This article explains the stages of HIV infection, from initial symptoms to AIDS, highlighting diagnosis and treatment importance. Understanding these phases helps in early intervention, improving health outcomes for those affected by HIV.

Stages of HIV Progression

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) significantly compromises the immune system by targeting CD4 cells, which are essential for fighting infections. If untreated, an HIV infection can lead to severe health issues and reduce lifespan. The disease develops through three main phases:

Acute Phase
Shortly after infection, HIV rapidly multiplies and infects immune cells. Symptoms might be mild or absent, but some individuals experience flu-like signs such as fever, headache, and nausea within weeks. Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur but often resolve unnoticed.

Following this is the Latent Phase, where HIV persists and gradually damages immune cells. People may remain asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms for many years, unknowingly allowing the virus to impair their immune defense over time. During this period, the virus steadily decreases CD4 counts.

The final stage, , occurs when the CD4 count drops below 200 cells per microliter. Symptoms include persistent fatigue, night sweats, prolonged fever, and severe diarrhea. Other signs encompass skin issues, unexplained bruises, yeast infections, swollen lymph nodes, and heightened risk of cancers like Kaposi’s sarcoma and opportunistic infections such as pneumonia. Without treatment, survival after AIDS diagnosis averages around four years, though proper medical care can improve longevity. Early testing and effective treatment are crucial to prevent disease progression.