Asymptomatic HIV

Did you know that HIV has three stages? The first is referred to as Acute HIV Infection which usually develops within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to HIV that creates the infection. Flu-like symptoms can occur during this time; such as fever, headache, and rash. The amount of measurable HIV in the blood is very high and increases the risk of transmitting the virus. The second stage is referred to as Chronic HIV Infection, also called Asymptomatic HIV Infection. This is when the virus multiplies in the body at very low levels. Most individuals don't notice anything or feel sick/ill. In fact, people living with chronic HIV might not have any symptoms at all. However, without medications, the chronic HIV infection tends to advance into stage three around 10 years or longer. This is why it's important to get tested regularly and know your status. The third stage is referred to as AIDS [acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]. This is the disease that develops after HIV has severely harmed our immune system, leading to infections that the body cannot fight off. People living with HIV are typically diagnosed with AIDS if their CD4 count is less than 200 cells/mm3 or if they have specific opportunistic infections. When diagnosed with AIDS, a person can have a high HIV count and transmit it very easily to others. Treatment is key and vitally important at this stage because people with AIDS typically survive around 3 years. Do you know your HIV status? Consider getting tested for free at the Erie County Department of Health. We help get you started on routine testing, and provide information on PrEP for HIV [prevention medicine] and give you FREE condoms with lube. All this is available during our weekly Sexual Health Clinics on Tuesdays 9am-11am and Wednesdays 1pm-3pm. For more information give us a call at the Erie County Department of Health, 814-451-6700.