Understanding the Causes and Signs of AIDS
This article explains the causes, transmission routes, and symptoms of HIV and AIDS, highlighting the progression from infection to immune suppression. Understanding these aspects aids in early detection and prevention strategies.
AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, results from infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus progressively weakens the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to other infections and illnesses.
Causes
HIV spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids.
Transmission occurs during unprotected sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, or anal sex, especially if there are mouth sores involved.
Sharing contaminated needles, such as during drug use, is a common transmission route.
Blood transfusions from unscreened donors can transmit HIV.
HIV can also pass from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Progression from HIV to AIDS
HIV can remain dormant for years without causing AIDS. It targets CD4 cells, which are vital for immune defense. When CD4 counts drop below 200, AIDS is diagnosed.
Signs and Symptoms
Early HIV infection often resembles flu, occurring 4–6 weeks after exposure, with symptoms like fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and lymph node swelling.
During the chronic phase, symptoms may be minimal, often limited to persistent lymph node swelling. With treatment, this phase can last decades.
Progression to AIDS presents symptoms such as persistent fever, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, night sweats, skin rashes, and mouth sores. Without treatment, HIV-positive individuals may experience these signs for years before disease escalation, but no cure is currently available.
