When HIV Symptoms Start To Appear: HIV i.e. Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus which attacks the immune system of our body. It specifically targets CD4 T-cells and macrophages, which play the most important role in protecting the body from infection. The virus gradually weakens these cells, due to which the body’s immunity keeps decreasing. When the immune system becomes weak, the body is unable to fight even common infections. In such a situation, many types of rare infections and cancers can easily attack. These are called opportunistic infections, that is, infections that take advantage of opportunity.

What is AIDS?

AIDS means Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This is the most serious stage of HIV infection, when the body’s immune system has been destroyed to a great extent. HIV is the cause of AIDS, and doctors diagnose it based on the specific type of infection and immune deficiency in the body.

Early symptoms of HIV

Most people, when infected with HIV, do not initially understand that they have been infected. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms in the initial days such as fever, rash, joint pain, swelling of lymph nodes. This phase is called sero-conversion, i.e. when the body starts making antibodies against the virus. This usually happens within 1 to 2 months of infection. Even if symptoms are not visible, a person infected with HIV can still pass the virus to others. HIV can be detected only through HIV test. Over time, HIV continues to weaken the immune system. When immunity falls too much, the body becomes victim of repeated infections, and this condition later turns into AIDS.

When does HIV become AIDS?

According to UNAIDS, AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. If left untreated, most patients start showing symptoms of AIDS within 8 to 10 years. AIDS is identified on the basis of some specific infections and symptoms-

• Stage 1: Asymptomatic – not considered AIDS
• Stage 2: Skin or mucus problems, frequent infections like cold and cough
• Stage 3: Diarrhea lasting more than a month, severe bacterial infection, pulmonary TB
• Stage 4: Serious conditions such as toxoplasmosis of the brain, candida in the esophagus or lungs, Kaposi sarcoma, etc.

All these diseases are easily cured in normal humans, but can prove fatal for people with weak immune systems.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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