HIV/AIDS

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It has three distinct phases. The initial stage is marked by fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms. In the second stage, the virus lays clinically dormant. The third stage is HIV/AIDS, with symptoms of recurring fever, persistent and extreme fatigue, chronic diarrhea, and neurological disorders.

  Learn More: Signs and Symptoms of HIV Infection
• When does HIV become AIDS?

  Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the late stage of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Without treatment, it takes about 10 years for HIV to develop into AIDS. Fortunately, there are treatments available that work to stop the virus from replicating, preventing the infection from progressing to AIDS.

  Learn More: Signs and Symptoms of HIV Infection
• How does HIV turn into AIDS?

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that destroys CD4 T-cells, blood cells that play a key role in the immune system. The virus progressively eliminates these cells, leaving the body less able to defend itself against opportunistic infections. This ultimately leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the fatal stage of HIV. Left untreated, HIV takes about 10 years to progress to AIDS.

  Learn More: Cause and Risk Factors of HIV
• What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have three distinct phases. In the initial stage, symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. The second stage has no symptoms. The third stage is progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS symptoms include recurring fever, persistent and extreme fatigue, chronic diarrhea, and neurological disorders.

  Learn More: Signs and Symptoms of HIV Infection
• What is used to treat HIV/AIDS?

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses the virus with the goal of reaching undetectable levels. The type of ART prescribed depends on the patient's treatment history. HIV medications may be used in combination with medications for other chronic health conditions.

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses the virus with the goal of reaching undetectable levels. The type of ART prescribed depends on the patient's treatment history. HIV medications may be used in combination with medications for other chronic health conditions.

  Learn More: How HIV Is Treated
• How is HIV spread?

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. This can occur during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, sharing needles, accidental blood exposure, or passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. It is not transmitted through sweat, tears, saliva, feces, or urine.

  Learn More: Cause and Risk Factors of HIV
• How can I avoid contracting HIV?

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections can be prevented through abstinence, not sharing needles, limiting your number of sexual partners, and using condoms correctly every time you have sex. There are also prophylactic medicines that can help prevent infection if you have been or are at-risk for HIV infection.

  Learn More: 8 Simple Steps to Prevent HIV