What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells, which are essential for defending the body against infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), an advanced stage of the infection in which the immune system is severely damaged.
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Symptoms of HIV
In the initial phase, the vast majority of cases do not produce symptoms, but the appearance of symptoms after contact can take from a few days to several years.
The infection has three stages:
- Acute Infection: This stage lasts from the initial infection until the body begins producing antibodies to fight it. It lasts 2 to 3 months and usually produces no symptoms, but if symptoms do appear, they will be very similar to those of the flu.
- Asymptomatic Infection: If the infection is left untreated, it becomes chronic HIV infection. This stage lasts from seroconversion until the first signs of immunodeficiency appear. It is impossible to tell if someone has HIV at first glance, because in this phase the patient appears completely healthy. It can last for more than 10 years.
- AIDS infection: This stage only occurs if the person does not receive treatment. With AIDS, their immune system is severely damaged. They can develop increasingly serious infections, known as opportunistic infections.
HIV treatment
While there is no cure for HIV infection, it can be controlled with medication, known as antiretroviral therapy. Currently, most people who receive treatment and maintain a stable viral load lead completely normal lives without health problems.
Furthermore, with treatment and an undetectable viral load, the virus cannot be transmitted unless its levels increase at some specific time.
Read moreImportant considerations
Use of condom
The correct and consistent use of condoms significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission during sexual intercourse.
Treatment
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): This is a preventive treatment that can be taken before exposure to HIV. It is recommended for people at high risk of contracting the virus.
· Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): This is an emergency treatment that must be taken within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure to prevent infection.
Reduction of the risk of transmission
People with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral treatment and have an undetectable viral load do not transmit the virus to their sexual partners (this is known as “undetectable = untransmittable” or U=U).
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