Overview
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV infects cells that are an important part of your immune system. When the disease advances, the immune system is weakened. You can get very sick with other illnesses that are not as severe in people with healthy immune systems.
Where did HIV come from?
There are 2 types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most common type. When we refer to HIV in this website, we are referring to the HIV-1 type. HIV-2 is much less common, and is mainly found in West Africa. Both types of HIV originated in monkeys in Africa. HIV “crossed” to humans when humans came into contact with the monkeys’ infected blood when hunting or scavenging them for meat. The virus crossed from monkeys to humans multiple times, giving rise to different subtypes of HIV-1 and HIV-2.
The earliest known case of HIV-1 in a human was from a blood sample collected in 1959 from a man in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. How he became infected is not known. Researchers estimate that the most common group of HIV-1 first appeared in humans in about 1900. In 1980, AIDS was first described among men who started getting unusual infections and skin tumors. HIV was identified as the virus that causes AIDS in 1983.
How common is HIV?
It is estimated that 33 million people throughout the world are living with HIV/AIDS. In the United States, it is estimated that over 1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS; 21% do not know that they are infected. In 2007 alone, 56,300 people were infected with HIV in the U.S.
How can I get infected with HIV?
HIV can be spread in the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk of someone who is infected. This can happen during:
- Unprotected sexual activity
- Injecting drug use, including sharing needles to inject insulin or hormones
- Needlestick, tattoo or piercing with an infected needle.
- Blood transfusion (All donated blood in the U.S. and developed countries is now tested for HIV, so this is very unlikely.)
- A pregnant woman with HIV can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy or at childbirth (Taking HIV medicines during pregnancy can protect the baby.)
- An HIV-positive woman can infect a baby by breastfeeding.
What are the symptoms of a new HIV infection?
Some people have mild flu-like symptoms in the few weeks after they are infected. Fever, sore throat and swollen glands are common. Some people have muscle aches, diarrhea, headaches or a mild rash. If you have these symptoms and might have been exposed to HIV, see a healthcare provider right away. These are also common symptoms of “mono” which is caused by a different virus and is not serious. These symptoms will probably go away in 2 to 6 weeks. Most people do not have symptoms again for years. Once HIV has seriously harmed the immune system, a person might start to have skin rashes, yeast infections in the mouth, vagina or penis, headaches, pneumonia and other serious illnesses.
How do I know if I have HIV?
A healthcare provider will probably take a sample of blood or oral fluid to check for antibodies to HIV. Conventional HIV tests are sent off to a lab for testing. It may take up to 2 weeks to get your results. Rapid HIV tests are also available now that allow you to get your results in about 20 minutes. If you test positive you will need to get a follow-up blood test to make sure the initial result is correct.
These tests check for antibodies to HIV. It can take the body 4 to 12 weeks after you are infected to make antibodies to HIV. So if you get tested shortly after you are infected, you may get a “false negative” result. Getting another HIV test 6 weeks later can remove almost all doubt about whether you have HIV or not.
What is the treatment for HIV?
There is no cure for HIV. Since 1995 effective treatments have been available for HIV. Medications are available that make people live longer, healthier lives. Effective treatment for HIV means you have to take at least 3 medications at the same time. This is called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Sometimes people call this a drug cocktail. Figuring out what combination of medications to take is complicated. This is why it is best to find a doctor that has experience treating HIV and AIDS.
What if I don’t treat my HIV?
If you never treat your HIV, it is very likely that you will develop AIDS. Before we had effective treatment, more than 95% of people with HIV died from complications of AIDS.
How can I avoid getting HIV?
- Not having sex can protect you from getting HIV. If you do have sex, use a male or female condom or other barrier method correctly every time you have sex, from start to finish. Limit your number of sex partners. Know the HIV status of any sexual partners.
- Be in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who does not have HIV. Many new couples choose to get tested for HIV and other STIs together before having sex.
- Do not use injecting drugs. If you do, make sure you use a new, sterile needle and works every time you shoot. Do not share your needle or works with anyone else.
- Be careful when getting a piercing or tattoo. Make sure the person doing the tattoo or piercing uses sterile needles.
- If you work in a place where you may be exposed to needles or sharps, be careful and know what to do if you get a needlestick. If you get a needlestick, you may benefit from taking HIV medicines right away to prevent infection.
- HIV cannot be spread by holding hands, giving a hug, sharing food, or a kiss on the cheek.