AIDS Quiz

Understanding AIDS: Key Facts and Information

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This section provides essential information to supplement the quiz and improve your understanding of this global health issue.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV completely, even with treatment. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life.

Two main types: HIV-1 (most common worldwide) and HIV-2 (less common, primarily found in West Africa).
Lifecycle: The virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell’s DNA, turning the cell into a factory for more HIV.
Progression: Without treatment, the number of CD4 cells declines, weakening the immune system.

Important: Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled, and people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

Transmission and Prevention

HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids from an HIV-positive person who has a detectable viral load. It is NOT spread through air, water, or casual contact like shaking hands, hugging, or sharing toilets.

Primary Modes of Transmission: Unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, and through contaminated blood transfusions (rare in countries with screening).
Key Prevention Strategies: Consistent and correct use of condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), using sterile injection equipment, and treatment as prevention (TasP).

Stages of HIV Infection

Without treatment, HIV infection typically progresses through three stages:

Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection. Flu-like symptoms appear 2-4 weeks after infection. The virus is highly contagious at this stage.
Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency). HIV is still active but reproduces at very low levels. People may not have any symptoms. This stage can last for a decade or longer.
Stage 3: AIDS. The immune system is badly damaged. The CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³, or the person develops one or more opportunistic infections.

Treatment: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

There is no cure for HIV, but it can be effectively managed with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART is a combination of HIV medicines taken daily. It works by reducing the amount of HIV (viral load) in the body. The goal is to achieve an undetectable viral load, which means the level of HIV in the blood is too low to be detected by a standard test.

The U=U Message

U=U stands for “Undetectable = Untransmittable.” This means that people with HIV who take ART daily as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to an HIV-negative partner. This is a powerful message that helps reduce stigma and encourages treatment adherence.

Stigma and Misinformation

Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV are major barriers to ending the epidemic. Misinformation fuels fear and can prevent people from getting tested, seeking treatment, or disclosing their status. Education and open conversation are key to combating stigma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you get HIV from kissing?

No. HIV is not transmitted through saliva. Closed-mouth or “social” kissing is risk-free. While there is a theoretical risk from deep, open-mouth kissing if both partners have sores or bleeding gums, it is extremely rare.

What is the ‘window period’ for an HIV test?

The window period is the time after potential exposure to HIV during which a test might not be able to detect the virus. For modern antibody/antigen tests (4th generation), this period is typically 2 to 6 weeks. Nucleic acid tests (NAT) can detect the virus earlier, usually within 1 to 4 weeks.

What is PrEP?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medicine that people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective.

Is there a vaccine for HIV?

Currently, there is no effective vaccine to prevent HIV. However, researchers are working to develop one. Prevention methods like condoms and PrEP remain the most effective tools.

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.