AIDS
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells. These cells help your body fight off infections and diseases.
When HIV is left untreated or not well managed, the virus destroys so many CD4 cells that the immune system becomes severely damaged. This makes it very hard for the body to fight off infections and certain cancers. A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, or when they develop certain serious infections called opportunistic infections.
With modern antiretroviral therapy, most people living with HIV never progress to AIDS. Treatment can keep the virus under control and allow the immune system to stay strong. Early detection and consistent treatment are key to preventing HIV from advancing to AIDS.
Symptoms
- Rapid weight loss and muscle wasting
- Extreme and unexplained tiredness
- Prolonged swelling of lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
- Diarrhea that lasts more than a week
- Sores in the mouth, anus, or genitals
- Pneumonia or other recurring infections
- Red, brown, pink, or purple blotches on or under the skin
- Memory loss, depression, or other neurological symptoms
- Night sweats
- Recurring fever
Some people with HIV may not realize they have progressed to AIDS until a serious infection develops. Regular monitoring of CD4 counts and viral load is essential for anyone living with HIV.
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Causes and risk factors
AIDS is caused by untreated or poorly managed HIV infection. HIV spreads through contact with certain body fluids from a person who has HIV. The main ways HIV spreads include unprotected sex, sharing needles or syringes, from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and through blood transfusions. Today, blood transfusions are very safe in the United States because all donated blood is tested for HIV.
Risk factors for HIV progression to AIDS include not taking antiretroviral therapy as prescribed, starting treatment late after infection, drug or alcohol use that interferes with treatment, poor nutrition, other infections that weaken the immune system, and high levels of stress. When HIV treatment fails or is not taken consistently, the virus multiplies rapidly and destroys more CD4 cells. This weakens the immune system until it can no longer protect the body from serious infections.
How it's diagnosed
AIDS is diagnosed through blood tests that measure CD4 cell counts and detect HIV infection. The HIV 1 DNA, Qual, PCR test can confirm the presence of HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS. The HIV Ag/Ab, 4th Gen test detects both HIV antigens and antibodies to monitor HIV infection status. A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter, or when they develop certain opportunistic infections.
Rite Aid offers HIV testing as an add-on to our preventive health panel. You can get tested at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. Regular testing is important for anyone living with HIV to monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness. Your doctor will also check your viral load, which measures how much virus is in your blood.
Treatment options
- Antiretroviral therapy, a combination of HIV medicines taken daily to suppress the virus
- Treatment and prevention of opportunistic infections with antibiotics or antiviral medications
- Nutritious diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support immune function
- Regular medical care and monitoring of CD4 counts and viral load
- Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol, and recreational drugs that weaken the immune system
- Getting vaccinated against preventable infections like flu and pneumonia
- Managing stress through sleep, exercise, and mental health support
- Taking medications exactly as prescribed without missing doses
- Working with an infectious disease specialist or HIV care provider
Need testing for AIDS? Add it to your panel.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS. With proper antiretroviral therapy, most people living with HIV maintain healthy immune systems and never progress to AIDS.
There is currently no cure for AIDS or HIV infection. However, antiretroviral therapy can control the virus and allow the immune system to recover. With treatment, many people with AIDS can rebuild their CD4 counts and live long, healthy lives.
Without treatment, HIV typically progresses to AIDS within 10 to 12 years. However, this timeline varies widely from person to person. Some people progress faster, while others remain healthy for longer periods. Starting treatment early can prevent progression to AIDS entirely.
Opportunistic infections are illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that rarely affect people with healthy immune systems. When AIDS weakens the immune system, these infections can become severe or life threatening. Common examples include pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, and certain fungal infections.
People living with HIV should have their CD4 count and viral load checked every 3 to 6 months. More frequent testing may be needed when starting new treatment or if viral load becomes detectable. Regular monitoring helps doctors adjust treatment before HIV progresses to AIDS.
A CD4 count below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood indicates AIDS. A healthy CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1,600 cells per cubic millimeter. People can also be diagnosed with AIDS if they develop certain opportunistic infections, regardless of CD4 count.
AIDS itself is not contagious, but HIV is. HIV spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. People with AIDS who have an undetectable viral load through treatment cannot transmit HIV to others through sex.
Yes, nutrition and lifestyle play important roles in managing AIDS. Eating a balanced diet supports immune function and medication effectiveness. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and avoiding smoking and drugs all help strengthen the body and improve treatment outcomes.
Seek medical care immediately if you think you have been exposed to HIV. Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is a medication that can prevent HIV infection if started within 72 hours of exposure. Early testing and treatment are critical for preventing HIV progression to AIDS.