The 3 Stages
The 3 Stages
Discover the 3 stages of HIV: A simple guide to understanding the virus.
(Acute Stage)
STAGE 1
STAGE 1
This initial stage occurs within the first few weeks after exposure to the virus. Symptoms, if present, may resemble flu-like illness, including fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. However, some individuals may not experience any symptoms during this stage.
(Chronic Stage)
STAGE 2
STAGE 2
After the acute stage, HIV enters a quiet phase called clinical latency. The virus replicates slowly, often without symptoms. Without treatment, this phase can last years, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus effectively.
(AIDS Stage)
STAGE 3
STAGE 3
AIDS is the late stage of HIV, where the immune system is very weak. It is diagnosed when someone with HIV gets serious infections or certain cancers. Without treatment, people with AIDS usually live about 3 years.
When people contract the HIV virus and do not opt for any type of treatment, they will usually progress through all three stages of the disease process.
When people contract the HIV virus and do not opt for any type of treatment, they will usually progress through all three stages of the disease process.