What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infects and gradually destroys the immune system by targeting helper T-cells, also known as CD4 T-lymphocytes.
- These cells coordinate the immune response against infections and cancer
- HIV replicates inside CD4 cells, eventually killing them and spreading to new cells
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome:
- Acquired – Infection comes from outside the body
- Immune Deficiency – Weakened immune system
- Syndrome – A group of related health conditions
A person with HIV may develop AIDS when their immune system is severely compromised, increasing the risk of infections and cancers.
How is HIV Transmitted?
- Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral)
- From mother to child (vertical transmission):
- Through the placenta (~10%)
- During birth (~60%)
- Through breastfeeding (~30%)
- Blood transfusions (rare today due to screening)
- Sharing needles (e.g. drug use, accidental needle-pricks in healthcare)
Symptoms of Early (Acute) HIV Infection
2–4 weeks after infection, some may experience flu-like symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Open sores on the skin and mucous membranes
These symptoms are non-specific — the only way to confirm infection is through an HIV test.
Testing for HIV
Adults and Children > 18 Months
- HIV ELISA test (antibody detection)
- Highly sensitive screening test
- All positives must be confirmed with another test
- A follow-up specimen is required to confirm the result and rule out lab error
Self-referral testing is available for anyone 18 years or older at any Ampath Care Centre.
Infants < 18 Months (born to HIV-positive mothers)
- HIV PCR test is used to detect HIV DNA
- ELISA is not reliable in infants due to maternal antibodies crossing the placenta
What is the Window Period?
- Time from infection to antibody production (~3 weeks)
- During this window period, a person may test negative despite being infected
- Most people test positive by 3 weeks post-infection
Monitoring HIV: CD4 Count & Viral Load
Two key lab tests help manage HIV:
- CD4+ T-cell count – Measures immune system health
- HIV viral load – Measures amount of virus in the blood
These tests are used to:
- Assess disease severity
- Track progression and treatment response
- Confirm a positive HIV diagnosis
Treatment of HIV
- HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART)
- Standard treatment includes three medications to stop HIV replication
- ART:
- Prevents further immune system damage
- Allows partial recovery of immune function
- Is most effective when started early
Frequent HIV testing allows for early diagnosis and successful treatment.
What are Opportunistic Infections?
When the immune system is weak, infections can occur that wouldn’t normally affect healthy people.
Examples include:
- Oral thrush (Candida)
- Tuberculosis
Is There a Cure for HIV/AIDS?
- No, there is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS
- ART prevents the development of AIDS if started early enough
Prevention of HIV Infection
- Treat HIV-positive individuals with ART to reduce transmission
- Use condoms, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and sterile needles
- PrEP is a daily medication for HIV-negative individuals at high risk
- PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) should be taken immediately after exposure (e.g. unprotected sex or rape)
- Encourage voluntary and confidential testing (VCT) with counselling
- HIV-positive mothers can receive treatment to reduce risk of transmission to babies
HIV is Transmitted Through:
- Unprotected sex
- Blood transfusion
- Pregnancy (mother to child)
- Sharing needles
- Non-sterile medical instruments
HIV is NOT Transmitted Through:
- Touching
- Kissing
- Insect bites
- Sharing food or water
Ampath App
Your results are available on the Ampath App:
- Some results may require explanation from your doctor before appearing.
- Get the facts
- Know the risks
- Get tested
- Protect yourself and others