Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): Overview
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. This makes it hard for the body to fight infection and disease. Medicines can reduce the amount of virus in the body and improve your health. If HIV isn't treated, it usually causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the most severe stage of the HIV infection.
HIV attacks and destroys a type of white blood cell called CD4+ cells, or helper cells. These cells are an important part of the immune system. You have AIDS when one or both of the following are true:
- Your CD4+ cell count is below 200 cells per microliter (mcL) of blood.
- You get certain infections or cancers that are usually seen only in people who have problems with their immune system. Examples include infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia and cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of HIV infection. HIV attacks and destroys a type of white blood cell called CD4+ cells, or helper cells. These cells are an important part of the immune system. If HIV is not treated, it will usually get worse over time and cause AIDS.
A person who has HIV is diagnosed with AIDS when they have one or both of the following:
- A CD4+ cell count below 200 cells per microliter (mcL) of blood.
- Certain infections or cancers that are usually seen only in people who have problems with their immune system. Examples include infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia and cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma.
Treating HIV can help the immune system stay healthy. This may delay or prevent AIDS.
What are the symptoms of AIDS?
Symptoms of AIDS may include:
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Weight loss.
- Coughing.
- Diarrhea.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Mouth sores.
How is AIDS treated?
AIDS is treated with medicines. These include:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART). These medicines can reduce the amount of virus in your body and help you stay healthy.
- Medicines to prevent opportunistic infections, such as Pneumocystis pneumonia.
After you start treatment, it's important to take your medicines exactly as directed. When treatment doesn't work, it is often because HIV has become resistant to the medicine. This can happen if you miss doses.
Being diagnosed with AIDS may cause stress or other emotions. If you need more support, ask your doctor to connect you with a counselor. Talking with someone about these feelings may help.
How is AIDS diagnosed?
AIDS is diagnosed when one or both are true in a person with HIV:
- The person has a CD4+ cell count of less than 200 cells per microliter (mcL).
- The person gets infections or cancers that are usually seen only in people who have immune system problems. Examples include Pneumocystis pneumonia and Kaposi sarcoma.
How can you care for yourself when you have AIDS?
Take your medicine as directed. Eat healthy foods. Prepare foods safely to help prevent food poisoning. If you smoke, try to quit. Be active. This helps relieve stress and helps you feel less tired. If you inject drugs, use new syringes and needles every time. Don't share injection supplies. Join a support group.
What is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of HIV infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system. White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. HIV infects and destroys certain white blood cells called CD4+ cells. If too many CD4+ cells are destroyed, the body can no longer defend itself against infection. Both the virus and the infection it causes are called HIV.
Medicines can reduce the amount of virus in the body and improve your health. If HIV is not treated, it will usually get worse over time and cause AIDS. People who have AIDS have a low number of CD4+ cells. They get infections or cancers that rarely occur in healthy people. These can be deadly.
What serious health problems can happen when someone has AIDS?
Opportunistic infections and diseases occur in people whose immune systems have been weakened by a disease such as HIV infection. Opportunistic infections that are common in people who have AIDS include pneumonia, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis. People who have AIDS are also more likely to develop cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma.
AIDS: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe shortness of breath.
- You have chest pain.
- You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of a new or worse problem from HIV, such as:
- A fever.
- Coughing.
- Diarrhea.
- Skin changes.
- Bleeding.
- Confusion or not thinking clearly.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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