Basic Knowledge

What is AIDS?

HIV/AIDS stands for "Human immunodeficiency virus" and " Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome." It's outbreak began in around the 1980's and is still an ongoing issue today. The virus actually started in chimpanzees. Humans hunted chimpanzees for their meat, which exposed humans to their infected blood. Today, there are no effective cures, however, there's a treatment- and it's called ART. ART stands for "antiretroviral therapy." HIV/AIDS can be managed and controlled, however, once you get it- you've got it for life.

December 1st is World AIDS day.

Symptoms and Stages

The most common symptoms.

AIDS symptoms are common ones shown among other sicknesses, like the cold or flu.

-Fever

-Chills

-Rash

-Night Sweats

-Muscle Aches

-Sore Throat

-Fatigue

-Swollen Lymph Nodes

-Mouth Ulcers

The three stages.

When it comes to HIV/AIDS, there are 3 different stages.

Stage one: Acute HIV Infection.

This is the earliest stage of infection. Usually, this stage will develop somewhere between 2-4 weeks after getting infected. Most people experience flu-like symptoms. During this time, the HIV levels multiply and become very high. People who start ART at this stage will most likely see significant health benefits.

Stage two: Chronic HIV Infection.

During this stage, the HIV levels continue to multiply- but at a lower level. Without ART this stage usually advances to AIDS withing 10 or more years, may be less for some people. People receiving treatment may see this stage for longer.

Stage three: AIDS.

AIDS is the most severe stage. Our bodies can not fight off opportunistic infections. When one has a CD4 count of 200 cells/mm³ . At this stage a persons viral load is very very high, which means they can transmit AIDS dangerously easily. Without any treatment, those living with HIV/AIDS usually only live for around 3 years.