Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection
What is HIV-1?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) is a virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV-1 is the most common and pathogenic form of HIV infection and is the virus responsible for 58% of all human HIV infections. HIV-1 is spread through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, including sexual contact, sharing needles, and contact with blood or other bodily fluids.
Symptoms of HIV-1
The initial symptoms of HIV-1 infection are often mild and may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle and joint pain
Diagnosis of HIV-1
The diagnosis of HIV-1 is made by a blood test. Your doctor may order an HIV test if they suspect you have been exposed to the virus. The test looks for antibodies to HIV in the blood. A positive test result means that you have been infected with the virus. It is important to note that you may have symptoms of HIV but still test negative because it can take some time for the body to produce enough antibodies to be detected in the test.
Treatment of HIV-1
Once diagnosed with HIV-1, there is no cure, but it can be treated with antiretroviral medications. These medications help reduce the amount of virus in the body and delay the development of AIDS. It is important to start and stay on these medications as prescribed by your doctor. Proper treatment with antiretroviral therapy can also help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others through sexual contact.