HIV/AIDS
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells, which are white blood cells that help your body fight infections. When HIV destroys too many CD4 cells, your body struggles to defend itself against diseases.
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. A person with HIV is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 cell count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, or when they develop certain serious infections called opportunistic infections. Not everyone with HIV develops AIDS, especially with proper treatment.
HIV spreads through contact with certain body fluids from a person who has the virus. The most common ways include unprotected sex and sharing needles. With modern antiretroviral therapy, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and reduce the virus to undetectable levels, which prevents transmission to others.
Symptoms
- Fever and chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Fatigue and low energy
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurring infections
- Mouth sores or yeast infections
Many people experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after HIV infection. This is called acute HIV infection or acute retroviral syndrome. However, some people have no symptoms for years. The virus continues to damage the immune system even when symptoms are not present.
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Causes and risk factors
HIV is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. The virus spreads through direct contact with blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, or breast milk from someone who has HIV. The most common ways HIV spreads include unprotected vaginal or anal sex, sharing needles or syringes, and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. HIV does not spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing with closed mouths, or sharing food.
Risk factors for HIV include having unprotected sex with multiple partners, having another sexually transmitted infection, using injectable drugs, and having a partner who has HIV and is not on treatment. Men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs face higher risk. Healthcare workers exposed to needlestick injuries also face some risk, though this is rare with proper safety measures.
How it's diagnosed
HIV is diagnosed through blood tests that look for antibodies to the virus or for the virus itself. Early testing is important because HIV can be present without symptoms for years. Standard HIV tests look for antibodies, which usually appear 3 to 12 weeks after infection. Newer tests can detect HIV earlier by looking for antigens, which are proteins from the virus.
After an HIV diagnosis, doctors monitor immune system health using blood tests. CD4 cell counts show how well your immune system is functioning. A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1,600 cells per cubic millimeter. Doctors also measure viral load, which shows how much virus is in your blood. Rite Aid offers blood testing that tracks CD4 cells, CD8 cells, the CD4 to CD8 ratio, and other immune markers like lymphocytes and white blood cell count. These tests help monitor immune function and treatment response over time.
Treatment options
- Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, which combines medicines that suppress the virus and protect the immune system
- Daily medication adherence to keep the virus at undetectable levels
- Regular blood tests to monitor CD4 counts and viral load
- Nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to support immune health
- Regular exercise to maintain strength and reduce inflammation
- Adequate sleep of 7 to 9 hours per night
- Stress management through meditation, therapy, or support groups
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol, which can weaken the immune system
- Treatment for any other infections or health conditions
- Preventive care including vaccinations and screenings
Concerned about HIV/AIDS? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- 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 your immune system. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection that occurs when the immune system is severely damaged. Not everyone with HIV develops AIDS, especially with treatment. People on effective antiretroviral therapy can keep the virus suppressed and maintain healthy immune function.
Most HIV tests can detect the virus within 3 to 12 weeks after exposure. Newer antigen and antibody tests can detect HIV earlier, sometimes within 2 to 4 weeks. If you think you were exposed to HIV, get tested right away and again at 3 months. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, which improves long-term health outcomes.
There is currently no cure for HIV, but it can be controlled with antiretroviral therapy. Daily medication can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in the blood. When the viral load is undetectable, the virus cannot be transmitted to others. People with HIV who take their medication as prescribed can live long, healthy lives.
CD4 cells are white blood cells that help your body fight infections. HIV attacks and destroys these cells. A CD4 count measures how many CD4 cells are in your blood. Normal counts range from 500 to 1,600 cells per cubic millimeter. Counts below 200 indicate AIDS and mean the immune system is severely weakened.
Undetectable means that HIV medication has lowered the amount of virus in the blood to levels so low that standard tests cannot detect it. This is the goal of treatment. When someone is consistently undetectable, they cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners. This is known as undetectable equals untransmittable, or U equals U.
The CDC recommends that everyone between ages 13 and 64 get tested at least once. People at higher risk should get tested at least once a year. Higher risk includes having multiple sex partners, having sex without condoms, injecting drugs, or having a partner with HIV. More frequent testing helps catch infections early when treatment is most effective.
Yes, people with HIV who take their medication as prescribed can live long, healthy lives. Modern antiretroviral therapy is highly effective and has few side effects. Many people with HIV work, exercise, have relationships, and do everything they did before diagnosis. The key is starting treatment early and staying adherent to medication.
CD4 cell count and viral load are the two main tests used to monitor HIV treatment. CD4 count shows immune system health, while viral load measures the amount of virus in your blood. Other tests that help track immune function include CD8 cells, the CD4 to CD8 ratio, white blood cell count, and lymphocyte levels. Regular monitoring helps doctors adjust treatment if needed.
Yes, HIV can affect several blood markers. The virus can increase total protein levels as the body makes more antibodies. Beta-2 microglobulin levels often rise with HIV, and higher levels may indicate more advanced disease. HIV typically lowers CD4 cells and can alter the CD4 to CD8 ratio. Monitoring these markers helps track disease progression and treatment response.
Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients supports immune health and helps your body respond to medication. Regular exercise reduces inflammation and maintains muscle mass. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol all support immune function. Staying connected to healthcare, taking medication daily, and attending regular checkups are essential for long-term health.