The Stages of HIV: Understanding the Disease and Its Progression
HIV can be termed as a known global health threat which does not distinguish any age group, body type, or racial background of the person. Because of its highly contagious nature, it has turned into a pandemic. Mainly, there are two subtypes of HIV; one is HIV-1, and another one is HIV-2. Among the two, 95 percent of infections are due to HIV-1, while the other, HIV-2, is said to be less transmissible and circulates mainly among the West African regions.
28 September 2024
3 min read
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Stage 1: The Incubation Period
The beginning stage of HIV is known as the incubation period. In this stage of the virus, the infected individual does not show any identifiable symptoms. This window period may take any time from mere months to several years. Commonly, it may take approximately three months for the body to build up enough antibodies for an HIV infection to be detectable using an HIV testing kit. Therefore, an HIV test is ideal at least three months after exposure for an accurate diagnosis.
Stage 2: Early Stage of HIV Symptoms
Symptoms begin to appear once the virus has attained the second stage of HIV. Physical changes the infected person experiences at this stage include rashes, muscular weakness, sore throat, fever, and mouth sores. The other observable signs include swollen lymph nodes and unexplained weight loss of less than 10% of the total body weight. According to studies from the WHO, dermatological manifestations such as herpes zoster flares, papular pruritic eruptions, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal nail infections tend to arise during this period.
"The virus undergoes four distinct clinical phases that a person living with HIV will go through." — Jennifer L. Weinberg and Carrie L. Kovarik, MD, AMA Journal of Ethics
Stage 3: The Latency Period
This stage is a continuation of the disease process, where many clinical manifestations become exaggerated. This stage may last several years, requiring the use of antiretroviral treatment to reduce risks. During this time, the immune system begins producing antibodies against the virus. Symptoms at this stage include more than 10% loss of total body weight, unexplained diarrhea, pulmonary tuberculosis, and serious bacterial infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.
Stage 4: Progression to AIDS
According to the WHO, the fourth and final clinical stage is better known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This stage usually occurs when HIV remains undiagnosed and untreated. Antiretroviral treatment in this advanced stage might be employed to slow the damage the virus causes. AIDS-defining illnesses occur, and without treatment, the immune system can become severely compromised.
Paediatric HIV: A Different Approach
The stages of HIV primarily concern adults and adolescents above the age of 15 years. However, pediatric cases require a modified approach due to physiological and immunological differences in children. Variability in disease progression and symptom manifestation makes diagnostic and therapeutic targeting for children under 15 more specialized.
Early detection and treatment of HIV can prevent its progression to later stages. Periodic testing for individuals exposed to the virus is crucial. If the test result is positive, starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately reduces the viral load and slows the disease's progression. Even after ART is initiated, uninterrupted medical care and continuous follow-up are vital for managing the disease and improving the patient's quality of life.
Conclusion: Education and Awareness
Education and awareness about the different stages of HIV benefit not only patients but the broader community. Increased awareness can help reduce stigma, encourage early diagnosis, and catalyze further research into more effective treatments. The scientific community remains committed to improving the management and treatment of HIV, offering hope and resilience through early detection and proper care.
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