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HIV / AIDS
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. With modern treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and cannot pass it on when the virus is undetectable.
Causes & risk factors
- HIV spread through blood, sexual fluids and breast milk
- Unprotected sex with an infected person
- Sharing needles or unsterile equipment
- From mother to baby during birth or breastfeeding
- Unscreened blood (rare where blood is tested)
Common symptoms
- Flu-like illness soon after infection
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tiredness
- Weight loss (later stages)
- Frequent infections (later stages)
Tests & diagnosis
- HIV antibody/antigen test
- HIV viral load
- CD4 cell count
- Full blood count (CBC)
Treatment & management
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) taken daily
- Treatment keeps the virus under control
- Undetectable virus means it cannot be passed on sexually
- Regular monitoring of viral load and CD4 count
- Prevention: condoms, safe needles, and PrEP for high risk
When to see a doctor urgently
- Possible exposure to HIV — seek care within 72 hours for PEP
- Persistent fever, weight loss or repeated infections
- A flu-like illness after a risk event — get tested
- Any concern about your HIV status — testing is confidential
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about hiv / aids. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is HIV a death sentence today?
No. With modern treatment, people with HIV can expect a near-normal life span and good health.
What does undetectable = untransmittable mean?
When treatment keeps the virus so low it cannot be measured, HIV cannot be passed on through sex. This is called U=U.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.