HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that slowly attacks the immune system. The immune system protects the body from diseases, infections and other viruses, so when it is not working properly, a person is at risk of getting sick.
HIV & the Immune System
The immune system functions as a defence mechanism against potentially damaging bacteria, viruses or parasites. The breakdown of the immune system, caused by HIV, leads to increasing susceptibility to other infections and immune disorders, including some cancers.
In a more advanced stage, an infection with HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This is an acquired group of symptoms due to failure of the immune system.
HIV/AIDS is becoming more of a manageable, chronic illness, because of the effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which involves the combination of 3 or more different antiretroviral drugs.
HIV Testing
A doctor can use one of several tests to check a person's blood, saliva, or urine for signs of HIV. In most cases, one or more tests are used in combination to obtain an accurate result. Depending on the test, there is a “window period” from several days to 6 months between the time a person is infected and the time a test will detect the virus. HIV/AIDS testing is confidential, voluntary, and cannot be done without the subject's knowledge.
Progression to AIDS
Many people with HIV don't get sick for several years, but as the virus progresses, it can severely damage the immune system. When this happens, HIV turns into AIDS. A person also has AIDS if he or she gets a potentially life-threatening illness called an
opportunistic infection.
symptoms of HIV>>
Item code: NPR/08-0051
Date of Preparation: March 2009
