AIDS - Causes, symptoms & treatment
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of an infection with the HI virus, a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system.
Things worth knowing about "AIDS"
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of an infection with the HI virus, a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system.
Infection with the HI virus means that the body is no longer able to fight off infections and certain diseases. Without appropriate treatment, HIV can damage the immune system for years and eventually lead to AIDS. It is important to realise that not every HIV-positive person automatically contracts AIDS. Thanks to modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), the progression from HIV to AIDS can now be effectively prevented.
The HI virus attacks the T helper cells (CD4 cells) in the body, which play a central role in the immune system. If left untreated, the number of these cells decreases, which weakens the immune system and makes the body more susceptible to infections and certain types of cancer. HIV is mainly transmitted through direct contact with blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions and breast milk. HIV infection is usually diagnosed by an HIV test, which detects antibodies or the virus itself in the blood. There are various tests, including rapid tests and laboratory tests, which enable a reliable diagnosis.
In the early phase of an HIV infection, the so-called acute HIV infection, flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, weakness and swollen lymph nodes can occur. However, these symptoms are often non-specific and are confused with other viral infections. In most cases, patients are symptom-free for the first few years after infection, although the virus continues to attack the immune system. If the HIV infection remains untreated, it can progress to the AIDS stage after a few years (usually 8 to 10 years). At this stage, the immune system is so weakened that the body becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, lung inflammation or fungal infections.
The antiretroviral therapy consists of a combination of drugs that keep the HIV virus under control in the body and inhibit its replication. This therapy helps to reduce the viral load to a very low level so that the immune system can recover and the risk of opportunistic infections decreases.
By taking antiretroviral medication regularly, many people with HIV can lead a largely normal life. Consistent use of the medication is crucial for the success of the therapy, as irregular use can lead to the virus developing resistance.
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