The HIV Full Form in English is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the pathogen responsible for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV impairs the immune system by targeting and destroying T-cells, which makes it difficult to fend off even minor illnesses. It’s possible to have HIV without showing symptoms. Early testing and treatment are crucial for maximizing your chances of living a long and healthy life.
What is HIV Full Form?
The HIV Full Form in English is human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks and destroys the cells of your immune system, making it difficult for your body to defend itself against other diseases. As the virus weakens your immune system over time, it can eventually lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HIV is classified as a retrovirus because it inserts its genetic material into your DNA by working in reverse.
What is AIDS?
AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection. At this stage, the immune system is severely damaged, with a significant decrease in certain white blood cells. Individuals with AIDS are highly susceptible to other illnesses that are indicative of this progression.
Without treatment, an HIV infection typically advances to AIDS within about 10 years.
Symptoms of HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection:
Primary Infection (Acute HIV)
This is the early stage of HIV, often presenting with flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks after the virus enters the body. These symptoms can last for several weeks and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Rash
- Headache
- Sore throat and painful mouth sores
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Diarrhea
These symptoms can be easily overlooked as they are common to many other illnesses. However, during this stage, the viral load (the amount of virus in the bloodstream) is high, making the infection highly contagious.
Clinical Latent Infection (Chronic HIV)
If the infection is not detected and treated during the primary stage, it progresses to the chronic phase. In this stage, there are typically no visible symptoms, but the virus continues to weaken the white blood cells, leading to the progression of the disease. Without effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), this stage can last for many years.
Symptomatic HIV Infection
As the virus continues to multiply, it destroys immune cells, making the body vulnerable to various infections. Symptoms and conditions that may develop include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes (a common sign of HIV infection)
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Oral yeast infection
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Pneumonia
- Weight loss
Progression to AIDS
AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. Due to advancements in antiviral treatments, many people with HIV do not progress to AIDS. However, if untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS within 8 to 10 years. At this stage, the immune system is severely compromised, making the body susceptible to opportunistic infections—diseases that a healthy immune system would typically ward off. Symptoms of AIDS may include:
- Sweats
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes or glands
- Chronic diarrhea
- Recurring fever
- Weight loss
- White patches on the tongue or in the mouth
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Skin rashes or bumps
What’s the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and weakens your immune system. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition that can develop as a result of an HIV infection when your immune system becomes severely compromised.
You cannot develop AIDS without first being infected with HIV. However, thanks to advancements in treatment that slow the progression of the virus, not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS. Without treatment, nearly all individuals with HIV will eventually progress to AIDS.
What Does HIV Do to a Person?
HIV targets and infects white blood cells known as CD4 cells, or helper T cells, which are crucial to your immune system. The virus destroys these cells, leading to a drop in your white blood cell count. As a result, your immune system becomes increasingly unable to fight off infections, even those that wouldn’t typically cause illness in a healthy person.
Initially, HIV may cause flu-like symptoms. After this, the virus can remain hidden in the body for years without causing noticeable symptoms while gradually destroying T-cells. When the T-cell count drops significantly or when you start to develop infections that a healthy immune system would normally prevent, HIV has progressed to AIDS.
AIDS can lead to rapid weight loss, extreme fatigue, mouth or genital ulcers, fevers, night sweats, and skin discolorations. People living with AIDS often develop other illnesses and cancers, which can cause additional symptoms.
What is a Retrovirus?
A retrovirus is a type of virus that operates differently from human cells. Human cells use DNA to send instructions via RNA to create proteins, the building blocks of the body.
Retroviruses, on the other hand, carry their instructions in RNA. When a retrovirus infects a cell, it converts its RNA into DNA, integrates this viral DNA into the host cell’s DNA, and hijacks the cell’s machinery to produce more copies of the virus.
HIV is a retrovirus. While all viruses invade cells and use them to replicate, HIV goes a step further by embedding its genetic instructions directly into your DNA.
Who Does HIV Affect?
The belief that HIV only affects certain groups of people is a myth. Anyone exposed to the virus can contract HIV. The most common ways HIV spreads are through unprotected sex and sharing needles for drug use.
However, some populations are statistically more affected by HIV than others. Groups disproportionately impacted by HIV include:
- People who identify as gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Certain racial groups, such as Black or Hispanic individuals.
- Those who exchange sex for money or other goods.
While these aren’t the only groups affected by HIV, they often face unique challenges in accessing preventive care, testing, and treatment. Barriers such as homophobia, racism, poverty, and social stigma around HIV contribute to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
How Common is HIV?
The number of new HIV infections has been decreasing. As of 2019, approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. were living with HIV. However, about 13% of them are unaware of their infection, making routine HIV testing essential.
What Are the Stages of HIV?
HIV progresses through three distinct stages:
Acute HIV
In the first stage, some people experience flu-like symptoms a month or two after being infected with HIV. These symptoms typically disappear within a week to a month.
Chronic HIV/Clinical Latency
After the acute phase, the virus enters a chronic stage where it can remain in the body for many years without causing noticeable illness. During this stage, you can still transmit HIV to others, even if you feel healthy.
AIDS
AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. At this stage, the virus has severely compromised your immune system, making you much more susceptible to opportunistic infections—illnesses that a healthy immune system would typically fend off.
In addition to these infections, people with AIDS are at higher risk for certain cancers. These infections and cancers are known as AIDS-defining illnesses.
To be diagnosed with AIDS, a person must:
- Be infected with HIV.
- Have fewer than 200 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm³).
- Or have an AIDS-defining illness.
What Are AIDS-Defining Illnesses?
AIDS-defining illnesses include opportunistic infections, certain virus-associated cancers, and some neurological conditions. Examples include:
- Burkitt lymphoma
- Candidiasis of the bronchi, esophagus, trachea, or lungs
- Chronic intestinal isosporiasis lasting more than a month
- Disseminated coccidioidomycosis (spread outside the lungs)
- Chronic intestinal cryptosporidiosis lasting more than a month
- Cytomegalovirus disease (affecting organs other than the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes, with onset after one month of age)
- Cytomegalovirus retinitis (with vision loss)
- HIV-associated encephalopathy
- Extrapulmonary cryptococcosis
- Herpes simplex ulcers lasting more than a month
- Herpes simplex bronchitis, pneumonitis, or esophagitis (onset after one month of age)
- Disseminated histoplasmosis (spread outside the lungs)
- HIV wasting syndrome
- Invasive cervical cancer
- Immunoblastic lymphoma
- Kaposi sarcoma
- Multiple or recurrent bacterial infections
- Disseminated mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)
- Disseminated mycobacterium kansasii
- Tuberculosis of any site
- Disseminated mycobacterium species (other or unidentified)
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
- Primary lymphoma of the brain
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
- Recurrent pneumonia
- Recurrent nontyphoid Salmonella septicemia
- Toxoplasmosis of the brain (onset after one month of age)
What Are the Symptoms of AIDS?
Symptoms of AIDS can be directly caused by HIV or by the various infections and conditions that exploit your weakened immune system.
What Causes HIV/AIDS?
HIV is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks and destroys helper T-cells in the immune system, leading to a weakened immune response.
AIDS occurs when the immune system becomes so compromised that it can no longer effectively combat other illnesses.
How Does HIV Spread?
HIV is transmitted through contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, or rectal fluids of an infected person. Individuals of all genders and sexual orientations can contract and spread HIV.
The virus can enter your body through your mouth, anus, penis, vagina, or broken skin. It cannot penetrate intact skin unless there is a cut or wound. Pregnant individuals with HIV can also transmit the virus to their babies.
The most common ways HIV spreads are through unprotected sex and sharing needles. Even if you feel healthy, you can still transmit HIV to others.
Can You Get HIV from Kissing?
HIV is not transmitted through saliva, so kissing is not a common way to contract the virus. However, in rare cases where there is contact with other body fluids, such as in deep, open-mouthed kissing involving open sores or bleeding gums, there is a slight risk of HIV transmission.
You also cannot get HIV from:
- Touching or hugging someone with HIV/AIDS.
- Using public bathrooms or swimming pools.
- Sharing cups, utensils, or telephones with someone who has HIV/AIDS.
- Bug bites.
- Donating blood.
How Can I Know if I Have HIV?
You cannot determine if you have HIV just by looking at someone, and you may not experience any symptoms if you are infected. The only way to confirm if you have HIV is through an HIV test.
Since nearly 1 in 7 people with HIV are unaware of their status, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare. The test is voluntary and confidential.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is HIV Diagnosed?
HIV is diagnosed using tests on either blood or saliva. You can get tested at home, at a healthcare provider’s office, or at a community testing site.
If your test results are negative, no further testing is needed if:
- You haven’t had a potential exposure in the three months prior to the test, regardless of the test type.
- You haven’t had a potential exposure during the window period of a blood test. (Check with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the window period for your test.)
- If you have had a potential exposure within the three months before testing, consider retesting to confirm the negative result.
If your test is positive, follow-up tests will be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
What Tests Diagnose HIV?
There are three main types of HIV tests: antigen/antibody tests, antibody tests, and nucleic acid tests (NATs).
Antigen/Antibody Tests:
These tests look for both HIV antigens and antibodies. Antigen tests detect p24 proteins on the virus, while antibody tests detect the antibodies your body produces in response. A healthcare provider will take a blood sample from your arm, which is sent to a lab for testing. These tests can usually detect HIV within 18 to 45 days after exposure. Rapid tests using a finger prick can also be done, but they generally require waiting at least 18 days after exposure and may need to be repeated up to 90 days for accurate results.
Antibody Tests:
These tests detect antibodies to HIV in your blood or saliva. They can be performed with a blood draw from your arm, a finger prick, or a saliva sample from your gums. Antibody tests can take 23 to 90 days to detect HIV, with blood draw tests generally detecting the virus sooner than saliva or finger prick tests.
Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs):
NATs detect the HIV virus directly in the blood. A healthcare provider will draw blood from your arm for this test, which is then analyzed in a lab. NATs can typically detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure and are often used when there has been a high-risk exposure.
If your test is positive, additional tests may be recommended to assess your overall health, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Viral hepatitis screening
- Chest X-ray
- Pap smear
- CD4 count
- Tuberculosis screening
Are There At-Home Tests for HIV?
Yes, at-home HIV test kits are available. Some are rapid tests where you use a stick with a soft tip to rub your gums, then place the stick in a solution to get results within 15 to 20 minutes.
Other at-home tests involve pricking your finger with a small needle, applying a drop of blood to a card, and mailing the card to a lab for analysis.
If your at-home test result is positive, you should follow up with your healthcare provider for additional testing to confirm the result.
Management and Treatment
Is There a Cure for HIV?
Currently, there is no cure for HIV. However, various treatment options are available that can significantly slow the progression of the virus.
How is HIV Treated?
HIV is managed with a daily regimen of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of medications in pill form. This combination is designed to keep HIV from multiplying and damaging your cells. Some ART medications come as single pills that combine multiple drugs.
The main goals of ART are to reduce the viral load (amount of HIV in the blood) to undetectable levels and to slow down the weakening of your immune system.
Medications Used to Treat HIV
ART includes different classes of medications, each working in various ways to inhibit HIV replication or prevent infection of your cells. Some common types of ART medications are:
Prevention
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Getting HIV?
To reduce your risk of HIV, it’s essential to understand how it spreads and take protective measures during activities where the virus can be transmitted. The most common ways HIV spreads are through unprotected sex and sharing needles.
Here are some effective ways to lower your risk:
Use Latex Condoms:
Always use latex condoms during any type of sex (vaginal, anal, or oral). Avoid condoms made from animal products, such as lambskin.
Use Water-Based Lubricants:
Opt for water-based lubricants to prevent condom breakage.
Avoid Sharing Needles:
Never share needles or other equipment for drug use.
Get Tested and Treated for STIs:
Treating other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reduces your risk of HIV.
Avoid Intoxication:
Limit alcohol and drug use, as being under the influence may affect your ability to protect yourself.
Consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):
If you’re at high risk of HIV, talk to your healthcare provider about PrEP, a preventive medication.
Seek Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, contact your healthcare provider immediately to see if you should take PEP, which must be started within 72 hours of exposure.
Get Regular Testing:
Knowing your HIV status helps in managing the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
Use condoms correctly for any sex involving your penis. For oral sex, consider using dental dams, which are flat pieces of latex or polyurethane that cover the vagina or anus. Internal condoms (also known as female condoms) can be used for vaginal or anal sex.
Important:
Use only one type of condom at a time—either a male condom or an internal condom, but not both simultaneously.
Can Medications Prevent HIV?
Yes, there are medications available to help prevent HIV for those at high risk of exposure. These include:
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):
PrEP is a daily pill for individuals who do not have HIV but are at high risk of infection. It is recommended if:
- You have a sexual partner with HIV.
- You have not consistently used condoms during anal or vaginal sex.
- You’ve been diagnosed with an STI in the past six months.
- You inject drugs and either share needles or inject drugs with a partner who has HIV.
PrEP should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures, such as condom use and avoiding needle sharing.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):
PEP involves taking HIV medications within 72 hours after potential exposure to prevent infection. It is intended for emergency situations, such as after unprotected sex, sexual assault, or sharing needles. PEP must be taken daily for 28 days and is not a substitute for regular preventive measures.
Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best prevention strategies for your situation.
Outlook / Prognosis
What can I expect if I have HIV?
If you’re diagnosed with HIV, adhering to your treatment plan can enable you to live a long and fulfilling life, similar in length to those without HIV. Research indicates that maintaining a high CD4 count and an undetectable viral load within a year of starting treatment correlates with the best outcomes.
To improve your outlook, you should:
- Get tested regularly as part of routine healthcare or if you suspect exposure.
- Start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as you’re diagnosed.
- Take your medication consistently every day.
- Keep all scheduled appointments with your healthcare team.
ART can effectively reduce viral load to undetectable levels, but it cannot completely eradicate the virus, which may remain dormant in your cells. Missing doses can allow the virus to multiply and potentially develop resistance to your medications.
Without treatment, HIV typically progresses to AIDS in about 10 years. If untreated AIDS develops, the average life expectancy is approximately three more years. However, with effective treatment and a high CD4 count, you can expect a life span comparable to someone without HIV. Conversely, a low CD4 count or detectable viral load may shorten your life expectancy by 10 to 20 years.
Does HIV go away?
HIV does not resolve on its own. The virus integrates itself into your DNA, making it a permanent part of your cells. Even if symptoms are absent and the virus is undetectable in tests, it can still affect your immune system and become active again. Continuous medication is crucial to manage the virus and prevent immune system damage.
Living With HIV
How do I take care of myself with HIV?
Adhere strictly to your prescribed medication regimen.
Attend all healthcare appointments for monitoring and potential treatment adjustments.
Follow your healthcare provider’s advice to prevent other illnesses.
How can I prevent spreading HIV to others?
- Inform your sexual partners and anyone you inject drugs with about your HIV status.
- Adhere to your treatment plan to maintain an undetectable viral load, reducing the risk of transmission.
- Discuss with your partner the option of taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
- Use condoms consistently for vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Avoid sharing needles or drug paraphernalia.
- Limit your number of sexual partners.
- If pregnant, follow your treatment plan and consider alternatives to breastfeeding to reduce transmission risk.
Can I get pregnant if I have HIV?
HIV does not necessarily reduce your ability to conceive. Consult your healthcare provider to develop a plan for a healthy pregnancy, taking into account the risk of transmitting HIV to your partner and baby. ART can significantly lower the risk of passing HIV to your baby, especially if your viral load is undetectable. Your provider may recommend formula feeding instead of breastfeeding.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect recent HIV exposure. Regular follow-ups are crucial to manage your health and address any new symptoms or concerns.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
- Am I at high risk for HIV?
- What steps can I take to reduce my risk of HIV?
- How can I ensure I take my medications correctly?
- What measures can I take to protect myself from other illnesses?
- How can I prevent the spread of HIV?
- What do my blood counts mean?
What vaccinations should I get?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Advancements in HIV treatments have significantly improved life expectancy and quality of life. Early diagnosis and adherence to ART can help you lead a vibrant life. Despite progress, social stigmas around HIV persist, which can add emotional stress. Community organizations specializing in HIV can offer support and resources to navigate this journey. You deserve access to compassionate care and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HIV Full Form?
The HIV Full Form in English is human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for the immune response.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes the disease. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV infection where the immune system is severely compromised, and the person becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding, and through blood transfusions with contaminated blood. It is not spread through casual contact, air, or water.
Can HIV be cured?
As of now, there is no cure for HIV. However, it can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART helps to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, allowing individuals to live long, healthy lives and reducing the risk of transmission.
What are the symptoms of HIV?
Early symptoms of HIV can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue. As the virus progresses, it can lead to more severe symptoms and conditions associated with AIDS. Regular testing is important as some individuals may not exhibit symptoms for years.
conclusion
The HIV Full Form in English is human immunodeficiency virus—is crucial for comprehending the nature and impact of this virus. HIV is a serious but manageable condition that attacks the immune system, and while there is no cure, advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly improved the quality of life for those living with HIV. Awareness and education about how HIV is transmitted, its symptoms, and the difference between HIV and AIDS are vital for prevention and effective management. Regular testing and early intervention remain key in combating the spread of HIV and ensuring a better quality of life for those affected.
