HIVrelated

HIV-related refers to aspects associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection, including transmission, clinical progression, treatment, prevention, and social implications. HIV targets the body's immune system, particularly CD4+ T cells, and without treatment can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Advances in antiretroviral therapy have transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition for many people.

HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Common routes include unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Prevention strategies include consistent condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), harm reduction for people who inject drugs, and minimizing perinatal transmission with maternal ART.

Diagnosis relies on HIV testing, using antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests, or RNA tests. After diagnosis, management involves regular monitoring of viral load and CD4+ T-cell count to assess treatment response and immune status. A suppressed viral load on antiretroviral therapy indicates effective control of infection and reduced transmission risk.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) typically combines multiple medications from different drug classes to block viral replication. With adherence, ART can dramatically reduce morbidity and mortality and enable near-normal life expectancy. ART does not cure HIV but preserves immune function and lowers transmission risk to others.

Public health efforts address testing access, stigma reduction, and equity in treatment. Ongoing research explores vaccines, long-acting therapies, cures, and strategies to end new infections, including regimen simplification and strategies tailored to key populations.