Understanding the Long-Term Effects of HIV and AIDS

HIV is a fatal illness that affects a person's immune system. It is acquired through a blood transfusion or unsafe sex with an infected person. Once a person acquires HIV, it will be with him all his life.

AIDS Diagnosis

• A person with the HIV virus gets AIDS when he becomes weaker due to infection. AIDS can be diagnosed when the CD4 cell count is below 200 in comparison with a normal count of 600 to 1,200.

Types

• The long-term effects of HIV come primarily from either a compromised immune system or complications from medication.

Effects

• The compromised immune system can cause even a mild illness, such as the flu, to become more serious and life-threatening. HIV medications can change the fat content of the body and lead to appearance changes.

Complications

• People who have HIV are at greater risk of developing cancer and may also be at risk for co-infections also spread through infected blood, such as hepatitis C, which damages the liver.

Prevention

• To prevent long-term effects caused by a compromised immune system, people with HIV are advised to get yearly flu shots, pneumonia shots every five years, and tests to detect other diseases, such as hepatitis B and tuberculosis.