What is HIV?
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that leads to AIDS. HIV belongs to a subset of retroviruses called lentiviruses (or slow viruses), which means that there is an interval — sometimes years — between the initial infection and the onset of symptoms. Upon entering the bloodstream — through mucous membranes or blood-to-blood contact — HIV infects the CD4+T cells and begins to replicate rapidly.
Scientists believe that when the virus enters the body, HIV begins to disable the body’s immune system by using the body’s aggressive immune responses to the virus to infect, replicate and kill immune system cells. Gradual deterioration of immune function and eventual destruction of lymphoid and immunologic organs is central to triggering the immunosuppression that leads to AIDS.
What is AIDS?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection. The Centers for Disease Control establish the definition of AIDS, which occurs in HIV-infected persons with fewer than 200 CD4+T cells and/or persons with HIV who develop certain opportunistic infections including: Toxoplasmosis, Cryptococcal Meningitis, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and many others.
Living with HIV/AIDS
Although HIV infection is serious, it is a treatable disease. Today, people are living longer, healthier lives thanks to new and effective treatments and regular medical care.
HIV infected people who have not started anti-HIV medications should have a viral load test every 3 to 4 months and a CD4 count every 3 to 6 months. These test results will be used by the doctor to monitor the patient’s infection and to decide when to start treatment.
Once someone begins taking anti-HIV medications, he/she may need to continue taking them for the rest of his/her life. Deciding when or if to begin treatment depends on an individual’s health and readiness to follow a treatment regimen that may be complicated. Those infected with HIV shouldshould discuss their readiness to begin treatment as well as strategies to help follow a treatment regimen with their doctor.