About HIV / AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Once someone becomes infected with HIV there is a period of time that may last for many years during which there are few or no symptoms. This period of time varies greatly among individuals. The virus attacks the body's immune system. When the immune system fails, a person with HIV can develop a variety of life threatening illnesses. Once a person begins to develop these illnesses HIV infection leads to the condition called AIDS. It is important to realize that not all people who are living with HIV have acquired AIDS.

STAGES OF HIV INFECTION

There are four stages of HIV disease:

1. Primary infection is the time when a person first becomes infected with the HIV virus. Primary infection is followed by seroconversion. Seroconversion is when the body's immune system first starts to produce antibodies to fight the virus. You may experience flu-like symptoms during the seroconversion period. Primary infection and seroconversion are considered the first stage of HIV infection.
2. Asymptomatic infection is the period after seroconversion when you remain healthy without any symptoms of HIV disease. This may last for many years. Although you remain well, the HIV virus continues to grow;
3. Symptomatic infection occurs as your immune system is becoming weakened by HIV. You may experience symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, diarrhea, or weight loss;
4. Advanced HIV or AIDS involves severe symptoms such as wasting and opportunistic infections such as CMV retinitis, pneumonia, MAC and other life threatening conditions.