What is HIV?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus responsible for attacking the immune system. Specifically, HIV attacks cells that help the body fight infection and illness. These cells are called CD4 or T cells. When HIV is not treated, CD4 cells decrease, causing a weakened immune system and make a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.

HIV transmission

HIV can be transmitted through the exchange of body fluids such as:

• Blood
• Semen
• Pre-seminal fluid
• Rectal fluids
• Vaginal fluids
• Breastmilk

When any of these bodily fluids from an HIV-positive person come into contact with the mucous membrane (found inside the rectum, vagina, penis, and mouth) of an HIV-negative person, this person is at risk of contracting HIV, since the virus can enter this person’s bloodstream.

The most common routes of HIV transmission include:

• Having anal, vaginal and / or oral sex with an HIV-positive sexual partner (s) without using a condom or taking specific medications such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• Share any material or equipment used for the preparation and consumption of injecting drugs. Such materials or equipment include: needles, rinsing water, heaters, cottons, etc.
• Maternal transmission during pregnancy, childbirth or lactation. Especially if the mother does not receive any type of treatment or medication.
• Any puncture wound from an object that is contaminated with any infected body fluid.

HIV does not survive and does not reproduce outside of the human body. HIV CANNOT be transmitted through: air or water, saliva, sweat, tears, insects or any other animal, or by sharing drinks, food or toilets.

The untreated HIV virus can develop in 3 stages:

This stage can occur between the 2nd and the 4th week after acquiring the HIV infection. During this stage, the person has a high level of HIV in the blood, which greatly increases the risk of HIV transmission when engaging in behavior of possible exposure to HIV such as anal, vaginal or oral sex without condom, and sharing drug equipment (syringes, cooker, among others) to inject drugs. During this time, clinical symptoms are not observed but some people may have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and rash. In the acute stage of infection.   

During this stage, HIV continues to multiply in the body but at very low levels. Without antiretroviral treatment (ART), some people may not experience symptoms (asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency).Chronic HIV infection usually advances to AIDS in 10 years or longer, though in some people it may advance faster. People who are taking ART may be in this stage for several decades. While it is still possible to transmit HIV to others during this stage, people who take ART exactly as prescribed and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex.

When the levels are low (below 200 copies/ml of blood measured) it is referred to as an undetectable viral load. This is also medically known as virally suppressed and it is undetectable.  At this stage, HIV cannot be passed on sexually and it is untransmittable.

During the third stage, the immune system can be severely weakened. Therefore, the body can’t fight off opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections are those caused by agents (virus, bacteria, fungus or parasites) that in presence of a healthy immune system would not cause an illness or affliction. Some of the symptoms include chills, fever, sweating, inflammation of the lymph glands, weakness and weight loss. People with HIV are diagnosed with AIDS if they have a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm or if they have certain opportunistic infections. The risk of mortality for a person with AIDS with no treatment is higher due the severe damage to the immune system. However, an AIDS diagnosis does not imply a short life, specially if the person receives the necessary treatment.  

HIV treatment

People with a positive HIV diagnosis can live healthy lives thanks to medical advances. HIV treatment consists of a series of medications that can be combined to reduce the amount or burden of viruses in the blood. This type of treatment is known as antiretroviral therapy (ART or TARV). Antiretroviral therapy is highly recommended for all people with HIV, regardless of how long they have been living with HIV or how healthy they feel.

Antiretroviral therapy usually consists of a combination of three drugs combined in a single pill. However, there are people who require a different combination of medications. This is because each person reacts differently to each treatment. If you received a positive HIV diagnosis, ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the best HIV treatment for you.

Antiretroviral therapy reduces the risk of HIV transmission significantly when properly followed according to the recommendations of the doctor or healthcare provider. People with HIV-positive status should receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible to avoid severe damage to their immune system and to reduce the risk of AIDS.