Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections. HIV primarily infects vital cells in the human immune system specifically known as CD4+ T cells leading to low levels of these. When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical level; the body becomes progressively more susceptible to opportunistic infections (OI's). If untreated, eventually most HIV-infected individuals develop AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). OI's usually do not happen in people with a healthy immune system. OI’s usually develop in people with a damaged or weak immune system. OI’s can also occur in people who are not HIV positive. “When an HIV infected person develops OI’s or the CD4 count goes below 200 means that has developed AIDS, a late and life-threatening stage of the HIV infection”.

How is it transmitted?

• Through oral, vaginal or anal unprotected sex; when infected sexual secretions of one partner come into contact with the genital, oral, or rectal mucous membranes of another.
• Sharing an infected needle - intravenous drug users
• Mother-to-child transmission: The transmission of the virus from the mother to the child can occur in utero during the last weeks of pregnancy and at childbirth. Breast feeding also presents a risk of infection for the baby.

How can I reduce the risk of infection?

• By using condoms and dental dams during sex
• By knowing and limiting the number of sexual partners.
• Not sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes.

Whate are the most common symptoms?

The initial infection with HIV generally occurs after transfer of body fluids from an infected person to an uninfected one. The first stage of infection, the primary, or acute infection, is a period of rapid viral replication that immediately follows the individual's exposure to HIV –a 2-4 weeks after exposure- leading to levels of HIV in blood commonly approaching several million viruses per mL. During this period most individuals develop flu -like symptoms: fever, lymph nodes, sore throat, rashes. These primary symptoms are not used to diagnose HIV infection as they do not develop in all cases and because many are caused by other more common diseases. If untreated, eventually most HIV-infected individuals develop AIDS; that’s why it’s so important to get an HIV test and know your status.