There is currently no cure, but ART can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, preventing disease progression and transmission. Research into cures is ongoing and promising.

Undetectable equals untransmittable. People with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load through consistent ART cannot sexually transmit HIV to partners.

How long can you live with HIV?

With early diagnosis and consistent ART, people with HIV can expect a near-normal life expectancy. Many studies show comparable lifespans to people without HIV.

InfectiousICD-10: B20About 1.2 million people in the U.S.; 39 million worldwide

HIV/AIDS

Also known as: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

HIV attacks the immune system's CD4+ T cells, and if untreated, leads to AIDS. Modern antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and preventing transmission. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment are essential.

Symptoms

Acute infection: fever, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (2–4 weeks after exposure)

Chronic phase: often asymptomatic for years

Persistent swollen lymph nodes

Recurrent infections (oral thrush, shingles, pneumonia)

Unexplained weight loss

Chronic diarrhea

Night sweats

AIDS-defining conditions: opportunistic infections, Kaposi sarcoma

Causes

HIV transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk
Unprotected sexual contact (most common)
Sharing needles or syringes
Mother-to-child transmission during birth or breastfeeding

Risk Factors

Unprotected anal or vaginal sex
Multiple sexual partners
Injection drug use and sharing needles
Having another STI
Born to an HIV-positive mother without prevention measures

Diagnosis

HIV antibody/antigen combination test
HIV RNA viral load test for early detection
Rapid HIV tests
CD4 count to assess immune status
HIV drug resistance testing

Treatment

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) — combination of 2–3 drugs
Common regimens: integrase inhibitor + 2 NRTIs
Long-acting injectable ART administered monthly or bimonthly
Treatment of and prophylaxis against opportunistic infections
Regular viral load and CD4 monitoring

Prevention

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people at high risk
Consistent condom use
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of exposure
Treatment as prevention (U=U: undetectable = untransmittable)
Never share needles or injection equipment

When to See a Doctor

You believe you have been exposed to HIV
You experience flu-like symptoms 2–4 weeks after potential exposure
You have risk factors and have not been tested
You are HIV-positive and experiencing new symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Hepatitis B

Infectious

Hepatitis C

Infectious

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Infectious

Genital Herpes

Infectious

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