AIDS Overview: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Understand AIDS symptoms, causes, transmission, and treatment options. Learn how HIV progresses to AIDS, ways to prevent infection, and how ART helps manage the condition.
Living with or being concerned about AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) can be overwhelming, but understanding the condition can help you take the right steps toward better health. This article will guide you through the basics of AIDS; its symptoms, causes, and treatment options; in a simple and compassionate way.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help fight infections. Over time, if HIV is not treated, it weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to severe infections and certain cancers. When the immune system is badly damaged, the condition progresses to AIDS.
Symptoms of HIV and AIDS
HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection:
- Early Stage (Acute HIV Infection)
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headache
These symptoms may appear 24 weeks after infection and can last for a few weeks. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
Chronic HIV Infection (Without Treatment)
If untreated, HIV continues to damage the immune system, but symptoms may not be noticeable for years. Some people may experience:
- Persistent fatigue
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections (like oral thrush or pneumonia)
- AIDS (Advanced Stage of HIV)
When HIV severely weakens the immune system (CD4 count drops below 200 cells/mm³), AIDS develops.
Symptoms include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Recurring fever or night sweats
- Extreme fatigue
- Prolonged swelling of lymph glands
- Chronic diarrhea
- Sores in the mouth, anus, or genitals
- Memory loss or neurological disorders
- Severe infections (tuberculosis, meningitis, certain cancers like Kaposi’s sarcoma)
How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV spreads through certain body fluids, including:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
- Rectal fluids
- Breast milk
Common Ways of Transmission
- Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex)
- Sharing needles or syringes (drug use, tattoos, or medical procedures with unsterilized equipment)
- From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
- Blood transfusions (rare in countries with screened blood supplies)
HIV Does NOT Spread Through:
- Casual contact (hugging, shaking hands)
- Sharing food or drinks
- Mosquito bites
- Sweat or tears
Diagnosis and Testing
Early detection is crucial. If you suspect exposure to HIV, get tested. Common tests include:
- Antibody Tests – Detects HIV antibodies in blood or saliva (rapid tests available).
- Antigen/Antibody Tests – Detects both HIV antibodies and antigens (more accurate).
- Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT) – Detects the virus itself (used for early detection).
If you test positive, your doctor will confirm with additional tests and check your CD4 count and viral load (amount of HIV in the blood).Consult an Specialist for the best advice
Treatment for HIV/AIDS
While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
How ART Works
- Reduces the viral load (HIV in the blood) to undetectable levels.
- Helps the immune system recover.
- Prevents transmission to others (Undetectable = Untransmittable, U=U).
Lifestyle and SelfCare Tips
- Take medications as prescribed – Skipping doses can make the virus resistant.
- Eat a balanced diet – Strengthens immunity.
- Exercise regularly – Boosts overall health.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol – Weakens immunity.
- Practice safe sex – Use condoms to prevent other infections.
- Get vaccinated – Protects against infections like flu, hepatitis B, and pneumonia.
Preventing HIV
- Use condoms during sex.
- Get tested regularly if sexually active.
- PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – A daily pill for highrisk individuals to prevent HIV.
- PostExposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – Emergency medication taken within 72 hours of possible exposure.
- Avoid sharing needles – Use sterile equipment.
When to See a Doctor?
If you:
- Have had unprotected sex with an HIVpositive person.
- Shared needles.
- Experience symptoms of acute HIV.
Early treatment can significantly improve health outcomes.
Need Help?
If you suspect HIV exposure or want to get tested, Apollo 24|7 offers confidential testing and expert consultations. You can book a test or talk to a doctor easily through the app or website.
Final Thoughts
Living with HIV/AIDS is manageable with the right treatment and care. If you or someone you know is affected, seek medical advice early, follow treatment plans, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. With advances in medicine, people with HIV can lead fulfilling lives.
Consult an Specialist for the best advice
Consult an Specialist for the best advice
Dr. Sandhya Chandel
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(100+ Patients)
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Aakash Andgi
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
Consult an Specialist for the best advice
Dr. Sandhya Chandel
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (Int. Med.), IDCCM
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(100+ Patients)
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Aakash Andgi
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Mohamed Azeem
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS,MD(Internal Medicine) CCEBDM
Karaikudi
Apollo Hospitals Karaikudi, Karaikudi
