AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the final stage of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection. HIV weakens the immune system, and without treatment, it can progress to AIDS.

At Banner Health, we are here to support you. We offer the care and resources you need to manage HIV and AIDS and live your best life.  Our goal is to help you understand these conditions and provide support. 

What is AIDS?

AIDS is the final and most severe stage of HIV infection. It happens when HIV has seriously damaged the immune system. This makes it difficult for the body to fight infections and diseases.

HIV attacks white blood cells called CD4 cells, which are important for fighting infections. This can weaken the immune system over time.   

Once their CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm, a person can develop AIDS – which makes it hard for their body to fight off infections. 

What are the symptoms of AIDS?

When HIV has progressed to AIDS, you are more vulnerable to serious health issues and diseases. Common symptoms of AIDS include:

• Opportunistic infections like pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis and other bacterial, viral or fungal infections that are not common in people with healthy immune systems
• Certain cancers: Kaposi’s sarcoma, lymphoma and cervical cancer 
• Rapid weight loss with no reason (wasting syndrome)
• Chronic diarrhea
• Extreme fatigue or tired all the time
• Night sweats
• High fever
• Neurological problems: memory loss, confusion, seizures and vision changes
• Rashes or sores that do not heal 
• Bruises or bleeding you cannot explain

How is AIDS diagnosed?

AIDS is diagnosed using a few key steps:

• HIV testing: It can be diagnosed with either a blood or spit (saliva) test. You can take a test at home, in your health care provider’s office or community clinic. 
• CD4 count: If you are HIV-positive, your provider will check the number of CD4 cells in your blood. A low CD4 count (below 200 cells/mm) suggests AIDS.
• Opportunistic infections: Your provider may look for certain infections or cancers that are common in people with AIDS. 
• Symptoms: Your provider may also consider any symptoms that might suggest AIDS. These include severe weight loss, chronic diarrhea or unusual infections.
• Medical history: Your medical history and lifestyle habits will be reviewed to understand your risk and health status. 

Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage AIDS and improve quality of life. 

Who should get tested for AIDS?

Testing for AIDS is important for anyone who is at risk for HIV infection. Here are some key groups and situations where testing is especially important:

• People with HIV: If you have been diagnosed with HIV, get tested regularly to monitor the progression of the disease and check if it has progressed to AIDS.
• Engaging in risky behaviors: If you have unprotected sex, share needles or syringes, have multiple sexual partners or have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you should get tested regularly.
• Pregnant: If you are pregnant, you should get tested for HIV to prevent giving the virus to your baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Taking zidovudine (AZT) can reduce the risk of passing HIV to the baby. 
• People with symptoms: If you have symptoms related to HIV/AIDS, get tested to see if HIV has progressed to AIDS.
• A sexual partner with HIV: If your partner has HIV, you should get tested regularly to ensure you are not infected. 

Testing for HIV is the first step, as it can detect the virus before it progresses to AIDS. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns or are unsure about your risk. They can help you decide if testing is right for you and guide you through the process.

What is the treatment for AIDS?

There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are treatments that can help manage the condition and improve quality of life. Even if you have AIDS, it’s never too late to start HIV treatment. 

The primary treatment is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which:

• Lowers the amount of HIV in the body
• Strengthens the immune system
• Reduces the risk of opportunistic infections and problems

ART can help people at all stages of HIV infection stay healthy. 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 AIDS

Without treatment, AIDS can lead to serious health problems and severe infections, certain cancers and rapid weight loss. The immune system becomes too weak to fight off illnesses, which can result in life-threatening complications. People with AIDS typically live about three years with no treatment. 

Preventing AIDS

Preventing AIDS starts with preventing HIV infection. Here are some effective ways to reduce your risk:

• Use condoms: Use condoms correctly every time you have sex. They help protect against HIV and other STIs.
• Get tested: Regularly get tested for HIV, especially if you have multiple partners or have an HIV-positive partner. Encourage your partner(s) to do the same.
• Limit sexual partners: Reduce the number of sexual partners you have and you reduce your risk of HIV.
• Practice safe needle use: If you use needles for drug use, always use clean, new needles and never share them. 
• Take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): If you are at high risk of HIV, talk to your health care provider about taking PrEP. It is a daily medication that can help prevent HIV infection.
• 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.

Discuss your potential risk of HIV and AIDS with your health care provider. They can offer guidance on how to protect yourself.