{"id":11596,"date":"2025-11-09T23:55:07","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T20:55:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/?p=11596"},"modified":"2025-11-07T16:52:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T13:52:55","slug":"symptoms-of-aids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the symptoms of AIDS?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 42 seconds<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/#What_is_the_difference_between_HIV_and_AIDS\" >What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/#What_is_AIDS\" >What is AIDS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/#What_are_the_symptoms_of_AIDS\" >What are the symptoms of AIDS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/#How_is_HIV_transmitted_How_is_AIDS_transmitted\" >How is HIV transmitted? How is AIDS transmitted?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/#Ways_to_protect_yourself_from_HIV\" >Ways to protect yourself from HIV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/#Does_a_baby_born_to_an_HIV-positive_mother_have_to_be_HIV-positive\" >Does a baby born to an HIV-positive mother have to be HIV-positive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/#Can_HIV_be_treated_Is_there_a_cure_for_AIDS\" >Can HIV be treated? Is there a cure for AIDS?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/symptoms-of-aids\/#What_does_%E2%80%9Cundetectable%E2%80%9D_mean_in_HIV_treatment\" >What does \u201cundetectable\u201d mean in HIV treatment?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_HIV_and_AIDS\"><\/span>What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although HIV and AIDS are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different stages of the same disease. AIDS is an abbreviation for \u201cAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.\u201d HIV is an abbreviation for \u201cHuman Immunodeficiency Virus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and weakens the body&#8217;s ability to fight infections. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. When the virus remains in the body for a long time and attacks the immune system during this period, the immune system becomes severely damaged, leading to the AIDS stage.<\/p>\n<p>In simpler terms, HIV is a virus that can be contracted, and AIDS is a condition that can develop if the virus is not treated properly, causing serious damage to the immune system. Significant progress has been made in HIV treatment over the years. As a result, it is now possible to prevent many people with HIV from developing AIDS, especially with early diagnosis and proper treatment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_AIDS\"><\/span>What is AIDS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>AIDS is a syndrome that occurs when HIV causes serious damage to a person&#8217;s immune system. At this stage, the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections (OIs) are diseases that do not usually cause harm in a person with a healthy immune system, but can include certain types of cancer, pneumonia, or fungal infections.<\/p>\n<p>In AIDS, the immune system becomes so weak that the body&#8217;s resistance to infections that would not affect a healthy person is reduced, and the immune system is unable to develop a defense.<\/p>\n<p>So, how is AIDS diagnosed? To answer this question, we must first discuss CD4 cells. Our bodies contain white blood cells called CD4 cells, which are very important for the healthy functioning of our immune system. The number of these cells also indicates how healthy the immune system is. This number varies from person to person. Different values in adults and young people are normal, but the normal range is approximately 500 to 1,500. The number of these CD4 cells is very important in diagnosing AIDS.<\/p>\n<p>AIDS is diagnosed when a person with HIV has a very low number of CD4 cells or develops certain infections or cancers associated with severe immune suppression. If left untreated, AIDS significantly shortens life expectancy, but its progression can usually be prevented or delayed with appropriate care.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_symptoms_of_AIDS\"><\/span>What are the symptoms of AIDS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Since AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV, the immune system is largely ineffective at this stage. Symptoms associated with AIDS are typically the result of infections or illnesses that arise because the immune system is not strong enough to fight off infections. Symptoms may vary depending on the individual and the opportunistic infections involved.<\/p>\n<p>Some common signs and symptoms of AIDS include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rapid weight loss<\/li>\n<li>Recurrent fever<\/li>\n<li>Excessive sweating at night<\/li>\n<li>Extreme and unexplained fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck<\/li>\n<li>Diarrhea lasting longer than a week<\/li>\n<li>Sores in the mouth, anus, or genitals<\/li>\n<li>Pneumonia<\/li>\n<li>Sore throat<\/li>\n<li>Memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is important to remember that these symptoms may also be related to other health problems. A definitive diagnosis can only be made by a medical professional. If such symptoms appear, it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately so that a definitive diagnosis can be made and the correct treatment can be administered.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_is_HIV_transmitted_How_is_AIDS_transmitted\"><\/span>How is HIV transmitted? How is AIDS transmitted?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV. If left untreated for a long time, HIV weakens the immune system and progresses to AIDS. Therefore, it is HIV that is transmitted, rather than AIDS itself.<br \/>\nHIV is transmitted through certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. For the infection to occur, the virus must enter the bloodstream. The virus usually enters the bloodstream through the following means:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unprotected sexual contact with an HIV-positive person<\/li>\n<li>Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood<\/li>\n<li>Blood transfusions or organ transplants that have not been properly screened (rare in countries with strict screening procedures)<\/li>\n<li>From mother to child during birth or breastfeeding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ways_to_protect_yourself_from_HIV\"><\/span>Ways to protect yourself from HIV<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Knowing how HIV is transmitted provides important clues about how to protect yourself from this virus. It is therefore important to first understand what HIV is and how it can be transmitted. Understanding how the virus is transmitted helps people make informed decisions that reduce their risk of infection. Preventing HIV and protecting yourself from this virus is not about fear; it is about knowledge, responsibility, and proactive choices.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the most effective ways to protect yourself from HIV are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Safe sex:<\/strong> Body fluids of people with HIV are one of the ways HIV can be transmitted. Therefore, it is extremely important to use condoms during all types of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, and oral sex). Condoms can prevent the exchange of body fluids that can cause HIV transmission.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regular testing and learning about your partner&#8217;s health status:<\/strong> It is important for people who are likely to carry HIV and have multiple sexual partners to get tested for HIV regularly. If both partners know their HIV status, they can take steps to protect each other&#8217;s health.<\/li>\n<li><strong>PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis):<\/strong> PrEP is a daily medication for people who are HIV-negative but at high risk of infection. When taken regularly, it can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact by up to 99%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Do not share needles or syringes:<\/strong> HIV is not transmitted except through sexual contact, injection, cuts, or open wounds. Therefore, the sharing of any type of cutting instrument or injection equipment should be avoided. If you use injectable drugs, always use clean needles and do not share them with anyone.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ensuring that the materials used when collecting and donating blood are sterile:<\/strong> In countries with strong health systems, donated blood is rigorously tested. However, if you are undergoing medical procedures in areas with limited resources, make sure that blood transfusions or injections come from safe, reputable sources.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treatment for HIV-positive expectant mothers:<\/strong> If you are living with HIV and are pregnant, starting antiretroviral treatment early can significantly reduce the risk of passing the virus to your baby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By combining these strategies and staying informed, people can significantly reduce their risk of HIV infection and take control of their sexual and overall health.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_a_baby_born_to_an_HIV-positive_mother_have_to_be_HIV-positive\"><\/span>Does a baby born to an HIV-positive mother have to be HIV-positive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>HIV can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, but this does not necessarily mean that the virus will be transmitted to the baby. The risk of transmission can be significantly reduced, especially if the condition is detected early and the right treatment is administered.<\/p>\n<p>If an HIV-positive pregnant woman receives antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and childbirth, and the baby receives preventive treatment after birth, the likelihood of the baby being HIV-positive drops below 1%. Another important consideration at this stage is breastfeeding. HIV can be transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding. For this reason, formula milk can be given to the baby instead of breast milk after birth. This is an important step in reducing the risk of infection for the baby.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_HIV_be_treated_Is_there_a_cure_for_AIDS\"><\/span>Can HIV be treated? Is there a cure for AIDS?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for HIV or AIDS, which is the advanced stage of HIV. However, if the disease is detected in its early stages, there are treatments available that can significantly reduce the risk of death for infected individuals.<\/p>\n<p>HIV can be effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a combination of drugs that reduce the amount of virus in the body to very low or even undetectable levels. The goal of this treatment is to slow down the spread of the virus in the body, control its numbers, and strengthen the immune system. This improves the person&#8217;s quality of life and helps them resist other diseases. With consistent treatment, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives, and the disease may never progress to AIDS.<\/p>\n<p>However, as we mentioned at the beginning, there is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS. The treatments available do not completely eliminate the virus, but they keep it under control without damaging the immune system. Of course, for treatment to be successful, individuals must continue to take these medications for the rest of their lives.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_%E2%80%9Cundetectable%E2%80%9D_mean_in_HIV_treatment\"><\/span>What does \u201cundetectable\u201d mean in HIV treatment?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The term \u201cundetectable\u201d means that the viral load in the bloodstream is too low to be detected in standard laboratory tests when the infected person&#8217;s blood is tested. This low viral load is the goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and indicates that the virus is under excellent control.<\/p>\n<p>Achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load provides two important benefits:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Protection of health:<\/strong> It helps protect the immune system and prevents progression to AIDS.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prevention of transmission:<\/strong> Research shows that people with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. This concept is known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To achieve an undetectable status, it is essential to take medication consistently and carefully, undergo regular monitoring, and get blood tests to track the virus.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estimated reading time: 7 minutes 42 seconds What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? Although HIV and AIDS are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different stages of the same disease. AIDS is an abbreviation for \u201cAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.\u201d HIV is an abbreviation for \u201cHuman Immunodeficiency Virus.\u201d HIV is a virus that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11597,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11596"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11596\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11598,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11596\/revisions\/11598"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11597"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.aktifinternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}