massive 50 per cent up from ten years ago.

One of the most common infections is Chlamydia, which is rapidly increasing. In 2008, more than 1230,000 new cases were diagnosed in the UK, up eight per cent per cent from 2006 and 115 per cent up from 10 years ago.

Where to get tested
See your GP or make an appointment at the genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic at your local hospital.

To find a GUM clinic:

Call the Department of Health’s sexual health helpline on 0800 567 123
Use the fpa’s GUM clinic search

There are also special rapid testing clinics. Some services are aimed specifically at younger people, such as Brook.

All these services are confidential. You’ll be asked your name, address and GP’s name, but you don’t have to give your real name and you can ask them not to contact your GP.

Diagnosis and treatment
The clinic will ask for a urine sample to check for gonorrhoea and chlamydia and, for women, a vaginal swab ( you may be given this to do yourself as it is very easy to do). If you have ulcers or warts the nurse or doctor will examine you and may take more specific swabs A blood test may also be necessary for diseases such as syphilis, HIV and hepatitis.

It can take a week for test results to come back, so many clinics will diagnose you from symptoms alone (if there are any) and start treatment immediately.

Treatment can range from antibiotics (for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis) to creams (for genital warts).

You’ll be advised not to have sex until you’ve finished the treatment. It’s also important to finish any antibiotics to ensure the infection doesn’t return. Most treatments are highly effective if taken properly.

Some infections, such as hepatitis B and genital herpes, can’t be cured. In both cases, the virus remains in your body. But you can be vaccinated against hepatitis B – ask your GP for details.

Herpes flares up from time to time. When it does, you can treat the sores with an over-the-counter cream, avoiding sex until they’ve gone. Using a condom won’t offer 100 per cent protection as it doesn’t cover the entire genital area.

If tests show you have HIV, you’ll receive specialist advice, counselling and treatment.

Telling your partners
If you do have an infection, you’ll be asked to contact anyone you’ve recently had sex with, so they can get treatment.

If you don’t want to do that yourself, clinic staff will contact them. They won’t give your name, but will say they believe a former partner has an infection and they should seek treatment.

Screening programmes
The Department of Health has introduced an England-wide screening programme for chlamydia, offering tests to those who seek contraceptive advice and through youth clubs. To find out if this is happening in your area, call the sexual health helpline on 0800 567 123 or find your local scheme by logging on to www.condomessentialwear.co.uk.

In some areas testing kits are available free by post. Some pharmacies, are also providing free NHS chlamydia screening for 16 to 24-year-olds in certain regions across the UK.

Advice and support
fpa
Tel: 0845 122 8690
Website: www.fpa.org.uk

Sexual Health Helpline
Tel: 0800 567 123
Website: www.condomessentialwear.co.uk

Sexwise
Tel: 0800 282 930
Website: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Sexandyoungpeople/

Cause

Cause: The infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

After HIV is in the body, it attacks and destroys CD4+ cells, which are the part of the body’s immune system that fights infection and disease. When HIV weakens or destroys the immune cells, it may lead to certain illnesses or diseases, such as some types of pneumonia or cancer that are more likely to develop in someone who has a weakened immune system. These conditions are a sign that HIV has progressed to AIDS.

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.

HIV is rarely spread by blood transfusions or organ transplants in the United States because of improved screening procedures.

HIV

Treatment Overview

The most effective treatment for HIV is highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)—a combination of several antiretroviral medicines that aims to control the amount of virus in your body. Other steps you can take include keeping your immune system strong, taking medicines as prescribed, and monitoring your CD4+ (white blood cells) counts to check the effect of the virus on your immune system. If HIV is not treated, it eventually progresses to AIDS, the last and most severe stage of HIV infection. People with AIDS are more likely to develop certain illnesses, called opportunistic infections. Examples include tuberculosis and some cancers. These illnesses are common in people who have weakened immune systems.
Treatment to prevent infection (postexposure prophylaxis)

Health care workers who may be at risk for HIV because of an accidental needlestick or other exposure to body fluids may need medicine to prevent infection.5 Medicine may also prevent HIV infection in a person who has been raped or was accidentally exposed to the body fluids of a person who may have HIV.6 This type of treatment is usually started within 72 hours of the exposure.
Initial treatment

If you are diagnosed with HIV infection during the initial symptoms of early HIV (acute retroviral syndrome), discuss the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with your doctor. Information about treatment of early HIV from clinical trials is very limited but suggests that treatment of early HIV with antiretroviral medicines may have long-term benefits.4 But more studies need to be done.

HAART medicines that are most often used to treat HIV infection include:

* Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as tenofovir, emtricitabine, lamivudine, and abacavir. These medicines are often combined with other medicines for best results.
* Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), such as efavirenz, nevirapine, or etravirine.
* Protease inhibitors (PIs), such as atazanavir, saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, fosamprenavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, tipranavir, or darunavir.
* Fusion and entry inhibitors, such as enfuvirtide and maraviroc.
* Integrase inhibitors, such as raltegravir.

The decision whether to start HAART before your health starts to decline is complicated. Consider the potential benefits and risks of early treatment and discuss all the issues with your doctor before starting HAART.

* Benefits. Early treatment of HIV may:4
o Decrease the severity of early HIV symptoms.
o Affect the rate at which the disease progresses.
o Reduce the rate at which the virus multiplies in the body.
o Preserve immune system function.
o Lower the risk of drug resistance with complete viral suppression.
o Reduce the risk of HIV spreading.

Note:
Even with early treatment, the risk of HIV transmission still exists. Antiretroviral therapy cannot substitute for prevention measures, such as condom use and safer sex practices.
o Extend life.7
* Risks. Early treatment of HIV may:4
o Cost a lot and cause side effects.
o Lead to the development of drug resistance to antiretroviral medicines, which may limit future treatment options.
o Result in the need for continuing therapy indefinitely.
o Reduce future medication options when HIV disease risk is highest.

If you do not have symptoms of HIV even though you have tested positive for the virus, you and your doctor may simply continue to watch for symptoms to occur. If you do not show any signs of disease and your CD4+ cell count is more than 350 cells per microliter (mcL), you may not require treatment. But during this time you still need regular checkups with a doctor to monitor your viral load and CD4+ cell counts—these tests measure the amount of HIV in your blood and detect how well your immune system is working. For more information, see:

Should I start antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection even though I have no symptoms?

Ongoing treatment

Ongoing treatment for HIV includes regular appointments with your doctor to monitor the amount of virus in your blood (viral load) and CD4+ cell counts. This is done with blood tests taken every 3 to 4 months that show how much virus is in your blood and how it is affecting your immune system.4 The results of these tests will help monitor your infection and help you make decisions about starting antiretroviral medicines.

The most effective treatment for HIV infection is antiretroviral medicines called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HAART is a combination of several antiretroviral medicines that aims to control the amount of virus in your body. It interferes with the ability of the virus to multiply and weaken your immune system.

HAART medicines that are most often used to treat HIV infection include:

* Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as tenofovir, emtricitabine, lamivudine, and abacavir. These medicines are often combined with other medicines for best results.
* Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), such as efavirenz, nevirapine, or etravirine.
* Protease inhibitors (PIs), such as atazanavir, saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, fosamprenavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, tipranavir, or darunavir.
* Fusion and entry inhibitors, such as enfuvirtide and maraviroc.
* Integrase inhibitors, such as raltegravir.

Treatment guidelines suggest the following for people with HIV:4

* When considering treatment, experts currently consider your CD4+ cell count and the presence or absence of symptoms much more important than your viral load.
* If your CD4+ cell count is below 350 cells per microliter (mcL), you should begin treatment to stabilize and increase your CD4+ cell count.
* If your CD4+ cell count is more than 350 cells per microliter, treatment may be offered to help keep your immune system healthy and prevent AIDS.
* If treatment is not started, your condition will be monitored with frequent CD4+ cell counts.
* If you have symptoms of HIV or AIDS, you should consider starting treatment, whatever your CD4+ cell count is.
* If you are pregnant, you should be treated to prevent your unborn baby (fetus) from becoming infected with HIV.
* If you also have hepatitis B and are starting treatment for it, you should begin treatment for HIV as well.

Should I start antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection even though I have no symptoms?
HIV: Taking antiretroviral therapy

Lifestyle choices that can help keep your immune system strong include:

* Quit smoking. People with HIV are more likely to have a heart attack or get lung cancer.1, 2 Cigarette smoking can increase these risks even more. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
* Limit your use of alcohol. Abuse of alcohol increases the rate of HIV progression. For more information, see the topic Alcohol Abuse and Dependence.
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Getting adequate protein and calories may help your immune system fight the HIV infection and improve your overall health. For more information, see the topic Healthy Eating.
* Exercise regularly to reduce stress and help you feel better. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
* Do not use drugs. Intravenous (IV) drug use also increases the risk of HIV progression, though the reasons for this are not clear. The use of IV drugs makes it more difficult to follow a treatment plan and increases the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Abuse of marijuana, cocaine (crack), and other drugs also can cause HIV to progress more rapidly.

Learning how to live with HIV infection may also keep your immune system strong, while also preventing the spread of HIV to others.

* Learn more about HIV to actively share in health care decisions.
* Join a support group to share information and emotions relating to HIV.
* Practice safe sex. Use condoms whenever you have sex.
* Learn how to handle food properly to prevent the spread of food-borne infections. For more information, see the topic Food Poisoning and Safe Food Handling.

Counseling is another treatment that can improve your quality of life while you are living with HIV. It can help you manage anxiety and depression, which commonly occur with an HIV diagnosis. For more information, see the topics Anxiety and Depression.

If your partner has HIV:

* Provide emotional support. Don’t be afraid to discuss the disease. Often, people with HIV need to talk.
* Protect yourself against HIV infection and other infections by not sharing needles or having unprotected sex.
* Protect your partner with HIV from other infections by staying away from him or her when you are sick.

Treatment if the condition gets worse

As HIV progresses to an established or late stage, treatment with three or more antiretroviral medicines (highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART) may be needed. The decision to treat your HIV infection with HAART is based on your:

* General health.
* CD4+ counts.
* Ability to follow your medicine schedule as prescribed, which is essential for successful treatment of HIV.

Treatment guidelines suggest the following for people with HIV:4

* When considering treatment, experts currently consider your CD4+ cell count and the presence or absence of symptoms much more important than your viral load.
* If your CD4+ cell count is below 350 cells per microliter (mcL), you should begin treatment to stabilize and increase your CD4+ cell count.
* If your CD4+ cell count is more than 350 cells per microliter, treatment may be offered to help keep your immune system healthy and prevent AIDS.
* If treatment is not started, your condition will be monitored with frequent CD4+ cell counts.
* If you have symptoms of HIV or AIDS, you should consider starting treatment, whatever your CD4+ cell count is.
* If you are pregnant, you should be treated to prevent your unborn baby (fetus) from becoming infected with HIV.
* If you also have hepatitis B and are starting treatment for it, you should begin treatment for HIV as well.

Should I start antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection even though I have no symptoms?
HIV: Taking antiretroviral therapy

When HIV has progressed to AIDS, treatment is recommended.4
Measuring the effectiveness of medicine therapy

Your doctor will measure the effectiveness of your medicine treatment plan by monitoring your CD4+ cell count and viral load.
Treatment failure

If your viral load does not drop as expected, or your CD4+ cell count starts to fall, your doctor will try to identify why the medicines are not working.

There are two main reasons that treatment fails:

* The HIV has become drug-resistant. The medicines no longer effectively control virus multiplication nor protect the immune system. Tests can determine whether drug resistance has occurred. You may need a different combination of medicines.
* You did not take your medicine as prescribed. If you have difficulty taking the medicines exactly as prescribed, talk with your doctor.

Even though HIV treatment is now more successful at prolonging life, when HIV progresses to AIDS, certain types of severe infections develop that can lead to death. Left untreated, AIDS is often fatal within 18 to 24 months after it develops. Death may occur sooner in people who rapidly progress through the stages of HIV or in young children.

Many important end-of-life decisions can be made while you are active and able to communicate your wishes. For more information, see the topic Care at the End of Life.
What To Think About

Denial, fear, and depression are common reactions to a diagnosis of HIV. Don’t be afraid to ask for the emotional support you need. If your family and friends are unable to provide you with support, a professional counselor can help.

Treatment options for HIV are changing often, and experts debate which treatment is best. Talk to your doctor about the treatment that may be best for you.

Alternative and complementary treatments for HIV need to be carefully evaluated. Some people with HIV may use these types of treatment to help with fatigue and weight loss caused by HIV infection and reduce the side effects caused by HAART. Some alternative treatments for HIV or other illnesses (such as St. John’s wort) may interfere with your HIV medicines. It is important to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor before trying them.

If you are a caregiver of a person whose HIV has progressed, the following information may help you:

* How to provide good home care, such as giving medicines and learning what to do in case of an emergency
* Taking care of yourself, such as sharing your frustrations with others who share a similar experience

HIV medicines

Introduction

Taking antiretroviral drugs for HIV will not cure your infection. However, it may allow you to remain healthy for a long time.

Your willingness and ability to follow your antiretroviral therapy schedule exactly as prescribed is essential for successful treatment of your HIV infection. Not following your prescribed HIV therapy may cause treatment failures, such as:

* Drug resistance.
* Higher viral loads.
* Disease progression.

In the past a person had to take many pills several times a day, which was difficult for some people. However, over the past few years this routine has become much simpler and many people take their medicine only once or twice a day. With the right knowledge and tools, you can successfully take your medicine as prescribed.

What is antiretroviral therapy?
Why is it important to take antiretroviral therapy drugs exactly as prescribed?
How can I take my antiretroviral therapy drugs as prescribed?
Where to go from here

Return to topic:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection
What is antiretroviral therapy?

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the use of 3 or more antiretroviral drugs. It is the standard treatment for HIV infection. Antiretroviral drugs attack the virus at different stages in its life cycle. HAART helps prevent HIV from multiplying and helps the immune system stay healthy.

Treatment with antiretroviral drugs is usually offered when:

* HIV-related infections, such as pneumonia, or certain cancers develop.
* Mild “non-AIDS” symptoms of HIV develop.
* CD4+ cell count drops below 350 cells per microliter (mcL). Some experts may wait for a lower CD4+ count before recommending treatment.
* You are willing and able to take your medicine as prescribed.

You should not start antiretroviral therapy until you have considered the benefits and risks of treatment and discussed all the issues with your doctor.
Test Your Knowledge

1. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the use of 3 or more antiretroviral drugs to treat the HIV infection.
1. True
close

The answer is correct

In the treatment of HIV, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves the use of 3 or more antiretroviral drugs. HAART is considered the standard of care for treating HIV infection.
close
2. False
close

The answer is incorrect

In the treatment of HIV, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves the use of 3 or more antiretroviral drugs. HAART is considered the standard of care for treating HIV infection.
close
2. There are several factors to consider when deciding to start antiretroviral therapy.
1. True
close

The answer is correct

You and your doctor will consider many factors when deciding whether you should start antiretroviral therapy. Some of these factors are:
* Whether you want to start antiretroviral therapy now.
* How badly impaired your immune system is and how rapidly it is declining.
* How likely it is that your infection will progress to AIDS.
* Your thoughts about the possible benefits and risks of antiretroviral therapy.
close
2. False
close

The answer is incorrect

You and your doctor will consider many factors when deciding whether you should start antiretroviral therapy. Some of these factors are:
* Whether you want to start antiretroviral therapy now.
* How badly impaired your immune system is and how rapidly it is declining.
* How likely it is that your infection will progress to AIDS.
* Your thoughts about the possible benefits and risks of antiretroviral therapy.
close
3. My willingness and ability to take my medicine as prescribed is not a factor in making the decision to start antiretroviral therapy.
1. True
close

The answer is incorrect

Your willingness and ability to follow take your medicine as prescribed is an important factor in determining whether you should start antiretroviral therapy. It is also essential for successful treatment of your HIV infection. Some people find that taking their medicine as prescribed by their doctor is challenging. Not following your prescribed HIV therapy may cause treatment to fail because drug-resistant strains of HIV will produce higher viral loads and the disease will progress.
close
2. False
close

The answer is correct

Your willingness and ability to follow take your medicine as prescribed is an important factor in determining whether you should start antiretroviral therapy. It is also essential for successful treatment of your HIV infection. Some people find that taking their medicine as prescribed by their doctor is challenging. Not following your prescribed HIV therapy may cause treatment to fail because drug-resistant strains of HIV will produce higher viral loads and the disease will progress.
close

Continue to Why is it important to take antiretroviral therapy drugs exactly as prescribed?
Return to HIV: Taking antiretroviral medicines
Why is it important to take antiretroviral therapy drugs exactly as prescribed?

Complications may develop if you do not take your antiretroviral therapy drugs exactly as prescribed.

* The antiretroviral therapy drugs will not control the virus replication as effectively or protect the immune system.
* Drug resistance is more likely to occur. The virus that causes HIV can become resistant to antiretroviral drugs used to treat the infection.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Drug resistance is more likely to occur if I do not take my drugs exactly as prescribed.
1. True
close

The answer is correct

Not following your prescribed antiretroviral therapy may cause drug resistance. When this happens, the drug no longer effectively controls virus replication or protects the immune system.
close
2. False
close

The answer is incorrect

Not following your prescribed antiretroviral therapy may cause drug resistance. When this happens, the drug no longer effectively controls virus replication or protects the immune system.
close
2. Not taking my antiretroviral drugs exactly as prescribed will not change the effectiveness of the antiretroviral drug.
1. True
close

The answer is incorrect

When antiretroviral drugs are not taken exactly as prescribed, the effectiveness of the drug is decreased and drug resistance is more likely to occur.
close
2. False
close

The answer is correct

When antiretroviral drugs are not taken exactly as prescribed, the effectiveness of the drug is decreased and drug resistance is more likely to occur.
close

Continue to How can I take my antiretroviral therapy drugs as prescribed?
Return to HIV: Taking antiretroviral medicines
How can I take my antiretroviral therapy drugs as prescribed?

In the past, a person had to take many pills several times a day, which was difficult for some people. But over the past few years this routine has become much simpler, and many people take their medicine only once or twice a day. With the right knowledge and tools, you can successfully take your medicine as prescribed.

Work with your doctor when starting HAART.

* Know the names of all of your drugs.
o Get a clear explanation of the actions and purpose of each of your drugs. If you understand what you are taking and how it is helping you, it may be easier to stick to your schedule.
o Write down both the prescription and generic names for your drugs. Have your doctor check the list.
* Know your when to take your medicine. Write down when to take your medicine, and have your doctor check it. Get pictures of all of your drugs so you are sure you are taking the right drug and the right dose at the right time. Be sure you understand how much of each drug to take and when to take each one.
* Know how to handle missed doses. Talk with your doctor about what you should do if you accidentally miss a dose of a drug. Discuss what to do for each drug—it may be different for each one.
* Learn what drugs to avoid. Some drugs can cause a bad reaction or a decrease in effectiveness if they are taken with antiretroviral drugs.

Keep the following in mind:

* Store drugs properly. Keeping drugs in a location that is too hot or too cold may decrease their effectiveness. Find out from your doctor or pharmacist how to properly store your drugs. Always store drugs out of the reach of children.
* Watch for side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to expect. Notify your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects.
* Avoid other drugs. Post your drugs-to-avoid list in a place where you can refer to it whenever you need to. Always check with your doctor before taking any additional drugs, prescription or nonprescription. This includes any herbal or “natural” supplements.
* Review your drug list. Review your list and bring it with you each time you visit with your doctor. Tell your doctor about any side effects you are having.
* Communicate with your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects. Let your doctor know if you have any changes in your health that might affect your condition, such as weight loss or another medical condition.

You may be able to reduce the costs of your antiretroviral drugs and other drugs.

* Compare prices among several drugstores.
* Consider using a mail-order or online drugstore.

Test Your Knowledge

1. I need to develop a drug plan with my doctor that includes a list of all my drugs and their names, dosages, and when to take them.
1. True
close

The answer is correct

You need to develop a drug plan with your doctor that includes a list of all your drugs and their names, dosages, and schedules. You and your doctor can establish what drugs you need to take, their dosages, and when to take them. You will also need to know what other drugs to avoid.
close
2. False
close

The answer is incorrect

You do need to develop a drug plan with your doctor that includes a list of all your drugs and their names, dosages, and schedules. You and your doctor can establish what drugs you need to take, their dosages, and when to take them. You will also need to know what other drugs to avoid.
close

Continue to Where to go from here
Return to HIV: Taking antiretroviral medicines
Where to go from here

Now that you have more knowledge about your antiretroviral drugs and some tools to help you take them, you are ready to develop your system for taking your drugs correctly.
Work in partnership with your doctor

If you have questions about this information, take it with you when you visit your doctor. You may want to use a highlighter to mark areas or make notes in the margins of the pages where you have questions.

Also be sure to discuss any questions you have about your antiretroviral therapy schedule or if you are having difficulty following your drug schedule.

Return to HIV: Taking antiretroviral medicines

Symptoms

Symptoms

HIV infection progresses in stages. These stages are based on your symptoms and the amount of the virus in your blood. Most people go through the following stages after being infected with HIV:

Initial stage

Acute retroviral syndrome is an illness with symptoms like mononucleosis. It often develops within a few days of infection, but it may occur several weeks after the person is infected. Symptoms may include:

* Abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
* Diarrhea.
* Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin.
* Fever.
* Headache.
* Muscle aches and joint pain.
* Skin rash.
* Sore throat.
* Weight loss.

These first symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually disappear on their own after 2 to 3 weeks.
Chronic stage

It may take years for HIV symptoms to develop. But even though no symptoms are present, the virus is multiplying (or making copies of itself) in the body during this time. HIV multiplies so quickly that the immune system cannot destroy the virus. After years of fighting HIV, the immune system starts to weaken.

A doctor may suspect HIV if symptoms persist or if a cause of the symptoms (such as the flu) cannot be identified. HIV may also be suspected when several of the following symptoms are present:

* Confusion
* Diarrhea or other bowel changes
* Difficulty concentrating
* Dry cough
* Fatigue
* Fever
* Loss of appetite
* Mouth sores
* Nail changes
* Night sweats
* Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin
* Pain when swallowing
* Personality changes
* Repeated outbreaks of herpes simplex
* Shortness of breath
* Tingling, numbness, and weakness in the limbs
* Unexplained weight loss
* Yeast infection of the mouth (thrush)

In addition, HIV may be suspected when a woman has at least one of the following:

* More than 3 vaginal yeast infections in one year that are not related to the use of antibiotics
* Recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
* Abnormal Pap test or cervical cancer

Children with HIV often have different symptoms (for example, delayed growth or an enlarged spleen) than teens or adults.
Late stage

AIDS occurs during the last stage of infection with HIV. If HIV goes untreated, AIDS develops in most people within 12 to 13 years after the initial infection. With treatment for HIV, the progression to AIDS may be delayed or prevented.

After your immune system starts to weaken, you are more likely to develop certain infections or illnesses, called opportunistic infections. Examples include some types of pneumonia or cancer that are more common when you have a weakened immune system.

A small number of people who are infected with HIV are rapid progressors. They develop AIDS within a few years if they do not receive treatment. It is not known why the infection progresses faster in these people.

HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body’s natural defense system. Without a strong immune system, the body has trouble fighting off disease. Both the virus and the infection it causes are called HIV.

White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. HIV invades 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 does not mean you have AIDS. Even without treatment, it takes a long time for HIV to progress to AIDS—usually 10 to 12 years. If HIV is diagnosed before it becomes AIDS, medicines can slow or stop the damage to the immune system. With treatment, many people with HIV are able to live long and active lives.
What causes HIV?

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 the virus 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 breast-feeding.

HIV doesn’t survive well outside the body. So it cannot be spread by casual contact such as kissing or sharing drinking glasses with an infected person.
What are the symptoms?

HIV may not cause symptoms early on. People who do have symptoms may mistake them for the flu or mono. Common early symptoms include:

* Fever.
* Sore throat.
* Headache.
* Muscle aches and joint pain.
* Swollen glands (swollen lymph nodes).
* Skin rash.

Symptoms may appear from a few days to several weeks after a person is first infected. The early symptoms usually go away within 2 to 3 weeks.

After the early symptoms go away, an infected person may not have symptoms again for many years. Treatment usually keeps the virus under control and helps the immune system stay healthy. But without treatment, the virus continues to grow in the body and attacks the immune system. After a certain point, symptoms reappear and then remain. These symptoms usually include:

* Swollen lymph nodes.
* Extreme tiredness.
* Weight loss.
* Fever.
* Night sweats.

A doctor may suspect HIV if these symptoms last and no other cause can be found.
How is HIV diagnosed?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved tests that detect HIV antibodies in urine, fluid from the mouth (oral fluid), or blood. If a test on urine or oral fluid shows that you are infected with HIV, you will probably need a blood test to confirm the results. If you have been exposed to HIV, your immune system will make antibodies to try to destroy the virus. Blood tests can find these antibodies in your blood.

Most doctors use two blood tests, called the ELISA and the Western blot assay. If the first ELISA is positive (meaning that HIV antibodies are found), the blood sample is tested again. If the second test is positive, the doctor will do a Western blot to be sure.

It may take as long as 6 months for HIV antibodies to show up in a blood sample. If you think you have been exposed to HIV but you test negative for it:

* Get tested again in 6 months to be sure you are not infected.
* Meanwhile, take steps to prevent the spread of the virus. If you are infected, you can still pass HIV to another person during this time.

Some people are afraid to be tested for HIV. But if there is any chance you could be infected, it is very important to find out. HIV can be treated. Getting early treatment can slow down the virus and help you stay healthy. And you need to know if you are infected so you can prevent spreading the infection to other people.

You can get HIV testing in most doctors’ offices, public health clinics, hospitals, and Planned Parenthood clinics. You can also buy a home HIV test kit in a drugstore or by mail order. But be very careful to choose only a test that has been approved by the FDA. If a home test is positive, see a doctor to have the result confirmed and to find out what to do next.
How is it treated?

The standard treatment for HIV is a combination of medicines called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Antiretroviral medicines slow the rate at which the virus multiplies. Taking these medicines can reduce the amount of virus in your body and help you stay healthy.

It may not be easy to decide the best time to start treatment. There are pros and cons to taking HAART before you have symptoms. Discuss these with your doctor so you understand your choices.

To monitor the HIV infection and its effect on your immune system, a doctor will do two tests:

* Viral load, which shows the amount of virus in your blood.
* CD4+ cell count, which shows how well your immune system is working.

If you have no symptoms and your CD4+ cell count is at a healthy level, you may not need treatment yet. Your doctor will repeat the tests on a regular basis to see how you are doing. If you have symptoms, you should consider starting treatment, whatever your CD4+ count is.

After you start treatment, it is important to take your medicines exactly as directed by your doctor. When treatment doesn’t work, it is often because HIV has become resistant to the medicine. This can happen if you don’t take your medicines correctly. Ask your doctor if you have questions about your treatment.

Treatment has become much easier to follow over the past few years. New combination medicines include two or three different medicines in one pill. Many people with HIV get the treatment they need by taking just one or two pills a day.

To stay as healthy as possible during treatment:

* Don’t smoke. People with HIV are more likely to have a heart attack or get lung cancer.1, 2 Smoking can increase these risks even more.
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet to keep your immune system strong.
* Get regular exercise to reduce stress and improve the quality of your life.
* Don’t use illegal drugs, and limit your use of alcohol.

Learn all you can about HIV so you can take an active role in your treatment. Your doctor can help you understand HIV and how best to treat it. Also, consider joining an HIV support group. Support groups can be a great place to share information and emotions about HIV infection.
How can you prevent HIV?

HIV can be spread by people who don’t know they are infected. To protect yourself and others:

* Practice safe sex. Use a condom every time you have sex (including oral sex) until you are sure you and your partner are not infected with HIV.
* Don’t have more than one sex partner at a time. The safest sex is with one partner who has sex only with you.
* Talk to your partner before you have sex the first time. Find out if he or she is at risk for HIV. Get tested together and retested 6 months later. Use condoms in the meantime.
* Don’t drink a lot of alcohol or use illegal drugs before sex. You might let down your guard and not practice safe sex.
* Don’t share personal items, such as toothbrushes or razors.
* Never share needles or syringes with anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about HIV:

* What is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection?
* What causes HIV?
* What is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)?
* What are the symptoms of HIV?
* Can I prevent HIV?
* What increases my risk for developing HIV?
* Who is affected by HIV and AIDS?
* Can a test find HIV infection early?

Being diagnosed:

* How is HIV diagnosed?
* Who can diagnose HIV?

Getting treatment:

* How is HIV treated?
* What is highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)?
* Should I start antiretroviral medicines for HIV infection even though I have no symptoms?

Living with HIV:

* What steps can I take to maintain my health?
* When should I call a doctor?
* How can I learn to take antiretroviral therapy for HIV on schedule?
* What do I need to know about caring for my loved one with HIV?