When HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, enters the body, it begins destroying immune cells, particularly CD4 cells, which affects several organs while also increasing the likelihood of infections that can involve anything from the skin to the central nervous system, as well as the gastrointestinal or respiratory system, for example, notes Dr. Diego Ontañón Zurita, internal medicine specialist at ABC Medical Center.
Someone living with HIV who doesn’t get regular checkups can go months or even years without noticing any symptoms, until the drop in immune cells becomes severe enough to make them vulnerable to various infections that wouldn’t typically affect someone with a healthy immune system.
In the early stages, a person with HIV may experience flu-like symptoms within the first three to six weeks after contracting the infection. After that, the disease usually enters an asymptomatic phase that can last months or even years.
During this time, viral load gradually increases while the immune system weakens. The immune system protects us against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even fungi, so a weakened immune system significantly compromises a person’s overall health.
Sexual contact is the main way HIV is transmitted, which is why it’s important for anyone who is sexually active, especially those with multiple partners, to get tested annually, notes Dr. Ontañón.
Today, there are highly effective treatments available to help control HIV, although there’s still no cure. With proper treatment, someone living with HIV can reach what’s known as an “undetectable” status, meaning that, although the virus is still present in the body, the amount is so low that it can’t even be detected on standard tests.
It’s estimated that 29.8 million people were receiving HIV treatment in 2022. Worldwide, 76% of the 39.0 million people living with HIV in 2022 were receiving antiretroviral therapy, according to the World Health Organization.
