AIDS | How do you Get AIDS?

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has severely damaged the immune system. 

How HIV causes AIDS

• HIV destroys white blood cells called CD4 T cells, which help the body fight disease
• Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system, leading to AIDS. 
• The fewer CD4 T cells, the weaker the immune system
• AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 T cell count falls below 200
• People with AIDS have a high viral load and can easily transmit HIV to others. 

How do you get AIDS?

AIDS is transmitted through the sharing of bodily fluids from an infected person. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is most commonly spread through unprotected sex.

AIDS is transmitted through the following:

• Unprotected sex: HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom or dental dam. 
• Sharing needles: HIV can be transmitted by sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs. 
• From mother to child: HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. 
• Blood transfusions: It can be transmitted through blood transfusions, though blood donated in the UK is screened for HIV. 

How can AIDS be prevented?

AIDS can be prevented by using condoms, limiting sexual partners, and getting tested for HIV. You can also take HIV prevention medicines, such as PrEP or PEP. 

Reduce the risk of HIV infection 

• Use condoms correctly every time you have sex
• Limit your number of sexual partners
• Get tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STDs)
• Avoid sharing needles
• Talk to your health care provider about PrEP or PEP
• Use harm reduction services if you inject drugs

Take HIV prevention medicines 

• PrEP is an HIV prevention option for people who are at risk of becoming infected with HIV
• PEP is an option for people who may have been exposed to HIV

Get tested 

• You can get tested at your medical clinic, drop-in clinic, STI clinic, community health center, or at substance use programs
• HIV testing is confidential

Symptoms of HIV infection 

Early symptoms of HIV infection can include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. However, many people have no symptoms when they are first infected. 

Early symptoms 

• Fever, chills, or rash
• Night sweats
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mouth ulcers

Later symptoms 

• Weight loss
• Respiratory infections, such as pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) or tuberculosis
• Opportunistic infections, such as tonsillitis, yeast infections, and pneumonia
• Kaposi’s sarcoma or lymphomas

Other symptoms in women 

• Development of other STDs such as genital herpes and syphilis
• Recurring vaginal yeast infections
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Issues related to the menstrual cycle, such as missed periods, heavy bleeding, or severe premenstrual symptoms