HIV | How does infection happen? Does it always lead to infection after entering our bodies?

HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus. Although it is discussed widely online, misinformation is also widely spread. In this article, we will break down how humans are infected with HIV, and shed light on whether infection is inevitable after the virus enters our bodies.

How does HIV enter our bodies?

HIV is transmitted through some types of body fluid, including:

●     Blood

●     Breast milk

●     Semen

●     Pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum)

●     Vaginal secretions

●     Rectal secretions

It is commonly transmitted through unprotected sex, such as vaginal sex and anal sex. HIV transmission can also happen from mother to their babies and sharing needles. However, HIV is not transmitted by shaking hands, hugging, kissing and sharing the same toilet seats.

 How does HIV infect us?

HIV infection occurs in three stages: acute infection, chronic infection, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

After HIV enters our bodies, it targets our immune system. The first stage – acute infection happens when HIV enters certain immune cells to replicate themselves rapidly. Abundant viruses can be found in the blood, triggering the immune system to counter. Therefore, within few weeks after infection, some infected people would show flu-like symptoms including:

●     Fever

●     Headache

●     Rashes

●     Sore throat

●     Swollen lymph nodes

●     Weight loss

●     Diarrhea

However, not all infected with HIV show symptoms. Thus, if you have unprotected sex or suspect to be infected with HIV, you may choose the HIV test that is suitable for you.

The second stage – chronic infection. Although no symptoms seem to appear, HIV continues to replicate themselves, weakening the immune system gradually. The immune system cannot effectively fight the HIV infection. About half of those infected with HIV would progress to AIDS within 10 years if they are not treated.

The third stage – AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) happens when the immune system is so weak that it cannot fend off germs. Some germs will not cause diseases in people without HIV infection, but result in opportunistic infections in AIDS patients. An opportunistic infection might lead to complications or even death.

Why HIV infection cannot be cured?

HIV infection is incurable because HIV can escape detection in an HIV reservoir after replicating themselves.

After HIV enters human immune cells, they write their viral DNA into our original DNA. The viral DNA is not activated all the time. No viral proteins are made nor self-replication occurs during the dormant state.

Since current treatments against HIV infections help by suppressing HIV self-replication, they cannot target dormant HIV and eliminate them completely.

Can HIV infection be prevented after the virus enters our bodies?

After HIV enters human bodies, the infection can be prevented if substances suppressing HIV self-replication are present. Various prescription medications suppress the replication of HIV to prevent infection. These HIV prevention medicine can be divided into two groups based on when to take them, which include:

●     PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)：HIV-negative people taking PrEP before sex as instructed by doctor can prevent HIV infection effectively.

●     PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)：People suspected to be infected with HIV can start their PEP 28-day regimen within 72 hours upon sex or accidental contact with infected blood. The risk of HIV infection can be lowered if the pills are taken as instructed by doctor.

What happens after HIV infection?

After HIV infection, the viruses replicate themselves in the human body. Certain white blood cells of our immune system would decrease in number gradually, weakening the ability to fight off germs. Although no symptoms occur during chronic infection, HIV continues to compromise the immune system.

Now, treatment plans are available for HIV infection. Taken as instructed, the treatment can suppress HIV self-replication, partly recovering the immune system. This prevents the progression into AIDS and prolongs life. Lowering the viral load to an undetectable level means HIV is untrasmittable through sexual intercourses.

Therefore, choose a suitable HIV test if you suspect you are infected with HIV. If you are infected with HIV, go to a doctor and manage HIV infection with treatment.

HIV infection cannot be diagnosed with symptoms alone. If you have unprotected sex or suspect to be infected with HIV, choose the test most suitable to your needs.

MY PLACE is established by Hong Kong charity organization “AIDS Concern” to provide professional services for sexual health checkup. The services include traditional blood test for HIV, HIV RNA early detection (quantitative), and self-test kits, as well as mental health and emotional support counselling services. Click here for more information, or donate to support our services.