HIV/AIDS Overview
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a set of symptoms and infections resulting from the damage to the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This condition progressively reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. Most of these conditions are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are normally controlled by the elements of the immune system that HIV damages.
HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-seminal fluid, and breast milk. Transfusion with infected blood or blood products, hemodialysis, or transplantation of organs from infected donors was once a mode of transmission but is now rare. In 1992, a test became available for checking blood for HIV/AIDS. Blood and blood products are now tested to ensure that they are not contaminated.
HIV/AIDS Signs and Symptoms
Opportunistic infections are common in people with AIDS. HIV affects nearly every organ system. People with AIDS also have an increased risk of developing various cancers such as Kaposi’s sarcoma, cervical cancer and cancers of the immune system known as lymphomas.
Additionally, people with AIDS often have systemic symptoms of infection-like fevers, sweats (particularly at night), swollen glands, chills, weakness, and weight loss. The specific opportunistic infections that AIDS patients develop depend in part on the prevalence of these infections in the geographic area in which the patient lives.
HIV/AIDS Risk Factors
VA is the single largest provider of HIV care in the US, serving over 30,000 veterans with HIV across the country. VA is committed to each step in the HIV care continuum from testing and diagnosis, to linkage to care, and treatment and prevention.
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you are at risk for HIV and should talk to your provider about testing.
- Have you ever had sex (including oral, vaginal, or anal sex) without a condom or other latex barrier?
- Have you ever had sex (including oral, vaginal, or anal sex) with someone who is living with HIV?
- Have you ever had sex with someone who used injection drugs?
- Have you ever had sex with a man who has sex with other men?
- Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or hepatitis?
- Have you ever been sexually assaulted (raped, or forced or talked into having sex when you didn’t want to)?
- Have you ever passed out or forgotten what happened after you were drinking or getting high?
- Have you ever shared needles or other equipment to inject drugs or pierce the skin, such as tattoo needles?
HIV/AIDS Treatment
Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the course of the disease, there is currently no vaccine or cure.
If your test is negative but you may be at risk for HIV, talk to your provider about HIV prevention. Your options may include Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a medication that can prevent HIV and is available to Veterans who use VA. You can also receive condoms at no cost by asking your provider for a prescription.
Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection, but these drugs are expensive and routine access to antiretroviral medication is not available for many.
Other Resources and Support
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/topics/hiv.htm#definitions
https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/other-topics/hiv-aids-care-continuum
https://www.hiv.gov/blog/caring-veterans-hiv
https://www.hiv.va.gov/pdf/VA_OPH_HIV_FactSheet_V5_508.pdf