AIDS is divided into several stages.

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 02, 2024
00:00
00:00

AIDS is clinically divided into four stages: acute infection, asymptomatic infection, pre-AIDS stage, and AIDS stage. The acute infection stage refers to the period starting about half a month after the human body is infected with HIV, during which symptoms similar to the common cold appear, and these symptoms generally disappear after a month. Around two months, HIV antibodies can appear in the human body, at which point these antibodies can be detected through blood testing. Thereafter, the individual enters the asymptomatic infection stage, which typically lasts 7-8 years, though some people may reach 10 years. Afterwards, the pre-AIDS stage begins due to the decline in immune function, with symptoms such as fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss appearing, eventually progressing to the AIDS stage.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
21sec home-news-image

Can AIDS be ruled out after six weeks?

Going to the hospital for HIV screening after six weeks is entirely feasible, as it typically surpasses the window period. However, if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors, we recommend that you get tested again after three months. If there are frequent high-risk behaviors, we advise you to undergo another test at six months to thoroughly rule out HIV.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
44sec home-news-image

initial symptoms of AIDS

People infected with HIV may experience a series of symptoms in the early stages of the disease, about two to three weeks after being infected with the virus. At this time, due to the virus's rapid growth and reproduction in the body, symptoms such as viral viremia can occur, including rash, fever, sore throat, and swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body. These symptoms are reversible and can subside after one to two weeks. Many people infected with HIV may not show any symptoms. The diagnosis of HIV is mainly confirmed through tests such as HIV antibodies, and it is not possible to infer HIV infection based merely on external symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
32sec home-news-image

How many HIV/AIDS cases are there in China?

According to epidemiological surveys from 2017, there are approximately 1.25 million HIV-infected individuals in our country. The annual number of new HIV infections is on the rise each year. Among the transmission routes of HIV, sexual transmission now accounts for 90% of all routes. In women, the main mode of HIV transmission is through men. Among male HIV carriers, about 70%-80% are infected through homosexual activities.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
46sec home-news-image

How to prevent AIDS

The HIV virus primarily exists in the blood, semen, vaginal secretions, pleural fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and breast milk of people with AIDS. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, including homosexual, heterosexual, and bisexual contact, as well as through blood and blood products. This includes intravenous drug injection, invasive medical procedures, and tattooing. There is also mother-to-child transmission, mainly through the placenta during childbirth and breastfeeding. To prevent AIDS, one must avoid the aforementioned behaviors. Everyday actions such as handshakes, hugs, and social kisses, as well as normal daily contact, do not transmit the HIV virus.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
33sec home-news-image

AIDS is a type of disease.

AIDS is primarily caused by infection with the HIV virus, which then proliferates massively in the body. The HIV virus destroys the human immune system, leading to a significant decline in the CD4T lymphocyte system and immune function. After the loss of immune function, a series of opportunistic infections and opportunistic tumors can occur. Therefore, AIDS is actually an acquired immunodeficiency disease, mainly transmitted through sexual contact, as well as mother-to-child transmission and blood transmission.