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 by destroying CD4 cells, which are white blood cells that help your body fight infections. Over time, HIV-1 can weaken your immune system so much that your body struggles to fight off diseases and infections.
HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV worldwide. It accounts for about 95% of all HIV infections globally. When left untreated, HIV-1 can progress to AIDS, which is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. With modern treatment, people with HIV-1 can live long, healthy lives and prevent the virus from progressing.
Early detection is essential for managing HIV-1 infection. The earlier you start treatment, the better your long-term health outcomes will be. Modern medications can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in your blood, which also prevents transmission to others.
Symptoms
- Flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks of infection, including fever, chills, and fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Sore throat and mouth ulcers
- Skin rash, often on the trunk of the body
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Night sweats and headaches
- Unexplained weight loss in later stages
- Recurring infections or illnesses that take longer to heal
- Diarrhea lasting more than a week
Many people experience no symptoms during the early acute phase of infection. After initial symptoms fade, the virus enters a chronic phase where it may cause no symptoms for years. This makes regular testing important if you have potential exposure risk factors.
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Causes and risk factors
HIV-1 spreads through contact with certain body fluids from an infected person. These fluids include blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV-1 spreads are through unprotected sex and sharing needles or syringes. The virus can also pass from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding if the mother is not on treatment.
Risk factors include having unprotected sex with multiple partners, having other sexually transmitted infections, using injectable drugs, and having a sexual partner who has HIV. Healthcare workers exposed to needlestick injuries also face risk. HIV-1 cannot spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or touching surfaces. Understanding how HIV-1 spreads helps you make informed choices about prevention and testing.
How it's diagnosed
HIV-1 infection is diagnosed through blood tests that detect HIV antigens or antibodies. Fourth-generation tests can detect both HIV antigens, which are proteins from the virus itself, and antibodies, which your immune system produces in response to infection. These tests can detect HIV as early as 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. Earlier detection means earlier treatment and better health outcomes.
Rite Aid offers fourth-generation HIV antigen and antibody testing through our add-on test panel at Quest Diagnostics locations. If you test positive on a screening test, your healthcare provider will order a confirmatory test to verify the diagnosis. Regular testing is recommended if you have ongoing risk factors, even if you have no symptoms.
Treatment options
- Antiretroviral therapy, which is a combination of medications that suppress the virus and prevent it from multiplying
- Taking medications exactly as prescribed to maintain undetectable viral loads
- Regular monitoring of CD4 cell counts and viral load through blood tests
- Eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Getting regular physical activity to support immune function and overall health
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
- Managing stress through mindfulness, adequate sleep, and social support
- Preventing other infections through good hygiene and staying up to date on vaccinations
- Working closely with an HIV specialist or infectious disease doctor
- Connecting with support groups and mental health resources as needed
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
Fourth-generation HIV tests can detect the virus as early as 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. These tests look for both HIV antigens and antibodies in your blood. For the most accurate results, consider retesting at 3 months if your initial test is negative but you had a high-risk exposure.
There is currently no cure for HIV-1 infection. However, antiretroviral therapy can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in your blood. People with undetectable viral loads can live normal lifespans and cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners. Treatment must continue throughout your life to keep the virus suppressed.
The CDC recommends that everyone between ages 13 and 64 get tested at least once in their lifetime. If you have ongoing risk factors like multiple sexual partners or injectable drug use, you should get tested every 3 to 6 months. Pregnant women should be tested during each pregnancy.
HIV-1 and HIV-2 are two different types of the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV-1 is the most common type worldwide and is more easily transmitted. HIV-2 is mainly found in West Africa and progresses more slowly. Both types require different treatment approaches, which is why accurate testing matters.
Yes, with proper treatment and care, people with HIV-1 can live long, healthy lives. Antiretroviral therapy keeps the virus under control and protects your immune system. Many people with HIV-1 work, have relationships, and maintain active lifestyles. Regular medical care and medication adherence are key to staying healthy.
HIV-1 prevention includes using condoms during sex, limiting your number of sexual partners, and never sharing needles or syringes. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a daily medication that reduces infection risk by more than 90% for high-risk individuals. Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, can prevent infection if started within 72 hours of exposure.
Eating a balanced diet supports your immune system and helps your body respond to treatment. Regular exercise improves overall health and reduces inflammation. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol protects your liver and cardiovascular system. Getting enough sleep and managing stress also support immune function and treatment effectiveness.
Many people experience flu-like symptoms 2 to 4 weeks after infection, but some have no symptoms at all. After these initial symptoms fade, you may feel fine for years while the virus quietly damages your immune system. This is why testing is so important, even if you feel healthy.
A positive screening test will be followed by a confirmatory test to verify the diagnosis. If confirmed, your healthcare provider will order additional tests to check your CD4 count and viral load. You will be referred to an HIV specialist who will start you on antiretroviral therapy. Starting treatment early leads to the best health outcomes.