What Is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks CD4+ T-cells, weakening the immune system. Without treatment, it progresses to AIDS.

Key Facts

• 1.2 million Americans living with HIV
• 13% don't know they have it
• Modern ART = normal life expectancy
• U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable

Symptoms

• Acute (2–4 weeks): flu-like symptoms, fever, rash, sore throat
• Latency: no symptoms for years
• AIDS: opportunistic infections, certain cancers

Testing

• 4th-generation antigen/antibody: reliable 18–45 days after exposure
• HIV RNA: detects as early as 9–11 days
• Rapid oral test: results in 20 minutes
• Annual testing recommended for sexually active adults

Prevention

• PrEP: daily pill prevents HIV (99%+ effective)
• PEP: emergency prevention within 72 hours of exposure
• Condoms
• U=U: people with undetectable viral load cannot transmit