HIV/AIDS: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
HIV remains one of the most studied conditions in the world, yet many people still struggle to understand what it really is and how it affects the body. With new infections still being recorded every year, accurate information is one of the most powerful tools we have.
Here’s a simple, clear guide on the basics.
What HIV Is
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, which help fight infections. When untreated, HIV weakens the immune system over time. If it progresses, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the advanced stage where the body becomes vulnerable to severe infections.
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How HIV Is Transmitted
The virus spreads through specific body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways include unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV cannot spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing utensils, or touching surfaces.
Signs and Symptoms
HIV symptoms vary, and some people may not notice anything for years. However, the infection tends to progress in stages:
• Acute stage (2–4 weeks after infection): Many people experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, sore throat, swollen glands, night sweats, or rash.
• Chronic stage: The virus becomes active but slow, and symptoms may be mild or absent.
• Advanced stage (AIDS): At this point, the immune system is severely weakened. People may experience rapid weight loss, frequent infections, extreme fatigue, prolonged fever, or persistent diarrhoea.
These symptoms are not unique to HIV, which is why testing is the only way to know your status.
Risk Factors
Certain behaviours or circumstances increase the chances of acquiring HIV. These include:
• Having unprotected sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown.
• Having multiple sexual partners.
• Sharing needles or other injecting equipment.
• Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Engaging in transactional or coerced sex.
• Lack of access to prevention tools such as condoms or PrEP.
• For infants, being born to a mother living with HIV who is not on treatment.
Understanding these risks helps individuals make informed decisions about their health.
Diagnosis
HIV testing is widely available and completely confidential. Tests may include:
• Rapid antibody tests (results in minutes)
• Self-test kits, done privately at home
• PCR tests, often used for infants
A positive result is not the end, thanks to modern treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Early testing is key.
Prevention
HIV is preventable, and there are several reliable strategies:
• Use condoms correctly and consistently.
• Take PrEP, a daily or long-acting medicine for people at higher risk.
• Avoid sharing needles or sharp objects.
• Ensure pregnant women test for HIV and begin treatment immediately, which reduces mother-to-child transmission.
• Get regular testing, especially if sexually active.
Prevention works best when people have accurate information and easy access to services.
Treatment
HIV has no cure yet, but treatment has advanced immensely.
• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment.
• It reduces the amount of virus in the body until it becomes “undetectable.”
• When the viral load is undetectable, the virus cannot be transmitted sexually — a concept known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
• Treatment must be taken consistently for best results.
With proper care, people living with HIV can lead full, productive, and healthy lives.
Why This Knowledge Matters
Stigma and misinformation still hold many people back from testing and treatment. Understanding what HIV is, and what it is not, is the first step in reducing fear, encouraging early diagnosis, and promoting healthier communities.
