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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual activity. It attacks certain white blood cells in the immune system, weakening the body's defense against infections and increasing susceptibility to serious diseases such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, and certain types of cancer. If left untreated, HIV can progress to a condition known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is the most advanced stage of the infection.

Despite advancements in HIV treatment and prevention, the virus remains a global health challenge. Combating it requires continuous efforts in awareness, testing, and providing appropriate treatment.

Transmission and Risk Factors:

HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. It is not spread through kissing, hugging, or sharing food. The virus can also be passed from mother to child.

Risk factors for HIV transmission include

· Intimate relations without using protection with an infected person.

· Having other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or bacterial vaginosis.

· Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or drug injection equipment.

· Receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions, or tissue transplan.

· Unsterile medical procedures or accidental needle-stick injuries, including among healthcare workers.

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Symptoms:

HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection.

Early stage: Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, and sore throat.

Advanced stage: As the immune system weakens and the number of affected white blood cells decreases, symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and persistent cough may appear.

AIDS stage: Increased risk of severe infections such as tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis (a dangerous fungal infection), and certain cancers like lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma. HIV also worsens other infections, such as hepatitis B and C.

Diagnosis:

Early diagnosis relies on blood tests. HIV can be detected through rapid diagnostic tests that provide immediate results, facilitating early treatment and prevention. Self-testing is also an option, but a positive result must be confirmed by a qualified healthcare provider.

Most HIV tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system to fight the virus, which typically appear within 28 days of infection. This period is known as the "window period" during which antibody levels may be too low to detect the virus in

rapid tests, even though transmission to others is possible. Therefore, individuals at high risk who test negative should repeat the test after 28 days.

If the initial test is positive, a second test is required to confirm the diagnosis before starting treatment. While diagnosing HIV is straightforward in adolescents and adults, it is more complicated in infants born to infected mothers. Antibody tests alone are not sufficient for detecting HIV in children under 18 months, requiring specialized viral tests at birth or six weeks of age. Modern methods provide these tests within healthcare centers, delivering immediate results and allowing for early treatment.

Treatment:

There is no cure for HIV, but treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus, allowing individuals to live normal and healthy lives. Without treatment, HIV may progress to AIDS over several years.

ART involves taking a combination of medications regularly, either daily in pill form or monthly or bimonthly via injections and after consulting a doctor. Although ART does not eliminate the virus, it helps people live long and healthy lives while reducing the risk of transmission. A key goal of treatment is to lower the viral load to an undetectable level, significantly reducing the chance of transmitting the virus through sexual contact.

It is recommended that individuals start ART immediately after being diagnosed, regardless of the stage of infection. These medications prevent the virus from multiplying, reducing its presence in the body and allowing the immune system to recover by increasing the number of immune cells. This recovery strengthens the body's ability to fight infections and related diseases.

Prevention:

There are several effective ways to prevent HIV infection or reduce the risk, including using protection during sexual activity, regular testing, and avoiding shared needles. Women living with HIV can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their children through proper treatment.

References · World Health Organization (WHO) · Mayo Clinic · Saudi Ministry of Health · National Health Service (NHS) · HIV.gov · National Institutes of Health – Office of AIDS Research

Note:

· This medical content was written by a specialist.

· Last updated March 10, 2025