Experts warn of a potential surge in AIDs cases, with symptoms to be aware of as 3.3 million new cases are anticipated.
AIDs was first identified in 1981 following reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about initial cases in the United States.
The virus responsible for AIDS is the human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, which was discovered in 1983.
Famous individuals like Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, Brady Bunch star Robert Reed, and actor Charlie Sheen have publicly shared their diagnoses.
Once considered a fatal condition, AIDs can now be controlled to the extent that it becomes undetectable and untransmittable.
Thankfully, individuals diagnosed with the disease can lead long, healthy lives.
A highly effective treatment called antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps prevent HIV from multiplying.
Additionally, since 2012, people can use PrEP pills to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.
Despite advancements, UNAIDS, the UN’s joint Aids prevention program, has expressed concern over the possibility of 3.3 million new HIV cases in the next five years.
This is largely due to significant setbacks in the global response to HIV, primarily because of reduced funding worldwide.
AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a chronic condition caused by the HIV virus.
The National Institute of Health states that HIV targets and destroys CD4 cells, known as CD4 T lymphocytes, which are crucial to the immune system.
The depletion of CD4 cells hinders the body’s ability to combat infections, illnesses, and some cancers.
HIV is transmitted through direct contact with specific body fluids of an individual with a detectable viral load, as reported by HIV.gov.
These fluids can include blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
HIV progresses through four stages, each with distinct symptom patterns.
The timing and severity of these symptoms can differ between individuals.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of an initial HIV infection may appear two to four weeks after exposure and can last from a few days to several weeks.
Many individuals experience flu-like symptoms, although some may notice very mild or no symptoms at all.
During this initial stage, the viral load is exceptionally high, making it highly contagious.
Common symptoms include
The second stage, referred to as chronic HIV, can last for many years if untreated.
In this phase, HIV remains active but multiplies at reduced levels.
Most individuals exhibit no symptoms, yet the immune system gradually weakens.
Without treatment, this stage can persist for eight to ten years.
With ART, it can be prolonged for decades, keeping the viral load undetectable.
The subsequent stage occurs as HIV continues to harm immune cells (CD4 cells).
At this point, the immune system is sufficiently compromised, leading to mild to moderate infections.
Symptoms tend to be continuous or recurring and may include:
The final stage, AIDs, takes place when the CD4 count is critically low, severely damaging the immune system.
The body then becomes susceptible to ‘opportunistic’ infections or cancers that a healthy immune system could normally combat.
Symptoms in this stage may include:
With current treatments, most individuals do not progress to AIDs.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Terrance Higgins Trust on 0808 802 1221 for support, advice, and information. The line is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Or email them at [email protected].