The human immunodeficiency virus HIV [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] is a retrovirus [ 11 ] that attacks the immune system. It is a preventable disease.
Without treatment it can lead to a spectrum of conditions including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS. Treatment is recommended as soon as the diagnosis is made. Following initial infection an individual may not notice any symptoms, or may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness.
Typically, this period is followed by a prolonged incubation period with no symptoms. HIV is spread primarily by unprotected sex including anal and vaginal sex , contaminated hypodermic needles or blood transfusions , and from mother to child during pregnancy , delivery, or breastfeeding. Disease in a baby can often be prevented by giving both the mother and child antiretroviral medication.
HIV made the jump from other primates to humans in west-central Africa in the early-to-midth century. These symptoms are not often recognized as signs of HIV infection.
Family doctors or hospitals can misdiagnose cases as one of the many common infectious diseases with similar symptoms. Someone with an unexplained fever who may have been recently exposed to HIV should consider testing to find out if they have been infected.
