What happens when you become infected with hiv?

General
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what happens when you become infected with hiv?

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What happens when you become infected with HIV?

Answer:
When someone becomes infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), it can have various effects on their body and overall health. Here are some key things that happen when a person becomes infected with HIV:

  1. Acute HIV Infection: After the initial exposure to the virus, the person may experience flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks. These symptoms can include fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. This phase is known as acute HIV infection.

  2. HIV Replication: Once the virus enters the body, it targets and infects immune cells called CD4 cells or T-helper cells. HIV replicates inside these cells and starts to weaken the immune system.

  3. Immune System Response: The immune system attempts to fight off the virus by producing antibodies, but HIV has the ability to mutate and evade the immune response. Over time, the constant battle between the virus and the immune system leads to a decline in CD4 cell count.

  4. Chronic HIV Infection: As the infection progresses, it enters a chronic phase where the person may appear healthy and experience few to no symptoms. However, the virus is still actively replicating, and without treatment, the immune system continues to weaken.

  5. Opportunistic Infections: As the immune system becomes severely damaged, the individual becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancers. These infections and illnesses are often more severe and can become life-threatening.

  6. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): Without proper treatment, the advanced stage of HIV infection is known as AIDS. AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 cell count drops below a certain level and/or when the person develops specific opportunistic infections or cancers.

It’s important to note that HIV is a manageable chronic condition, and with early diagnosis and proper treatment, individuals with HIV can live long and healthy lives. Regular medical care, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and adopting safer behaviors can significantly improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.