subject: What Is Asymptomatic Hiv? [print this page] There are three phases to an HIV infectionThere are three phases to an HIV infection. The first phase is the phase where the initial infection takes place and the virus starts to multiply. You may experience some flu like symptoms during this phase. Then comes the asymptomatic phase followed by the third phase in which AIDS develops and the immune system is severely compromised. We are going to discuss the second phase, the asymptomatic HIV infection phase.
During the asymptomatic phase the infected individual does not show any symptoms of an HIV infection. This does not mean that the virus is latent or inactive however. The virus is still very busy multiplying and causing immune system deterioration. The duration of this phase varies significantly from person to person. It depends largely on the speed with which the virus multiplies and the individual's genetically predisposed ability to deal with the virus. There are individuals who will not show symptoms for ten years whilst others show symptoms within a couple of years of becoming infected with the virus.
Once this asymptomatic phase is over the symptoms of HIV can start to show very rapidly. It is often during this phase that the infection is detected as individuals become concerned about their health and make appointments with their physician for treatment of the symptoms. The symptoms of HIV include, but are not limited to,fever, a proliferation of opportunistic infections such as pneumonia, oral thrush and weight loss that is more severe than would be normal for a person with a fully functioning immune system.
HIV is only diagnosed through the use of blood tests. These blood tests make use of a T-cell count. The T-cell is the cell that is produced by the body in response to the HIV infection and a high concentration of these cells indicates that your immune system is still coping. It is generally once that T-cell count falls below 350 cells per millilitre that treatment for HIV is started. The treatment consists of antiretroviral medication which assists the immune system in combating the HIV infection as well as the opportunistic infections that tend to affect a person infected with HIV. The prescription of the medication does vary from person to person and will depend a great deal on the overall health of the person and how badly they are affected by the virus. It does sometimes happen that doctors will prescribe medication for individuals with a T-cell count as high as 500 cells per millilitre.
It is because of this asymptomatic phase which the infection goes through that it is important for those who fall into a high risk category to have themselves tested for HIV on a regular basis. The sooner the infection is detected the better the prognosis. Although there is no cure it is possible to improve the quality of life of the infected individual through appropriate treatment and lifestyle management. Make sure that you keep an eye on your health and get treatment if you do become infected with the virus.
