HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens your immune system. Without treatment, it can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). While HIV is a serious health condition, many people live long, healthy lives with effective treatments. 

At Banner Health, we prioritize your health and well-being. As a leading health care provider, we are dedicated to giving you the knowledge and resources to protect yourself and your loved ones from HIV. 

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. The immune system is like a defensive army that helps protect us from illnesses and infections. 

HIV targets white blood cells called CD4 cells. These cells are important for fighting off infections. When HIV destroys too many CD4 cells, the immune system becomes weaker and less effective. Without treatment, this can lead to AIDS – the most advanced stage of HIV. 

How is HIV spread?

HIV spreads through direct contact with certain body fluids from a person who has HIV. These fluids can include blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. 

Common ways HIV is transmitted include:

• Unprotected sex: Having sex without a condom with someone who has HIV.
• Sharing needles: Using needles or syringes that have been used by someone with HIV.
• From pregnant person to baby: During childbirth or breastfeeding if the parent has HIV.
• Blood transfusions: Receiving blood products that are not properly screened. This is very rare due to strict testing procedures.

HIV cannot be spread through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands. It also cannot spread through swimming pools, toilet seats or insect bites. 

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Symptoms of HIV can vary depending on the stage (or life cycle) of HIV. Understanding the stages can help you recognize symptoms and get timely care. 

Stage 1: Acute HIV infection (primary stage)

Acute HIV infection is the earliest stage of infection. It occurs two to four weeks after exposure to HIV. You might experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and rash. This is also known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). 

The virus rapidly multiplies and spreads throughout the body. The immune system is trying to fight off the infection.

Stage 2: Clinical latency stage (chronic stage)

The chronic stage can last several years, during which the virus is active but reproduces at lower levels. You may feel well and may not have any symptoms. However, the virus continues to damage the immune system. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

Stage 3: AIDS 

This is the most advanced stage of HIV. It can occur if HIV is not treated. By this time, the immune system is severely damaged. You may develop serious symptoms and infections that are rare in people with healthy immune systems. These include rapid weight loss, ongoing fever, night sweats and certain cancers.

Without treatment, people with AIDS typically live about three years.

Learn more about the signs, diagnosis and treatment of AIDS. 

How is HIV diagnosed?

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. It can be diagnosed with either a test of your blood or spit (saliva). You can take a test at home, in your health care provider’s office or at a location that provides testing in your community.

Types of tests include:

• Antibody test: HIV antibodies are disease-fighting proteins that the body produces in response to HIV infection. The antibody test checks for HIV antibodies in blood or spit. Most rapid tests and home tests are antibody tests. 
• Antigen/antibody test: This test looks for HIV antibodies and HIV antigens (a protein of the virus) in the blood and is the most used HIV test. After HIV exposure, antigens will show up in the blood sooner than antibodies.
• Nucleic acid test (NAT): Also known as a viral load test, this blood test looks for the virus to determine the quantity of the virus in the blood. NATs are not often used for HIV screening unless a person has a high risk of exposure or possible exposure with early symptoms. 

How soon each test can detect HIV infection differs. Each test has a different window period — the time between when you may be exposed to HIV and when a test can accurately detect an HIV infection. Talk to your health care provider about the best type of HIV test for you.

Why is testing important?

There are two key reasons why HIV testing is important:

• Preventing HIV spread: Many people with HIV don’t know they have it. Those unaware can pass it on to others. By knowing your HIV status, you can help protect yourself and others.
• Early treatment: Finding HIV early allows you to start treatment sooner. This helps keep you healthier and can improve your quality of life. 

Who should get tested for HIV?

HIV testing is important for everyone. If you are between 13 and 64, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone in this age range get tested at least once.

However, if you fall into one or more of these groups, you are at higher risk and should get tested more often:

• You have unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex with new or multiple partners.
• You inject drugs and share needles or syringes.
• Your partner is HIV-positive.
• You have symptoms like ongoing fever, swollen lymph nodes or unexplained weight loss.
• You are pregnant.
• You have a history of STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

What is the treatment for HIV?

There is no cure for HIV, but it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking medication that helps control the virus and protects your immune system. 

The HIV treatment reduces the viral load (amount of HIV in the blood). It can make the viral load so low that a test can’t detect it. If your viral load is undetectable, you will not transmit HIV to others through sex. 

With ART, you can live a long and healthy life. Follow your treatment plan, live a healthy lifestyle and attend regular check-ups. You can also connect with HIV/AIDS support groups and community services.

Some HIV medications can cause side effects. Work with your health care provider to manage them effectively. 

Complications of HIV

Living with HIV can increase your risk of developing certain health problems and conditions. These include:

• Other infections: tuberculosis, pneumonia and fungal infections
• Certain cancers: Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and invasive cervical cancer
• Neurological issues: memory loss, depression and difficulties with movement
• Heart problems: heart disease and stroke
• Kidney problems: chronic kidney disease

Preventing HIV

You can reduce your risk of HIV by:

• Use condoms the right way every time: Always wear a condom during sex.
• Get tested regularly: Get tested for HIV and encourage your partner to do the same. Knowing each other’s status helps you stay safe.
• Have few sexual partners: The fewer partners you have, the lower your risk of getting HIV.
• Take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): If you’re at high risk for HIV, ask your provider about PrEP. It’s a daily pill that helps prevent HIV.
• Don’t share needles: If you use needles, never share them. Always use new, clean needles.
• Get regular STI check-ups: STIs can make it easier to get HIV. 
• Use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if needed: If you think you were exposed to HIV, PEP can help. It’s a medication you take within 72 hours to lower your risk. 
• Avoid risky behaviors: Avoid having sex when you are drunk or high.

Talk to your provider about your potential risk of HIV. They can give you advice on how to stay safe.