HIV Basics: Stages of HIV

HIV Basics: Stages of HIV

HIV Disease

You may not see HIV symptoms uniformly in patients as it varies with individuals. In some cases, the patients do not show any symptoms for many years. With time, and without dedication to treatment, the immune system succumbs to the virus. Although there is no cure for HIV, the available medicines (antiretrovirals or ARVs) prevent it from advancing to AIDs. With the ARVs, individuals who tested positive for the virus can live longer healthier lives as well as limit the chances of transmission and spread. The process involves 3 basic steps with varying effects.

HIV Stages

Acute Primary Infection

Between one and four weeks after infection, some individuals may experience symptoms resembling the flu. This is not a reliable method of determining whether you may be infected with HIV. It is advisable to always visit a doctor for testing whenever you feel exposed regardless of the symptoms. For those who test positive, symptoms proceed to fever, body rash, swollen glands, and sore throat. Other symptoms easily ignored are headaches, joint aches, and stomach aches.

As the body reacts to the virus for a few months, the foreign cells spread throughout the bloodstream. The immune system fights by producing HIV antibodies. HIV tests may give different results at this point so it is advisable to visit the clinic regularly and use one type of test.

The Asymptomatic Stage

Here, the patient feels better after the first stage is complete. It may take between 10 and 15 years without any significant signs. This period depends on the age of the person and their health. Behind the scenes, the cells are active, multiplying, replicating, and infecting new cells. This process completely damages the immune system.

The Symptomatic HIV Infection

With significant damage to the immune system, the patient is vulnerable to serious infections, and bacterial and fungal diseases. These infections are normally containable and easily fought off with an intact immune system. It is characterized by weight loss, chronic diarrhea, fever, cough, skin issues, and regular infections.