Overview of HIV & AIDS

Key takeaways

• This rewrite is classified as sexual_health and focuses on overview of hiv and aids.
• HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. AIDS, now often called advanced or late-stage HIV, refers to serious illness that can happen if HIV is untreated.
• Symptoms can overlap between common and serious causes, so assessment and testing matter when symptoms are new, persistent or worrying.
• Treatment options should be chosen after consultation; suitability depends on symptoms, examination findings, medical history and personal priorities.
• Use NHS 111 for urgent advice when symptoms are severe or you are unsure where to go, and call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Overview

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. AIDS, now often called advanced or late-stage HIV, refers to serious illness that can happen if HIV is untreated.

HIV affects CD4 immune cells, weakening the body’s ability to respond to infections if untreated. Modern treatment can suppress the virus and protect health.

Testing and diagnosis

Testing is the only way to know HIV status. If possible exposure was within the last 72 hours, go urgently to a sexual health clinic or A and E to discuss PEP.

Treatment and prevention

Prevention may include condoms, PrEP, PEP after possible exposure, sterile injecting equipment and regular testing. Treatment is managed by specialist HIV services using antiretroviral medicines.

When to seek medical advice

Go urgently to a sexual health clinic or A and E if exposure may have happened in the last 72 hours. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice if you are unsure where to go, and call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

Sources

• NHS, HIV and AIDS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/
  Relevance: NHS explains HIV symptoms, transmission, testing, PrEP, PEP, treatment and support.
• NHS, Find a sexual health clinic: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic/
  Relevance: NHS confirms clinics provide confidential HIV testing, STI testing, PrEP, PEP and support.
• WHO, HIV fact sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
  Relevance: WHO provides global public health context for HIV transmission, prevention and treatment.

Disclaimer

Educational only. Results vary. Not a cure.