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What is AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically targeting cells called CD4 cells or T-helper cells. These cells are important for fighting infections. If HIV is not treated, it can degrade the immune system to the point where it can not defend the body from diseases and infections. This advanced stage of HIV infection is called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Stages of HIV

There are several stages of HIV:

• Acute HIV Infections: This is the first stage, which starts 2 to 4 weeks following the infection. People generally develop flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, and sore throat, which are generally mild and easy to dismiss. Still, the viral load (amount of virus in the bloodstream) is high at this stage, making the individual extremely contagious.
• Chronic HIV Infection: Known as clinical latency, this stage may last for many years during which the virus is still active, but reproduction is at very low levels. People may not have any noticeable symptoms during this time. Without treatment, this stage could last for ten years or even more, but with antiretroviral therapy, people can stay in this stage for life,
• AIDS: If HIV is not treated, it might advance to AIDS, the most severe phase of HIV infection. Individuals with AIDS have a severely damaged immune system and are vulnerable to opportunistic infections or cancers that a strong immune system might protect against. AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 T cell count falls under 200 cells per cubic millimetre of blood or when some opportunistic infections occur.

Difference Between HIV and AIDS

The main difference between HIV and AIDS is that HIV is the virus that causes the infection, while AIDS is the condition that signifies the last stage of the infection where the immune system is considerably damaged. Not all HIV patients progress to AIDS, especially those who receive treatment.

Common Causes of HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is primarily contracted through certain high-risk behaviours that expose individuals to HIV. It is important to note that HIV can not be transmitted by shaking hands, hugging, or sharing items like dishes or toilet seats. A misconception about these transmission methods may create unnecessary stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. Knowing the actual modes of transmission may aid in preventing the risk of this deadly infection.

The most common causes of HIV/AIDS are:

• Unprotected Sexual Contact: HIV could be transmitted by way of anal, oral, or vaginal sex with an infected partner, especially if no condoms are used. The virus gets into the body via tiny cuts and tears in the mucous membranes or skin.
• Needle Sharing: Using syringes or needles that have been used by another person who is infected with HIV is another risk factor for spreading the HIV infection. This happens frequently among people who inject drugs.
• Blood Transfusions/Organ Transplants: Even though rare in countries where blood is screened for HIV, receiving HIV-infected blood products or organs can lead to transmission.
• From Mother to Child: A mother could transfer the virus to her child during pregnancy, birth, or even while breastfeeding. The transmission rate from mother to child may be high, without effective treatment.
• Accidental Needle Sticks: This is primarily a risk for healthcare workers. Being accidentally pricked with a needle used on an HIV-positive patient can cause transmission.

HIV Viral Load and CD4 Count: What Do They Mean?

Two key markers are used to monitor HIV:

Viral Load

This measures the amount of HIV in the blood.

• A high viral load indicates active viral replication.
• An undetectable viral load (achieved through ART) means the virus is effectively suppressed.

CD4 Count

CD4 cells are white blood cells essential for immune defence.

• A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1,500 cells per cubic millimetre.
• A CD4 count below 200 indicates severe immune damage and is one criterion for diagnosing AIDS.
  
  

Monitoring both values helps doctors assess treatment effectiveness and immune health.

HIV and Pregnancy

With proper treatment, women living with HIV can have healthy pregnancies and HIV-negative babies.

Without treatment, HIV can be transmitted:

• During pregnancy
• During labour and delivery
• Through breastfeeding

However, with antiretroviral therapy and appropriate medical care, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be reduced to below 1%.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV AIDS

Recognising the signs and symptoms of HIV early may facilitate timely treatment and improve health outcomes. The HIV AIDS symptoms vary considerably and can be influenced by the stage of the virus and individual health.

The most noticeable HIV AIDS symptoms are:

• Frequent infections
• Unexplained fever or night sweats
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Bone or joint pain
• Swelling in your neck, armpits, or pelvic area
• Pale skin without a clear reason
• Shortness of breath during normal activities

How Is HIV Diagnosed?

HIV is diagnosed through specific blood or saliva tests that detect either the virus itself or the body’s response to it.

Common HIV Tests:

• Antibody Tests: These detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV. They are commonly performed using blood or oral fluid samples.
• Antigen/Antibody Combination Tests (Fourth-Generation Tests): These are the most widely used tests in the UK. They detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen (a viral protein that appears early after infection). This allows earlier detection than antibody-only tests.
• Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs): These detect the virus directly in the blood. They are typically used in high-risk exposure cases or when early infection is strongly suspected.

In the UK, free and confidential testing is available through NHS sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and approved home testing kits.

When Should You Get Tested?

You should consider HIV testing if:

• You have had unprotected vaginal or anal sex.
• You have shared needles or injecting equipment.
• You have had sex with a partner whose HIV status is unknown.
• You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• You have symptoms suggestive of acute HIV infection.

Understanding the Window Period

The “window period” refers to the time between exposure and when a test can reliably detect HIV. For most fourth-generation tests, this is approximately 45 days after exposure. Testing too early may result in a false-negative result. If you believe you have been recently exposed (within 72 hours), urgent medical advice is essential as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may reduce the risk of infection.

Ayurvedic Views On HIV/AIDS

According to Ayurveda, our body is made up of three vital energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When these three energies gets imbalance, the whole body balance also gets disturbed. In Ayurveda, Ojas is the pure essence of your whole body’s immunity; it acts as an invisible shield that protects you from any type of disease. If it gets affected, then the whole body also suffers. When your digestion is good and all the doshas are properly balanced, then it stays strong, but when HIV attacks the body, this shield gets affected, which makes the body weaker.

Ayurvedic Medicines for HIV/AIDS

Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies to support immunity and overall health in individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. These traditional medicines focus on strengthening the body's natural defences and resilience against infections.
Some effective Ayurvedic medicines for HIV/AIDS treatment are:

• Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties, which help in reducing stress, increasing energy, & strengthens the immune system.
• Amalaki (Amla): This effective antioxidant is also an excellent source of Vitamin C that helps the immune system and helps combat oxidative stress within the body.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi, valued for its immunomodulatory and antiviral activities, forms a component of preventive health regimens supporting respiratory health and fighting infections.
• Guduchi (Giloy): This Ayurvedic herb is believed to support immune function and has been shown to increase the efficacy of white blood cells, which makes it a good defense against infection.
• Shatavari: It is known for its immunomodulatory effects, which improve disease resistance and strength and vitality.

Can HIV Be Prevented?

HIV is preventable through a combination of medical and behavioural strategies.

Effective Prevention Methods:

• Consistent Condom Use: Using condoms correctly during vaginal or anal sex significantly reduces transmission risk.
• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a medication taken by HIV-negative individuals at high risk. When taken correctly, it is highly effective at preventing HIV.
• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): PEP must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure and taken for 28 days.
• Regular Testing: Routine screening helps detect infection early and reduces onward transmission.
• Treatment as Prevention (U=U): Individuals living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maintain an undetectable viral load do not transmit the virus sexually.

When Should You See a Doctor for HIV Symptoms?

You should seek medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Night sweats
• Recurrent infections

Immediate medical attention is required if you believe you have been recently exposed to HIV, especially within the past 72 hours.

Conclusion

Living with HIV can be challenging, but with the right care and treatment, it can be managed and controlled. Ayurveda believes that our body gives us subtle signals about any sort of imbalance happening inside our body. We just have to identify them so that they can be managed and treated before it gets serious inside the body. If someone has persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, recurrent infections, fatigue, and tiredness in the body, then do not ignore these symptoms and seek medical care urgently.

References

ROLE OF AYURVEDIC DRUGS IN TREATMENT OF HIV INFECTION - PMC

Clinical Evaluation of Shilajatu Rasayana in patients with HIV Infection - PMC  

Origins of HIV and the AIDS Pandemic - PMC

HIV and AIDS - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf