Introduction

• HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. There is currently no effective cure for HIV. However, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. (Source: CDC)
• When HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
• There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life.
• However, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

Where does HIV come from?

• HIV infection in humans came from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. Studies show that HIV may have jumped from chimpanzees to humans as far back as the late 1800s.
• The chimpanzee version of the virus is called the simian immunodeficiency virus. It was probably passed to humans when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came in contact with their infected blood.

How do I know if I get HIV?

• The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your HIV status helps you make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting HIV.

The 3 stages of HIV

Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection

• People have a large amount of HIV in their blood and are very contagious.
• Many people have flu-like symptoms.

Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection

• This stage is also called asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency.
• HIV is still active and continues to reproduce in the body.
• People may not have any symptoms or get sick during this phase but can transmit HIV.
• People who take HIV treatment as prescribed may never move into Stage 3 (AIDS).
• Without HIV treatment, this stage may last a decade or longer or may progress faster. At the end of this stage, the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) goes up and the person may move into Stage 3 (AIDS).