Serious infections and health problems happen. HIV spreads when infected blood or body fluids such as semen or vaginal fluids enter the body. This can happen:. These symptoms go away in a few weeks.
In the first few years after infection, someone with HIV may have mild symptoms, like swollen glands. Because the symptoms of HIV can be mild at first, some people might not know they're infected. They can spread HIV to others without even knowing it. CD4 cells are part of the immune system. Treatments for HIV typically involve antiretroviral therapy.
The U. Antiretroviral therapy works to prevent the virus from copying itself. This maintains immunity levels while slowing the progression of HIV. Before prescribing medication, a healthcare provider will take the following factors into consideration:. There are seven classes of HIV drugs , and a typical treatment regimen involves medications from different classes.
Most healthcare providers will start people with HIV on a combination of three medications from at least two different drug classes. These classes, from the most commonly prescribed to the least commonly prescribed, are:. People with past exposure to HIV would also benefit from episodic testing. If a person has been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, they should consider post-exposure prophylaxis, otherwise known as PEP.
Advances in HIV treatments mean that people are living longer with the condition than ever before. If HIV is contracted, getting early treatment can prevent further transmission to others as well as progression of the disease. Treatment is vital to prevent the disease from progressing to AIDS. Read this article in Spanish. For many people, the media is a main source of information about diseases. Find out how advancements in treatments and our understanding of HIV are allowing people to live fuller lives.
Also view lists of FDA-approved drugs. In other words: When a viral load is undetectable, the person still has HIV, but levels of it in their body are so low that they cannot transmit the virus to another person. When a person follows their treatment plan, there is an excellent chance of reducing their viral load to this point. Here, learn more about what an undetectable viral load means.
For people who do not have HIV but who have sexual partners with the condition, it may be a good idea to ask a healthcare provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP. This type of drug can dramatically reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Learn more about one form of PrEP here. Some states require people with HIV to share their status with sexual partners and anyone with whom they may share needles. It is important for people to check the laws in states that they live in or visit.
Some people with HIV face stigma and discrimination, despite advances in treatment, reductions in risk, and increased awareness. Prejudices often stem from myths, fears, a lack of education about HIV, and institutional attitudes and laws.
People with HIV have the same rights to medical treatment and services as other people. Anyone who experiences this type of discrimination can file a complaint with the Department of Justice here.
Myths about HIV can lead to prejudice. Learn about some HIV myths and facts here. Living with HIV can increase the risk of stress , anxiety , and depression.
Also, some opportunistic infections can affect the nervous system, resulting in changes in behavior and thinking. Anyone who has concerns about their mental or emotional health should let a healthcare professional know. The reasons are unclear, but anxiety likely plays a role.
A lack of sleep can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system and have other mental and physical health consequences. Anyone with HIV who has sleep problems should inform their healthcare provider, who may recommend counseling or medication. Can alternative therapies help with HIV?
Find out here. A woman with HIV can become pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. However, it is important to take precautions to avoid passing on the virus to the baby. In the past, the outlook for HIV was poor. As they age, many people with HIV experience chronic health conditions — such as lung disease, certain cancers, or cardiovascular disease. Also, some people with HIV develop associated neurocognitive disorders, which can affect the ability to focus, move, remember things, and use language.
This injectable combines the drugs cabotegravir and rilpivirine Edurant. Though the outlook has gotten much better for those with HIV, there are still some long-term effects that they might experience. The body may also undergo a shift in how it processes sugars and fats. However, these physical symptoms are more common with older HIV medications.
Newer treatments have far fewer, if any, of these symptoms affecting physical appearance. A person develops stage 3 HIV when their immune system is too weak to defend their body against infections.
Life expectancy is different for every person living with stage 3 HIV. Some people may die within months of this diagnosis, but the majority can live fairly healthy lives with regular antiretroviral therapy. Over time, HIV can kill cells in the immune system. This can make it difficult for the body to fight serious infections. Opportunistic infections, especially tuberculosis , remain a major cause of death for people living with stage 3 HIV. The best way to prevent an opportunistic infection is by adhering to treatment and getting routine checkups.
HIV can quickly cause damage to the immune system and lead to stage 3 HIV, so getting timely treatment can help improve life expectancy. People living with HIV should visit their healthcare provider regularly and treat other health conditions as they arise. Starting and staying on antiretroviral treatment right after diagnosis is key to staying healthy and preventing complications and progression to stage 3 HIV.
New tests, treatments, and technological advancements for HIV have greatly improved what was once a grim outlook.
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