Key Terms
A certain type of white blood cell that protects the body from illness. This is the cell that HIV mainly targets.
CD4 Cell
Lasts a few weeks and can include flu-like symptoms.
Stage 1: Acute or Primary Infection
The medication used to treat HIV is called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
True
How much virus, or HIV, is in the blood. A higher one of these means there is more HIV in the body.
Viral Load
Can last years and people often feel and look healthy. However, HIV is still damaging the immune system.
Stage 2: Asymptomatic or Chronic Infection
For many people, HIV medication results in few short-term side effects.
True. Common short term side-effects include nausea, fatigue, and trouble sleeping and often go way after a few weeks.
A measure of how many of a certain white blood cells a person has.
CD4 Count
The immune system is badly damaged and people in this stage are vulnerable to serious illnesses.
Stage 3: Advanced HIV or AIDS
HIV medication should be started once someone starts experiencing symptoms.
False! ART should be started as soon as possible! HIV testing is the only way to diagnose HIV and start treatment.
When the viral load drops so low that traditional HIV tests cannot find any HIV.
Undetectable or Viral Suppression
The viral load is the highest in this stage. Research suggests that about half of all HIV infections are transmitted during this stage.
Stage 1: Acute or Primary Infection
People can usually become undetectable within 1-6 months after starting treatment.
True. They must be adherent to their medication regimen.
When people take their HIV medication as prescribed, they can prevent HIV transmission to their sexual partners.
U = U or TasP
Starting treatment during this stage can help improve health.
All stages! However, the sooner the better. People who start HIV medication early can have lifespans similar to people not living with HIV.
HIV medication can cure an HIV infection.
False. The medication can help people live long, healthy lives, but HIV remains a lifelong, chronic condition.