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.

Symptoms of AIDS may include:

• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• Coughing.
• Diarrhea.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Mouth sores.

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.

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.

• Take your HIV medicine exactly as directed. Talk to your doctor if you have problems such as trouble paying for your medicine or missing doses. Your doctor wants to help.
• Take care to avoid food poisoning. Having AIDS means you are more likely to get food-borne diseases. So learn how to handle, prepare, and store food safely.
• If you smoke, try to quit. Having AIDS increases your risk of heart attacks and lung cancer. Smoking increases these risks even more. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Eat healthy foods. Good nutrition can help your immune system and improve your overall health. You might work with a dietitian if you need help with eating well or if you're losing weight.
• Be active. It helps relieve stress and helps you feel less tired. It also keeps your heart, lungs, and muscles strong. And it may help your immune system work better.
• Learn more about HIV and AIDS. This will let you take a more active role in your care.
• If you inject drugs, use new, clean syringes and needles every time. Don't share injection supplies with others.
• Get the support you need.
  • Join a support group. This can be a good place to share information, problem-solving tips, and emotions.
  • If you need more support, ask your doctor to connect you with a counselor. Counseling can help you cope with stress and stigma, and it can help if you have substance use disorder or other mental health conditions.

Helping a partner who has AIDS

If your partner has AIDS, you can help provide emotional, physical, and medical care that will improve their quality of life.

• Give emotional support. Listen to and encourage your partner.
• Protect your partner by staying away from them when you are sick.
• Learn how to give medicines, and know where to get help in an emergency.
• Protect yourself and others from HIV and other infections.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking PreP. This can help prevent you from getting HIV.
  • Do not share needles or other injection supplies.
  • Always use condoms during sex.
• Take care of yourself. Share your experiences with others and get help when you need it.