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HIV Infection

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

is a viral infection that slowly weakens your immune system. The virus kills a type of white blood cell called CD4. A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 2,000. You have HIV when your CD4 count ranges from 200 to 500. You have AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) when your CD4 count is less than 200. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. AIDS means your immune system cannot fight off infections and disease. This can become life-threatening. Seek care immediately if you think you may have been exposed to HIV. Drug treatments are available after exposure to HIV.

First signs and symptoms of an HIV infection:

You may have no signs or symptoms at first. Many people have flu-like symptoms in the first few weeks after infection. You may have any of the following symptoms for about 2 weeks:

Later signs and symptoms of an HIV infection:

You may feel well for months or years. As your CD4 count drops and your immune system weakens, you may develop signs such as oral thrush. An infection from a past virus, such as herpes or chickenpox, may come back. As your immune system continues to weaken, you can get more serious infections. You may develop the following:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

Seek care immediately if:

Call your doctor if:

Treatment for HIV

is aimed at improving your health. The second goal is to slow the progression from HIV to AIDS. Your healthcare provider will decide your treatment based on your CD4 cell and viral load counts. Tell him or her if you ever had an allergic reaction to or other problem with any medicine. You may need any of the following:

Improve the quality of your life:

Early treatment and good management can help you live for years with an HIV infection. You will need to learn about HIV and manage your health to improve your quality of life. Do the following to help keep your immune system strong:

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

Prevent the spread of HIV through body fluid:

Other ways to prevent the spread of HIV:

What women with HIV need to know:

Prevent the spread of germs:


Follow up with your doctor every 3 or 4 months or as directed:

You will need to return regularly for blood tests to measure CD4 cell and viral load counts. Your healthcare provider may do tests if your ARV medicines are not working as expected. You may need other tests on a regular basis. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.