HIV/AIDS
Other namesHIV disease, HIV infection
A red ribbon in the shape of a bow
The red ribbon is a symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.
SpecialtyInfectious disease, immunology
SymptomsEarly: Flu-like illness
Later: Large lymph nodes, fever, weight loss
ComplicationsOpportunistic infections, tumors
DurationLifelong
CausesHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Risk factorsUnprotected anal or vaginal sex, having another sexually transmitted infection, needle sharing, medical procedures involving unsterile cutting or piercing, and experiencing needlestick injury
Diagnostic methodBlood tests
PreventionSafe sex, needle exchange, male circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis
TreatmentAntiretroviral therapy
PrognosisNear normal life expectancy with treatment
11 years life expectancy without treatment
Frequency55.9 million – 100 million total cases
1.5 million new cases (2020)
37 million living with HIV (2020)
Deaths36.3 million total deaths
680,000 (2020)