Understanding AIDS and HIV Infection Stages

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a condition that develops when the body's immune system is severely damaged by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). People with AIDS have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancer.

HIV is primarily spread through sexual contact, sharing of needles or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

There are several stages of HIV infection, and AIDS is the most advanced stage. Other stages include:

1. Acute HIV infection: This stage occurs shortly after infection and can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and swollen glands.
2. Chronic HIV infection: This stage can last for several years and is characterized by a gradual decline in CD4 cell count.
3. Late-stage HIV infection: This stage is also known as AIDS and is defined by a CD4 cell count of 200 cells/mm3 or less.

Symptoms of AIDS include:

1. Opportunistic infections, such as pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis.
2. Cancer, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma, and cervical cancer.
3. Weight loss and wasting syndrome.
4. Fever, fatigue, and night sweats.
5. Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
6. Seizures and neurological problems.

There is no cure for AIDS, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help manage the condition and slow the progression of HIV. Prevention methods such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and safe sex practices can also reduce the risk of transmission.