HIV-1 Infection
What is HIV-1 Infection?
HIV-1 infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1. This virus attacks your immune system, specifically the CD4 cells that help your body fight infections. Over time, HIV-1 can weaken your immune system so much that your body struggles to defend itself against common illnesses.
HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV worldwide. It spreads through contact with infected blood, sexual fluids, or from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. With early detection and proper treatment, people with HIV-1 can live long and healthy lives. The virus is manageable with daily medication that keeps it under control.
Without treatment, HIV-1 can progress to AIDS, which is the most advanced stage of infection. Modern medicine has changed HIV-1 from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition. Early testing and treatment are key to staying healthy and preventing transmission to others.
Symptoms
- Flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks of infection, including fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes
- Rash on the skin
- Sore throat and mouth sores
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Headache
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring infections or illnesses that don't resolve easily
Many people have no symptoms during the early stages of infection. After the initial acute phase, the virus can stay quiet for years. This is why testing is so important, even if you feel completely healthy.
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Causes and risk factors
HIV-1 is transmitted through direct contact with certain body fluids from someone who has the virus. The main ways HIV-1 spreads are through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Healthcare workers can be exposed through needlestick injuries, though this is rare. HIV-1 does not spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or touching.
Risk factors include having unprotected sex with multiple partners, having other sexually transmitted infections, using injectable drugs, and having a sexual partner who is HIV positive and not on treatment. Men who have sex with men and people who share drug equipment face higher risk. Knowing your status and your partner's status helps you make informed decisions about prevention.
How it's diagnosed
HIV-1 infection is diagnosed through blood tests that look for the virus itself or antibodies your body makes in response to infection. The 4th generation HIV test screens for both HIV-1 antibodies and the p24 antigen, which appears in your blood before antibodies develop. This test can detect infection earlier than older antibody-only tests. If initial screening is positive, confirmatory tests like HIV-1 DNA testing are used to verify the diagnosis.
Rite Aid offers 4th generation HIV screening and HIV-1 DNA testing as an add-on to help you understand your status. Early detection means you can start treatment sooner and protect your health. If you test positive, your doctor will order additional tests to check your viral load and CD4 count to guide treatment decisions.
Treatment options
- Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, which is a combination of daily medications that keep the virus suppressed
- Regular monitoring of viral load and CD4 counts to track treatment effectiveness
- Preventive medications to avoid opportunistic infections if your immune system is weakened
- Healthy diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and vegetables to support immune function
- Regular exercise to maintain strength and overall health
- Stress management and adequate sleep to support your immune system
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol to protect your liver and overall health
- Safe sex practices and needle safety to prevent spreading the virus to others
Need testing for HIV-1 Infection? 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-1 is the virus that causes infection, while AIDS is the most advanced stage of that infection. AIDS is diagnosed when your CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter or when you develop certain opportunistic infections. With modern antiretroviral treatment, most people with HIV-1 never progress to AIDS.
The 4th generation HIV test can detect infection as early as 2 to 4 weeks after exposure by identifying the p24 antigen. Antibodies typically appear 3 to 12 weeks after infection. HIV-1 DNA testing can confirm infection and is used when other tests give unclear results or to detect very early infection.
There is currently no cure for HIV-1, but it is highly treatable. Antiretroviral therapy can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in your blood. When the virus is undetectable, you cannot transmit it to sexual partners, a concept known as undetectable equals untransmittable or U=U.
Everyone between ages 13 and 64 should get tested at least once as part of routine healthcare. People at higher risk, including those with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and those with STI history, should test more frequently. Testing is the only way to know your status for sure.
A positive test means you have HIV-1 infection and need to start treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor will check your viral load and CD4 count to assess your immune system. You will begin antiretroviral therapy and have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your response to treatment.
No, PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis and is medication taken by HIV-negative people to prevent getting infected. HIV treatment, or antiretroviral therapy, is for people who already have the virus. Both use similar medications but serve different purposes and require different monitoring.
Yes, with proper treatment and care, people with HIV-1 can live long and healthy lives. Many reach normal or near-normal life expectancy. Staying on your medications, attending regular medical appointments, and maintaining healthy habits help you thrive with HIV-1.
Pregnant women with HIV-1 can have healthy babies with proper medical care. Antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy, delivery interventions, and avoiding breastfeeding reduce transmission risk to less than 1%. All pregnant women should be tested for HIV-1 early in pregnancy.
Taking your antiretroviral medications exactly as prescribed is the most important step. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress support your immune system. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol protects your liver and overall health while living with HIV-1.