{"id":16448,"date":"2023-09-25T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/how-do-people-get-hiv-and-aids-check-out-the-symptoms-and-treatments\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T04:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T04:13:13","slug":"how-do-people-get-hiv-and-aids-check-out-the-symptoms-and-treatments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agilusdiagnostics.com\/blogs\/how-do-people-get-hiv-and-aids-check-out-the-symptoms-and-treatments\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do People Get HIV and AIDs? Check Out the Symptoms And Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of individuals globally. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is HIV Infection?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS, an immune system condition that develops over time. HIV impairs the immune system, increasing a person’s susceptibility to other diseases and infections. HIV can be transmitted by coming into contact with infected blood, sperm, or vaginal fluids. This condition cannot be cured, however, treatment can slow the spread of the virus and prevent the disease from getting worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

How People Acquire HIV<\/strong><\/h2>\n

HIV is commonly spread by primary body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Understanding the modes of transmission is crucial for prevention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unprotected sexual contact:<\/strong> Unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner is the most typical method of transmission.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sharing syringes:<\/strong> Injecting drugs using shared needles or syringes can expose individuals to HIV if an infected person’s blood is present on the needle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mother-to-child:<\/strong> HIV can be passed from an HIV-positive mother to her unborn child during pregnancy<\/a>, childbirth, or breastfeeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blood transfusion and organ transplant:<\/strong> HIV transmission can occur through contaminated blood or organ donations. However, in many nations, rigorous testing and screening techniques have greatly decreased this risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Occupational exposure:<\/strong> Healthcare professionals may be at risk of HIV transmission if they unintentionally come into contact with contaminated blood due to needlestick wounds or open wounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs and Symptoms of HIV<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Symptoms of HIV<\/strong> may vary from person to person, but most commonly they may include:<\/span><\/p>\n

Acute HIV Infection:<\/strong> A few days or weeks after contracting HIV, some people develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and rash. However, many HIV-positive individuals may not exhibit symptoms at an early stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chronic HIV Infection:<\/strong> HIV enters a dormant stage after the initial acute phase, which can linger for years. This is known as a chronic HIV infection. HIV infection may go unnoticed at this time, yet the virus continues to damage the immune system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of AIDS<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS. AIDS is characterized by a severely weakened immune system<\/a>, leading to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Common <\/span>symptoms of AIDS<\/strong> include:<\/span><\/p>\n