![]() ![]() There are known risk factors that increase a person’s chance of contracting HIV. Taking an HIV test is the only way to determine whether the virus is in the body. The CDC defines an undetectable viral load as fewer than 200 copies per milliliter (mL) of blood. When someone with HIV can maintain an undetectable viral load, they can’t transmit HIV to others. But today’s treatment can effectively eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus to a person’s HIV-negative sexual partners.Īccording to the CDC, antiretroviral therapy can lead to viral suppression. Others may pass the virus to others through an exchange of bodily fluids. Someone living with HIV who isn’t getting treatment can still transmit the virus, even if they have no symptoms. Symptoms associated with HIV itself, like cognitive impairment, can also become apparent. Once HIV progresses into stage 3, symptoms associated with infections may become apparent. During this phase, the immune system is severely damaged and is vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Many people show no symptoms of HIV during this entire 10- to 15-year period. This period of latency can last a decade or longer. During this stage, people experience no symptoms while the viral infection progresses at very low levels. The virus becomes less active, though it’s still in the body. The next phase is the clinical latency stage. During this stage, some people experience common flu-like symptoms that may be hard to distinguish from a gastrointestinal or respiratory infection. It’s also called acute retroviral syndrome. The first stage of HIV is known as acute or primary HIV infection. That’s why it’s so important to get tested.ĭepending on the phase of HIV, symptoms can vary. But left untreated, HIV can progress to stage 3 even if no symptoms are present. But this doesn’t mean that the virus is gone. To be sure of your HIV status, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about testing options.Ī lack of symptoms can last for as long as 10 to 15 years. It’s important to remember that these early HIV symptoms are also associated with common illnesses and health conditions. Some people may not experience any early symptoms after they’ve contracted HIV. These can include:Įarly HIV symptoms generally develop within 2 to 4 weeks of transmission. The early signs of HIV, also known as acute retroviral syndrome, may appear as symptoms similar to those caused by the flu. Managing: A Competency-Based Approach (11th ed.).
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