How to identify HIV disease. Symptoms of HIV in women in the early and late stages of the disease

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is an insidious pathology. The pathogen, once in the human body, does not manifest itself immediately. That is why the topic of home diagnosis of the disease is very relevant. How can you check yourself without going to special institutions? To help a doubting patient, an HIV test performed at home.

The work of a home HIV test is based on the standard principle of the interaction of an antigen and an antibody. Each antigen has a corresponding antibody.

With the penetration of any pathogen into the body, the latter begin to produce antibodies. After an illness, the cells “remember” the detected group of antigens. When re-infected, a person's immunity starts the secondary production of antibodies known to him.

Similarly, home testing detects the virus in the body. The shell of viral particles is covered with special protein complexes that act as antigens. One of the most obvious representatives is protein 24. A rapid test will detect it in the second week after infection. The production of antibodies begins only a few months after the alleged infection. To determine them in the blood of women and men, enzyme immunoassay is used.

Attention! How to detect a virus in the blood in the shortest possible time? It is possible to diagnose the disease as early as a week after unprotected intercourse or contact with the blood of an infected person using 4th generation test systems.

The express test is outwardly similar to the pregnancy test. There are two strips on the plate: one with antigens and a control one. The test done will show a positive result with the detection of antibodies in the blood that will react with antigens. The strip will change color.

Home HIV test

How to test for AIDS at home? To undergo an analysis at home, you do not need to specially prepare (do not eat before the procedure, do not drink alcohol, etc.), since viral antibodies are not subject to any influence.

To use the test for its intended purpose, you can use both finger blood and venous blood. In the first case, the material will have to be used immediately, the blood from the vein can be stored in the refrigerator.

It will take no more than 30 minutes to get a response. A positive result is stated when the control strip is stained for HIV.

Important! People who are interested in the topic under consideration should know that the accuracy of rapid tests is almost 100%.

Where is a rapid HIV test sold?

Virus-sensitive home tests, the principle of which is to examine blood from a finger, can be purchased at a pharmacy. Adherents of express diagnostic methods also have an alternative option - ordering a test on the Internet.

Expensive and cheap rapid tests

How to determine HIV at home on a budget? Is it possible to purchase a rapid test for little money? The cost of the product depends on the manufacturer and method of implementation. The average price range for human immunodeficiency virus tests in Russia is 150-600 rubles.

Among the cheapest and most common products are Chinese InTec PRODUCTS tests and a domestic product - a test produced by Factor-Med.

More expensive tests to determine if a person has a virus are:

1. Retrocheck WB is an Indian product used by specialists.
2. OraQuick is a new Russian development. Saliva can be used as a material. The strip development time is 20 minutes.
3. Determine HIV Combo is a Japanese product, a 4th generation test. The result is manifested at an early stage of the disease.

Which express test to choose

How to test for HIV at home with maximum reliability? The first thing to do is to choose a quality test.

It can be said with confidence that the reliability of the result is unambiguously ensured in the case of purchasing goods from certified manufacturers, pharmacies. The brand and packaging of the product that will end up in the hands of the patient plays a secondary role.

The choice of this or that test depends entirely on the buyer, namely on his desires, preferences and financial capabilities. The only thing that deserves controversy is the expediency of buying expensive 4th generation tests. According to experts, due to the complex use of a pair of antigens in the process of diagnosing with these tests, viral particles can be detected in the shortest possible time and with the greatest accuracy.

Rapid saliva test for HIV

Such tests are the latest development in the field of HIV diagnosis at home. They allow you to determine the antibodies in the patient's body when collecting saliva. The principle of operation of such a rapid test is similar to that previously described.
A positive test result must be rechecked. If both times the home test confirmed the presence of antibodies, the patient should consult a specialist.

Interesting! The greatest number of false positive results when using the saliva test occurs in patients with chronic diseases and pregnant women.

Reviews

A person interested in how to recognize HIV at home will undoubtedly want to know the opinion of other people about these very rapid tests. If you believe the reviews of people who have used such home tests, this diagnostic method can be deservedly called the simplest. To use the strip, you do not need to know anything special. This statement is true for both blood and saliva tests.

Doubting patients are delighted with the speed of manifestation of the result. Also, everyone notes the availability of the product: the test can always be bought at any pharmacy, even if you have to buy it every day.

Among the noted advantages of the rapid test is also its reliability. If there is any doubt about the test result, you should contact the medical center where such laboratory tests are carried out.

What are simple tests

How to find out if there is a virus in a person's blood in a different way? You need to do a simple test. Its principle of action is based on the agglutination reaction. Such tests do not require special equipment, large financial costs, show results in an average of 2 hours. The product can also be bought at a pharmacy. Testing is possible only if there is a thermostat.

Patterns and changes in the CBC in HIV-infected people

Viral particles in the patient's body cannot be detected by taking a general blood test, however, with such a study, you can notice the special symptoms of the disease in the patient's blood.

Let's try to demonstrate the clinical picture by deciphering the blood test of the infected.

Lymphocytes

The normative indicator of cells is 25-40%. An overestimated result indicates the beginning of the development of pathology: the body is actively fighting the virus. With the progress of the disease and the weakening of the immune system, the rate decreases sharply.

Neutrophils

In healthy blood, the content of particles is 45-70%. If there is a decrease in the number of cells, we can talk about an infectious-inflammatory process developing in the human body. It's not just about HIV.

mononuclear cells

Normally, these immune cells are absent in the body of a healthy person. Their presence in the blood indicates the presence of viruses or bacteria in the biomaterial.

platelets

Cells are responsible for blood clotting. Their normative indicator is 150 - 400 × 109 / l of blood plates. In the case of HIV, the number of cells in the blood decreases dramatically.

red blood cells

This figure cannot be called specific for infection with a virus. Blood cells in HIV usually shrink. This is explained by the effect of viral particles on the bone marrow.

If the opposite picture is observed, and red blood cells multiply at an accelerated pace, this may indicate a pulmonary disease that occurs against the background of HIV.

Hemoglobin

Most often, with AIDS, hemoglobin is reduced. The patient's body suffers from a lack of oxygen. The clinical picture is complemented by symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, pallor of the skin.

Sedimentation rate of erythrocytes

In a sick person, this figure is usually overestimated. This fact is explained by excessive blood viscosity and aggregation of erythrocytes in the blood.

The main disadvantages of home tests

The main disadvantages of the express test are:

1. The presence of a "window" period after the alleged infection until the production of antibodies to the virus.
2. Probability of getting a false positive test.
3. Lack of pre-test consultation.

Let's take a closer look at each of the points for those who need to take a home HIV test.

HIV window period

As a rule, antibodies in the patient's blood begin to be produced in the period from 2 weeks to six months from the moment of the alleged infection. When is it necessary to take the test to be sure of the result?

Antibodies to which the home test responds appear in the patient's biomaterial at an average of 10-12 weeks. Before this period, the tests are not able to show a reliable result. This time is called the window period.

What is a false positive result?

False-positive as well as false-negative results occur 5% more often in the case of rapid tests than in laboratory tests. They are demonstrated in the "window" period, in expectant mothers, people with allergies, chronic ailments.

Lack of pre-test counseling

Consulting a specialist before conducting a home test can save the patient from risky behavior in case of confirmation of the fact of infection. It's about suicide.

Methodology for conducting a rapid test for HIV

After purchasing the express test, you must carefully open the package and read the attached manual. Usually, the instructions prescribe how to use the test yourself, how to decrypt the data received, and what to do in case of a positive result.

The sequence of steps for testing for HIV at home is as follows:

1. Open the protective packaging of the dough.
2. Lay the product on a flat, dry surface.
3. Apply biomaterial. Most often, its role is played by human blood. In order to get the material, it is necessary to pierce the ring finger in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe pads (you need to do this with a lanceolate). Then, using a pipette, you need to draw blood and move it into a container with a special liquid.
4. After the liquids have been transferred, place the strip into the vessel with the porous surface down to the indicated level.

Attention! You can immediately transfer the blood to the plate, and after 60 seconds, place it in a buffer solution.

After 15-30 minutes, red streaks will begin to appear in the designated area.

If for some reason it is impossible to test at home, you should not postpone the diagnosis - testing is carried out absolutely free of charge in medical institutions.

Test indicators

How can you tell if you have AIDS by holding a used rapid test? There are only three options:

1. The result is negative. Only one strip is visualized (in region C).
2. The result is positive. Both lines appeared. The reliability of the result is almost 100%.
3. Error. Not a single strip appeared or only a test one.

The reason for this: a defective test, a violation of the process of diagnosing HIV.

The possibility of a false positive or false negative result cannot be ruled out. The second option is observed when testing during the "window", as the disease develops, the probability of such an error is reduced to zero. So, the last stage of HIV (AIDS), obviously, will not remain “in the shadows”.

In the case of a positive result, a clinical diagnosis is shown, which can be carried out anonymously under the guidance of a doctor.

If the reanalysis confirms the result, the patient will need to visit a doctor specializing in immunology. The doctor will give information about the characteristics of the disease (each of its stages), ways of infection and treatment.

A person with HIV-positive status should remember that this is not a sentence. Yes, such a disease cannot be cured with herbs and conspiracies, but subject to medical recommendations, the patient has every chance to live a full and long life.

HIV is an acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which infects the human immune system, causing HIV infection.

The last stage of HIV infection is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

HIV infection and AIDS: what is the fundamental difference between these two conditions?

HIV infection
Incurable infectious disease. It belongs to a group of slow viral infections with a long course that affects the immune system.

That is, the virus, having entered the body of a healthy person from a sick person, may not manifest itself for many years.

However, gradually HIV destroys the cells of the immune system, which is designed to protect the human body from all kinds of infections and negative influences.
Therefore, over time, immunity "loses its positions."

AIDS
A condition in which the human immune system is practically unable to fight infections, resist the development of cancer cells and various harmful environmental factors. At this stage, any infection, even the most harmless, can lead to the development of a serious illness, and subsequently the death of the patient from complications, encephalitis or tumors.

Facts about the disease

Perhaps now there is not a single adult who has never heard of HIV infection. After all, it is not without reason that it is called the "plague of the 20th century." Yes, and in the XI century, it is moving forward "by leaps and bounds", taking about 5,000 human lives every day all over the world. Although, how the HIV disease has a not so long history.

It is believed that HIV infection began its "triumphant procession" around the planet in the 70s of the last century, when the first mass cases of infection with symptoms similar to AIDS were described.

However, officially they started talking about HIV infection only in the early 80s of the last century:

• In 1981, two articles were published that described the development of an unusual pneumocystis pneumonia (caused by a yeast-like fungus) and Kaposi's sarcoma (a malignant skin tumor) in homosexual men.
• In July 1982, the term "AIDS" was proposed to refer to a new disease.
• The human immunodeficiency virus was discovered in 1983 simultaneously in two independent laboratories:
  • In France, at the Institute Louis Pasteur under Luc Montagnier
  • In the USA at the National Cancer Institute under the direction of Gallo Robert
• In 1985, a technique was developed that determined the presence of antibodies to HIV in the blood of patients - enzyme immunoassay.
• In 1987, the first case of HIV infection was diagnosed in the USSR. The patient is a homosexual man who worked as an interpreter in African countries.
• In 1988, the World Health Organization declared December 1st International AIDS Day.

Where did HIV come from? There is no definite answer to this question. However, there are several hypotheses.

The most common theory is that a person got infected from a monkey. It is based on the fact that in great apes (chimpanzees) living in Central Africa (Congo), a virus has been isolated from the blood that can cause the development of AIDS in humans. Probably, the infection of a person occurred when an accidental injury occurred during butchering a carcass of a monkey or a bite of a person by a monkey.

However, monkey HIV is a weak virus and the human body copes with it within one week. But in order for the virus to harm the immune system, it must be transmitted from one person to another within a short time. Then the virus mutates (changes), acquiring properties characteristic of human HIV.

There is also an assumption that among the tribes of Central Africa, HIV existed for a long time. However, it was only with the onset of increased migration in the 20th century that the virus spread around the world.

Statistics

A huge number of people around the world become infected with HIV every year.

Number of HIV-infected

• Worldwide as of 01.01.2013 amounted to 35.3 million people
• In Russia at the end of 2013 - about 780,000 people, and 51,190 thousand were identified in the period from 01.01.13 to 08.31.13
• For the CIS countries(data as of the end of 2013):
  • Ukraine - about 350,000
  • Kazakhstan - about 16,000
  • Belarus - 15 711
  • Moldova - 7 800
  • Georgia - 4,094
  • Armenia - 3,500
  • Tajikistan - 4,700
  • Azerbaijan - 4 171
  • Kyrgyzstan - about 5,000
  • Turkmenistan - official authorities claim that HIV infection does not exist in the country
  • Uzbekistan - about 7,800

Mortality

Since the beginning of the epidemic, about 36 million people have died from AIDS. Moreover, the mortality of patients is decreasing from year to year - thanks to successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART or ART).

Celebrities who died of AIDS

• Gia Karanji- American supermodel. She died in 1986. She suffered from a severe form of drug addiction.
• Freddie Mercury- lead singer of the legendary rock band Queen. Died in 1991.
• Michael Wastphal is a famous tennis player. He died at the age of 26.
• Rudolf Nureyev- the legend of the world ballet. Died in 1993.
• Ryan White- the first and most famous child with HIV infection. He suffered from hemophilia and contracted HIV through a blood transfusion at the age of 13. The boy, along with his mother, fought for the rights of HIV-infected people all his life. Ryan White died of AIDS in 1990 at the age of 18, but did not lose: he proved to the whole world that HIV-infected people do not pose a threat if elementary precautions are observed, having the right to a normal life.

AIDS virus

In addition, there are several varieties of the virus itself.

HIV: structure

• HIV-1 or HIV-1(opened in 1983) - the main causative agent of infection. It is very aggressive, causing typical manifestations of the disease. Most often found in Western Europe and Asia, South and North America, Central Africa.

• HIV-2 or HIV-2(opened in 1986) is a less aggressive analogue of HIV-1, so the disease is milder. Not so widespread: found in West Africa, Germany, France, Portugal.

Structure

HIV- a spherical (spherical) particle having a size of 100 to 120 nanometers. The envelope of the virus is dense, formed by a double lipid (fat-like substance) layer with “spikes”, and under it is a protein layer (p-24-capsid).

Under the capsule are:

• two strands of viral RNA (ribonucleic acid) - a carrier of genetic information
• viral enzymes: protease, intergrase and transcriptase
• p7 protein

The most important feature of retroviruses is the presence of a special enzyme: reverse transcriptase. Thanks to this enzyme, the virus converts its RNA into DNA (a molecule that provides storage and transmission of genetic information to future generations), which it then introduces into the host cells.

HIV: properties

• quickly dies under the influence of 5% hydrogen peroxide solution, ether, chloramine solution, 70 0 C alcohol, acetone
• outside the body in the open air dies within a few minutes
• at +56 0 С - 30 minutes
• when boiling - instantly

HIV: features of the life cycle

What are the cells of the immune system responsible for?

T-lymphocytes-helpers activate the work of almost all cells of the immune system, and also produce special substances that fight foreign agents: viruses, microbes, fungi, allergens. That is, in fact, they control the work of almost the entire immune system.

Monocytes and macrophages - cells that absorb foreign particles, viruses and microbes, digesting them.

The life cycle of HIV includes several phases

• Once in the body, the virus binds to special receptors on the surface of the T-lymphocyte - the CD4 cell. Then it enters the host cell and sheds the outer shell.

• With reverse transcriptase a DNA copy (one strand) is synthesized on viral RNA (matrix). The copy is then completed into double-stranded DNA.
• Double-stranded DNA moves to the nucleus of the T-lymphocyte, where it is integrated into the DNA of the host cell. At this stage, the active enzyme is integrase.
• The DNA copy is stored in the host cell from several months to several years, so to speak, "asleep". At this stage, the presence of the virus in the human body can be detected using tests with specific antibodies.
• Any secondary infection provokes the transfer of information from the DNA copy to the matrix (viral) RNA, which leads to further reproduction of the virus.
• Next, the ribosomes of the host cell (protein-producing particles) synthesize viral proteins on the viral RNA.
• Then from viral RNA and newly synthesized viral proteins new parts of viruses are assembled, which leave the cell, destroying it.
• New viruses attach to receptors on the surface of other T-lymphocytes - and the cycle begins again.

HIV infection

Anyone can become infected, regardless of social status, financial wealth, gender, age and sexual orientation. The source of infection is an HIV-infected person at any stage of the infectious process.

Just like that, HIV does not fly through the air. It is found in body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid. For infection, it is necessary that an infectious dose - about 10,000 viral particles - enter the bloodstream.

Ways of transmission of HIV infection

1. Heterosexual contacts- unprotected vaginal sex.

The risk of infection after one sexual intercourse with ejaculation is from 0.1 to 0.32% for the passive partner (the "receiving" side), and 0.01-0.1% for the active ("introducing" side).

However, infection can also occur after one sexual contact if there is any other sexually transmitted disease (STD): syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and others. Since the number of T-lymphocytes-helpers and other cells of the immune system increases in the inflammatory focus. And then HIV "enters the human body on a white horse."

In addition, with all STDs, the mucous membrane is prone to injury, so its integrity is often violated: cracks, ulcers, and erosion appear. As a result, infection occurs much faster.

The probability of infection increases with prolonged sexual contact: if the husband is sick, then within three years in 45-50% of cases the wife becomes infected, if the wife is sick - in 35-45% of the husband. The risk of infection in a woman is higher, since a large amount of infected sperm enters the vagina, it is longer in contact with the mucosa, and the contact area is larger.

1. Intravenous drug use

Since intravenous drug addicts often use common non-sterile medical syringes or common utensils to prepare the solution. The probability of infection is 30-35%.

In addition, drug addicts often engage in promiscuous sex, which increases the likelihood of infection of both themselves and others by several times.

1. Unprotected anal sex regardless of sexual orientation

1. Unprotected oral sex

However, the risk of infection increases if there are seizures in the corners of the mouth, and wounds and ulcers in the cavity.

1. Children born to HIV-infected mothers

It is possible for a healthy mother to become infected while breastfeeding a sick child, if the woman has cracks in the nipples, and the baby's gums bleed.

1. Accidental injuries with medical instruments, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections

1. Blood transfusion and organ transplant

On a note

The probability of infection depends on the initial state of the human immune system: the weaker it is, the faster the infection occurs, and the disease is more severe. In addition, it matters what the viral load of an HIV-infected person is, if it is high, then the risk of infection increases several times.

Diagnosis of HIV infection

Methods for diagnosing HIV infection

Available three main stages of diagnosis HIV infections in adults:

1. Preliminary- screening (sorting), which serves to select suspected infected persons
2. Reference

1. Confirming- expert

Some concepts in the context of diagnosing HIV infection:

• Antigen- the virus itself or its particles (proteins, fats, enzymes, capsule particles, and so on).
• Antibody Cells produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection.
• Seroconversion- immune response. Once in the body, HIV multiplies rapidly. In response, the immune system begins to produce antibodies, the concentration of which increases over the next few weeks. And only when their number reaches a certain level (seroconversion), they are detected by special test systems. Further, the level of the virus falls, and the immune system calms down.
• "Window Period"- the interval from the moment of infection to the appearance of seroconversion (average of 6-12 weeks). This is the most dangerous period, since the risk of HIV transmission is high, and the test system gives a false negative result.

Screening stage

It is preferable to use fourth generation test systems. They have one feature - in addition to antibodies, they also determine the HIV antigen - p-24-Capsid, which makes it possible to detect the virus even before a sufficient level of antibodies is produced, reducing the "window period".

However, in most countries, already obsolete test systems of the third or even second generation (only antibodies are determined) are still used, since they are cheaper.

However, they are more often give false positive results: if there is an infectious disease during pregnancy, autoimmune processes (rheumatism, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis), the presence of the Epstein-Bar virus in the body and in some other diseases.

If the ELISA result is positive, then the diagnosis of HIV infection is not made, but proceed to the next stage of diagnosis.

Reference stage

Expert stage - immunoblotting

Consists of several stages:

• HIV is broken down into antigens by electrophoresis.
• by blotting (in a special chamber) they are transferred to special strips, which are already coated with proteins characteristic of HIV.
• the patient's blood is applied to the strips, if it contains antibodies to antigens, a reaction occurs that is visible on the test strips.

Therefore, there are two options for the expert stage laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection:

Diagnosis in children born to HIV-infected mothers

Diagnostic tactics

• up to 1 month - PCR, since the virus does not multiply intensively during this period
• older than a month - determination of p24-Capsid antigen
• laboratory diagnostic examination and observation from the moment of birth up to 36 months

Symptoms and signs of HIV in men and women

Stages of HIV infection

HIV infection symptoms

• The first stage is incubation

  The virus is actively multiplying. Duration - from the moment of infection to 3-6 weeks (sometimes up to one year). With weakened immunity - up to two weeks.

  Symptoms
  None. You can suspect if there was a dangerous situation: unprotected casual sexual contact, blood transfusion, and so on. Test systems do not detect antibodies in the blood.

• The second stage - primary manifestations

  The body's immune response to the introduction, reproduction and massive spread of HIV. The first symptoms appear within the first three months after infection and may precede seroconversion. Duration - usually 2-3 weeks (rarely several months).

  flow options

• 2A - Asymptomatic There are no manifestations of the disease. There is only the production of antibodies.

• 2B - Acute infection without secondary disease It is observed in 15-30% of patients. It proceeds according to the type of acute viral infection or infectious mononucleosis.

• Increase in body temperature 38.8C and above - the answer to the introduction of the virus. The body begins to produce an active biological substance - interleukin, which "gives a signal" to the hypothalamus (located in the brain) that there is a "stranger" in the body. Therefore, energy production increases, and heat transfer decreases.
• Enlarged lymph nodes- reaction of the immune system. In the lymph nodes, the production of antibodies against HIV by lymphocytes increases, which leads to working hypertrophy (increase in size) of the lymph nodes.
• Skin rashes in the form of red spots and seals, small hemorrhages up to 10 mm in diameter, prone to merging with each other. The rash is located symmetrically mainly on the skin on the trunk, but sometimes on the face and neck. It is a consequence of direct damage by the virus to T-lymphocytes and macrophages in the skin, which leads to a violation of local immunity. Therefore, in the future there is an increased susceptibility to various pathogens.
• Diarrhea(accelerated loose stools) develops due to the direct effect of HIV on the intestinal mucosa, which causes changes in the local immune system, and also interferes with absorption.
• Sore throat(tonsillitis, pharyngitis) and oral cavity due to the fact that HIV affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, as well as lymphoid tissue (tonsils). As a result, mucosal edema appears, tonsils enlarge, which causes sore throat, painful swallowing and other symptoms characteristic of a viral infection.
• Enlargement of the liver and spleen associated with the response of the immune system to the introduction of HIV into the body.
• Sometimes developing autoimmune diseases(psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and others). The cause and mechanism of formation is still unclear. However, most often these diseases occur in later stages.
• 2B - Acute infection with secondary diseases

  It is observed in 50-90% of patients. It occurs against the background of a temporary decrease in CD4-lymphocytes, so the immune system is weakened and cannot fully resist the "strangers".

  There are secondary diseases caused by microbes, fungi, viruses: candidiasis, herpes, respiratory tract infections, stomatitis, dermatitis, tonsillitis and others. They usually respond well to treatment. Further, the state of the immune system stabilizes, and the disease moves on to the next stage.

• The third stage - long-term widespread enlargement of the lymph nodes

  Duration - from 2 to 15-20 years, since the immune system inhibits the reproduction of the virus. During this period, the level of CD4-lymphocytes gradually decreases: approximately at a rate of 0.05-0.07x109/l per year.

  There is only an increase in at least two groups of lymph nodes (LN) that have not been connected to each other for three months, with the exception of the inguinal ones. The size of the LU in adults is more than 1 cm, in children it is more than 0.5 cm. They are painless and elastic. Gradually, the LNs decrease in size, remaining in this state for a long time. But sometimes they can increase again, and then decrease - and so on for several years.

• Fourth stage - secondary diseases (preAIDS)

  It develops when the immune system is exhausted: the level of CD4-lymphocytes, macrophages, as well as other cells of the immune system drops significantly.

  Therefore, HIV, practically not encountering a response from the immune system, begins to multiply intensively. It affects more and more healthy cells, leading to the development of tumors and serious infectious diseases - opportunistic infections (under normal conditions, the body can easily cope with them). Some of them occur only in HIV-infected people, and some in ordinary people, only in HIV-positive people they are much more severe.

  The disease can be suspected if there are at least 2-3 diseases or conditions listed at each stage.

  Has three stages

  1. 4A. Develops 6-10 years after infection at the level of CD4-lymphocytes 350-500 CD4/mm3 (in healthy people it fluctuates between 600-1900CD4/mm3).
     • Weight loss up to 10% of baseline weight in less than 6 months. The reason is that the proteins of the virus are introduced into the cells of the body, inhibiting the synthesis of proteins in them. Therefore, the patient literally “dries up before our eyes”, and the absorption of nutrients in the intestines is also disturbed.
     • Repeated damage to the skin and mucous membranes by bacteria (abscesses, boils), fungi (candidiasis, lichen), viruses (herpes zoster)
     • Pharyngitis and sinusitis (more than three times a year).

1. 4B. Occurs 7-10 years after infection at the level of CD4-lymphocytes 350-200 CD4/mm3.

   Characterized by diseases and conditions:

   • Loss of body weight more than 10% in 6 months. There is a weakness.
   • An increase in body temperature to 38.0-38.5 0 C for more than 1 month.
   • Chronic diarrhea (diarrhea) for more than 1 month develops as a result of both direct damage to the intestinal mucosa by the virus, and the addition of a secondary infection, usually mixed.
   • Leukoplakia - proliferation of the papillary layer of the tongue: white filiform formations appear on its lateral surface, sometimes on the buccal mucosa. Its occurrence is a bad sign for the prognosis of the disease.
   • Deep lesions of the skin and mucous membranes (candidiasis, lichen lichen simplex, molluscum contagiosum, rubrophytia, versicolor and others) with a protracted course.
   • Repeated and persistent bacterial (tonsillitis, pneumonia), viral (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Bar virus, herpes simplex virus) infections.
   • Recurrent or widespread shingles caused by the varicella zoster virus.
   • Localized (non-spread) Kaposi's sarcoma is a malignant tumor of the skin that develops from the vessels of the lymphatic and circulatory system.
   • Pulmonary tuberculosis.

1. 4B. Develops 10-12 years after infection at the level of CD4-lymphocytes less than 200 CD4/mm3. Life-threatening diseases occur.

   Characterized by diseases and conditions:

   • Extreme emaciation, lack of appetite and great weakness. Patients are forced to spend more than a month in bed.
   • Pneumocystis pneumonia (caused by a yeast-like fungus) is a marker of HIV infection.
   • Often recurrent herpes, manifested by non-healing erosions and ulcers on the mucous membranes.
   • Protozoal diseases: cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis (affect the intestines), toxoplasmosis (focal and diffuse lesions of the brain, pneumonia) are markers of HIV infection.
   • Candidiasis of the skin and internal organs: esophagus, respiratory tract, and so on
   • Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: bones, meninges, intestines and other organs.
   • Widespread Kaposi's sarcoma.
   • Mycobacteriosis affecting the skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system and other internal organs. Mycobacteria are present in water, soil, dust. Cause disease only in HIV-infected people.
   • Cryptococcal meningitis is caused by a fungus that is present in the soil. In a healthy body usually does not occur.
   • Diseases of the central nervous system: dementia, movement disorders, forgetfulness, decreased ability to concentrate, slow thinking abilities, gait disturbance, personality changes, clumsiness in the hands. It develops both due to the direct impact of HIV on nerve cells for a long time, and as a result of developed complications after past illnesses.
   • Malignant tumors of any localization.
   • Kidney and heart damage caused by HIV infection.

• Fifth stage - terminal

  It develops when the number of CD4 cells is below 50-100 CD4/mm3. At this stage, all existing diseases progress, the treatment of secondary infections is ineffective. The life of the patient depends on the ongoing HAART, but, unfortunately, it, as well as the treatment of secondary diseases, is ineffective. Therefore, patients usually die within a few months.

  There is a classification of HIV infection according to WHO, but it is less structured, therefore, in general, specialists prefer to work according to Pokrovsky's classification.

The given data on the stages and their manifestations of HIV infection are averaged. Not all patients pass sequentially through the stages, sometimes "jumping" through them or staying at a certain stage for a long time.

Therefore, the course of the disease is quite long (up to 20 years) or short (there are known cases of fulminant flow, when patients died within 7-9 months from the moment of infection). This is associated with the characteristics of the patient's immune system (for example, some have few CD4-lymphocytes or initially reduced immunity), as well as the type of HIV.

HIV infection in men

HIV infection in women

Women have a slightly higher risk of developing malignant tumors on the cervix.

In addition, they have inflammatory processes of the female genital organs occur more often (more than three times a year) than in healthy women, proceeding more severely.

HIV infection in children

Treatment of HIV infection

Moreover, these drugs are so effective that, with proper treatment, CD4 cells grow, and HIV itself, even the most sensitive methods, is difficult to detect in the body.

In order to achieve this, The patient must have self-discipline:

• taking medicine at the same time
• dosage and diet
• continuity of treatment

The main directions of treatment

• Prevent and delay the development of life-threatening conditions
• Ensure a longer preservation of the quality of life of infected patients
• With the help of HAART and the prevention of secondary diseases, achieve remission (no clinical symptoms)
• Emotional and practical support for patients
• Providing free medicines

First stage

Treatment is not prescribed. However, if there was contact with an HIV-infected person, then chemoprophylaxis is recommended in the first three days after it.

Second stage

2A. No treatment unless CD4 count is less than 200 CD4/mm3

2B. Treatment is prescribed, but if the level of CD4-lymphocytes is more than 350 CD4 / mm3, then abstain from it.

2B. Treatment is prescribed if the patient has manifestations characteristic of stage 4, but with the exception of cases when the level of CD4-lymphocytes is more than 350 CD4 / mm3.

Third stage

HAART is indicated if the CD4 count is less than 200 CD4/mm3 and the HIV RNA level is more than 100,000 copies, or the patient actively desires to start therapy.

Fourth stage

Treatment is prescribed if the level of CD4-lymphocytes is less than 350 CD4 / mm3 or the amount of HIV RNA is more than 100,000 copies.

Fifth stage

Treatment is always prescribed.

On a note

HAART is prescribed for children regardless of the stage of the disease.

These are the existing standards for the treatment of HIV infection today. But there have been recent studies showing that earlier initiation of HAART produces better results. Therefore, most likely, these recommendations will be revised soon.

Drugs used to treat HIV

• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors of the virus (Didanosine, Lamivudine, Zidovudine, Abakovir, Stavudine, Zalcitabine)
• Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (Nevirapine, Ifavirenz, Delavirdine)
• Viral protease (enzyme) inhibitors (Saquinavir, Indinavir, Nelfinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir)

However, a new drug will soon enter the market - quad, which promises to revolutionize the lives of those living with HIV. Since it works faster, it has fewer side effects. In addition, it solves the problem of HIV drug resistance. And patients no longer have to swallow handfuls of pills. Since the new drug combines the action of several drugs for the treatment of HIV infection, and is taken once a day.

Prevention of HIV infection

Perhaps there is no person who does not agree with this statement. It also applies to HIV/AIDS. Therefore, in most countries, various programs are being implemented to reduce the rate of spread of this infection.

However, we will talk about what everyone can do. After all, not much effort is needed to protect yourself and your loved ones from this plague.

HIV/AIDS prevention among people at higher risk

• The surest way is to have one sexual partner whose HIV status is known.

• Engage in casual sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal) only with the use of a condom. The most reliable are latex with standard lubrication.

But the likelihood of infection is still reduced to almost zero if the condom is used correctly: it is necessary to put it on before sexual intercourse, make sure that there is no air left between the latex and the penis (there is a risk of rupture), always use a condom according to the size.

Virtually all condoms made from other materials do not protect against HIV at all.

Intravenous drug use

Drug addiction and HIV often go hand in hand, so the most reliable way is to stop taking intravenous drugs.

However, if this path is still chosen, precautions must be taken:

• Individual and single use of sterile medical syringes
• Preparation of a solution for injection in a sterile individual container

• with a self-insemination kit (parterre HIV-negative)

• semen purification followed by insemination (both partners are HIV positive)

• in vitro fertilization

Taking medications:

• HAART (if necessary) for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes, depending on the gestational age
• multivitamins
• iron preparations and others

It is important to take all the necessary tests on time: determine the viral load, the level of CD4 cells, smears, and so on.

medical staff

At risk of infection if the activity is associated with penetration through natural barriers (skin, mucous membranes) and manipulations during which they come into contact with biological fluids.

Infection prevention

• use of protective equipment: goggles, gloves, mask and protective clothing

• promptly discard the used needle in a special non-piercing container

• contact with HIV-infected biological fluid - chemoprophylaxis - taking complex HAART according to the scheme

• contact with a suspected infected biological fluid:
  • skin damage (puncture or cut) - the blood does not need to be stopped for a few seconds, then treat the injury site with 700C alcohol

• contact with biological fluid on undamaged parts of the body - wash with running water and soap, then wipe with 700C alcohol

• contact with eyes - rinse with running water

• into the oral cavity - rinsing 700С with alcohol

• on clothes - remove it and soak it in one of the disinfectants (chloramine and others), and wipe the skin under it with 70% alcohol

• on shoes - twice wiping with a rag soaked in one of the disinfectants

• on walls, floors, tiles - pour disinfectant for 30 minutes, then wipe

How is HIV transmitted?

Methods of transmission of the virus

• Unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-infected person (heterosexual and homosexual contacts). Most often - in persons leading a promiscuous sex life. The risk increases with anal sex regardless of sexual orientation.

• When using intravenous drugs: sharing with an HIV-infected person a non-sterile syringe or utensils for preparing a solution.

• From an HIV-infected woman to a child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

• Upon contact of health workers with contaminated biological fluid: contact with mucous membranes, injections or cuts.

• Blood transfusion or organ transplant from HIV-infected people. Of course, testing of a donor organ or blood is carried out before medical manipulations. However, if it falls within the "window period", the test produces a false negative result.

Where can I donate blood for HIV?

You can donate blood for HIV infection for free in two types:

• Anonymously A person does not tell his name, but he is assigned a number by which you can find out the result (for many it is more comfortable).

• Confidential The laboratory staff becomes aware of the name and surname of the person, but they keep the medical secret.

• at any regional AIDS center

• in a city, regional or district polyclinic in anonymous and voluntary testing rooms, where blood is taken to detect HIV infection.

In addition, you can take an analysis at a private medical center, which is equipped with special equipment, but, most likely, for a fee.

Depending on the capabilities of the laboratory, the result can be obtained on the same day, after 2-3 days or after 2 weeks. Considering that for many people testing is stressful, it is better to clarify the dates in advance.

What to do if the HIV test is positive?

• course of the disease

• what research needs to be done

• how to live with this diagnosis

• what treatment to take if necessary and so on

Must be defined:

• CD4 cell level

• the presence of viral hepatitis (B, C, D)

• in some cases, the p-24 capsid antigen

How can you not get infected with HIV?

• when coughing or sneezing
• bites from insects or animals
• through shared cutlery and cutlery
• during medical examinations
• when swimming in a pool or pond
• in the sauna, steam room
• through a handshake, hug and kiss
• when using a shared toilet
• in public places

Who are HIV dissidents?

Their beliefs are based on:

• HIV has not been unequivocally and undeniably identified

In fact, there are plenty of photographs taken under an electron microscope.

• Patients die faster from treatment with antiviral drugs than from disease

  This is partly true, since the very first drugs did cause a large number of side effects. However, modern medicines are much more effective and safer. In addition, science does not stand still, inventing more effective and safer means.

• Considered a global conspiracy of pharmaceutical companies

  If this were the case, then the pharmaceutical companies would disseminate information not about the disease itself and its treatment, but about some kind of miraculous vaccine, which, by the way, does not exist to this day.

• AIDS is a disease of the immune system, not caused by a virus

  Like, it is a consequence of immunodeficiency, which developed as a result of stress, after strong radiation exposure, exposure to poison or strong drugs, and some other reasons.

  This can be contrasted with the fact that as soon as an HIV-infected patient begins to take HAART, his condition improves significantly.

  All these statements mislead patients, so they refuse about treatment. Whereas HAART, started in time, slows down the course of the disease, prolonging life and allowing HIV-infected people to be full-fledged members of society: work, give birth to healthy children, live in a normal rhythm, and so on. Therefore, it is so important to detect HIV in time, and, if necessary, start HAART.

26.10.2018

AIDS is a terrible disease of our time. It reveals various diseases that take place in the human body. Infections affect the internal organs, weakening the immune system. An accurate diagnosis can be determined by conducting laboratory tests. Doctors - specialists can say for sure whether there is HIV and AIDS in the body or not. But the symptoms, external manifestations are easy to determine on their own.

Symptoms of the disease

Changes in the general condition and appearance of the infected. For others, a sharp decrease in weight becomes noticeable, a sharp manifestation of weakness, a fever that manifests itself without any reason.

• Change in stool quality. Persistent diarrhea is a symptom of HIV and AIDS.
• The presence of skin diseases. Ulcers, unpleasant spots, purulent blisters are present on the skin. Warts appear on the body, which the patient cannot remove.
• Skin diseases of the legs. The fungus of the feet affects the nails, feet and completely lower limbs. Nails change their color, break, change shape.
• Increase in colds, pneumonia.
• The formation of incomprehensible tumors. The lymph nodes are enlarged. The tumor appears behind the ears, on the neck, under the chin, in the groin, under and above the collarbone.
• HIV and AIDS changes the behavior of an infected person due to effects on the brain. The patient cannot control his behavior, concentrate attention. The functionality of the memory is reduced. A person becomes unable to memorize a small simple poem.
• Mood change. A person with HIV/AIDS is most often in a bad state of mind, he is dissatisfied with himself and everything around him. All uncomplicated queries become top quality problems.

Any symptom can be considered a signal to see a doctor. Early detection of the stage of the disease is an opportunity to recover. A blood test, its complete analysis will give a diagnosis of the presence of HIV AIDS. Doctors will check the number of cells that saturate the immune system. They will check and be able to determine which disease has settled in the human body.

How to identify AIDS

A change in the level of immunity leads to the manifestation of various diseases. A weakened body cannot resist viruses, which in a healthy state can be easily dealt with even without medical treatment. The situation is changing. Any disease becomes terrible and dangerous.

The moment of infection and the moment of detection are sometimes separated by years, but these years do not pass without a trace for a weakened organism. An accurate diagnosis can be established with the help of laboratory tests, studies and verifications.

What is required to establish an accurate diagnosis:

• Detection of the presence of HIV and AIDS antibodies in the body.
• Determining the presence of RNA virus.
• An accurate count of the number of lymphocytes in the blood, the percentage of their deviation from the norm.

Advice to HIV-infected people about the first manifestations

Detection of HIV is a very complex process, it can take several years. The virus is detected in a positively infected HIV after determining the composition of blood components. You need to look closely at various manifestations of the disease, including feces. Prolonged diarrhea, causeless fever, frequent weakness, sudden weight loss can be symptoms of a terrible disease.

The human body ceases to resist disease. The first signs appear on the skin: spots, ulcers, warts. One of the diseases that affects a person is foot fungus.

• Decreased immunity leads to frequent colds.
• The appearance of diseases in the oral cavity: thrush.
• The tongue and inner surfaces of the cheeks are covered with white ulcers or plaques.
• Herpes prolapse on the face;
• An increase in the number of laryngitis;
• The gums begin to bleed, this is especially noticeable in the morning;
• Skin effusions of blood, a decrease in coagulability become noticeable.

Possibilities of disease transmission

A disease that has no analogues, complex in course and treatment, can be acquired in various ways:

• Sexual intercourse of any type: vaginal, oral, anal.
• Infection through the blood of an infected person (syringe, needle, transfusion, contact opened with wounds).
• Genital fluids. They are especially dangerous for babies during pregnancy.

Inability to get infected in the following cases:

• Simple contact;
• Being close to the patient, communicating with him.
• Exchanging hugs or crying together;
• Through salivation.

You need to know for sure: HIV and AIDS does not bring death. They die from other diseases that the virus allows into the body, and it, weakening, ceases to resist.

Investigation of the disease and search for the possibility of treatment

Medical sources cannot find drugs to treat and destroy the virus that has entered the human body. All experiments, experiments do not give results in the search for a remedy that can drive out the infection. Currently, there are only drugs that slow down the progress of the immune system.

The whole system of therapy is aimed at reducing viral cells. You can delay their development. Medicines help preserve lymphocytes, which support cell resistance to viruses and infections.

Doctors constantly continue to study the nature of HIV AIDS, hoping to find a solution to the problem, they either come close to it, announce the appearance of miraculous remedies, including those made at home, then again roll back far, recognizing the victory of painful viruses over the works of medical geniuses. It can be considered that the main step in the prevention of the disease is the prevention of the receipt of the virus through unknown sexual relations and dirty syringes.

Stages of infection development

In 1989, V.I. Pokrovsky developed a classification of development and divided the course of the disease into stages.

1. Stage of incubatory manifestation. The settlement of the virus in the body, its reaction to the external manifestation. The duration of the period is not defined, it is individual in each case, it is not repeated and is not analyzed. We can only surmise its duration, it is impossible to determine exactly.
2. Primary signs of lymphadenopathy. The form of manifestation of symptoms is febrile, acute, asymptomatic.
3. latent stage. The time of destruction of lymphocytes by the virus. It can last from 2 years to 20 years. It all depends on the body's resistance, the level of its internal security, strength.
4. Stage of the terminal outcome. The disease wins, the body ceases to defend itself, and all secondary infections become incurable.
5. The stage of active manifestation of adverse diseases. The stage of a bright manifestation of signs of HIV AIDS.

• weight reduction;
• Deterioration of the nervous system;
• Rise in infectious diseases;
• Skin manifestations of infections and viruses;
• Damage to the mucous membranes and respiratory organs.

Manifestations of the disease

Signs of HIV become noticeable from the second stage of the disease. They are characterized by an acute form, feverish course, incomprehensible sharp symptoms.

• joint pain, headaches, throat infections;
• Pain in the eyes, change in vision;
• Increased lymph nodes in the neck, groin, armpits;
• Intoxication: gag reflex, diarrhea;
• Constantly elevated body temperature - 37.5;
• Decrease in weight: abrupt and independent of food intake;
• Ulcerative manifestations on the skin;
• Heavy sensations in bright light, desire for semi-darkness.

It is necessary to be attentive to health, the disease can be avoided or detected in time.

The words “you are HIV-positive” deal a crushing blow to the psyche of any person. The worst thing is that the diagnosis is made after the immune system is destroyed, and the disease has passed into the stage of immunodeficiency. The incubation period, when the infection "sleeps", can last from three months to several years (rare). Analyzes during these periods do not give any results, and a person feels an imaginary calm, spreading a dangerous virus, without even knowing it. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this insidious disease; sooner or later, HIV infection leads to AIDS and then to death. To prolong life, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible, as soon as the virus is detected.

Ways of transmission of the virus:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse, especially anal;
• Raw medical instruments;
• used syringes;
• Blood transfusion;
• Medicinal leeches (if they are used repeatedly);
• Tattoos, visits to cosmetic centers with a dubious reputation;
• Use of foreign objects - tweezers, scissors, razor, toothbrush;
• Infection through the milk of a nursing mother or infection of the fetus in the womb through maternal blood.

You should not sound the alarm and run away from a sick person when you meet, wherever your eyes look. You can calmly communicate, because the disease is not transmitted through the air, hugs or kisses. The virus is found only in blood cells, male sperm and breast milk. Also, do not hide all the dishes in the house. HIV is not transmitted through mosquito bites, banknotes or water.

How to detect HIV infection, symptoms

In the early stages in the incubation period (3-5 months), a person periodically feels a slight trembling of the body, lethargy, apathy, weakness. Exactly the same symptoms have a seasonal cold or autumn beriberi. Then comes the subclinical period - the absence of all symptoms. After a while, a crisis (PreSpeed) sets in - the body is not able to kill pathogenic microbes, any little thing - a light breeze, cold water, can disable the body and literally knock it down.

Weakness does not go away even after a long sleep, and during the day you want to sit down, take a nap for at least a couple of minutes. You are increasingly refusing to communicate and active entertainment - there is simply not enough strength for this. If before there were no complaints about appetite, now food is less and less interesting. Sometimes bouts of unreasonable heat come on, throws you into a cold sweat. At night, the body becomes literally wet with sweat, headaches annoy. When probing with your fingers, you can notice enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Throat diseases such as tonsillitis are becoming a frequent occurrence. Small red dots appear on the skin (allergic rash), stomach problems, loose stools. Tablets for diarrhea do not have any effect.

Sometimes the symptoms appear in a more vivid form (usually in the last stages):

• Skin fungus on the legs (mycosis), abscesses on the body, herpes, lichen, extensive candidiasis of the oral cavity, stomatitis;
• Purple skin tone is an extreme degree of infection;
• The temperature stays at around 37-38 degrees for a month;
• In women, vaginal discharge in the form of persistent thrush, painful menstruation;
• Great weight loss;
• distraction, forgetfulness;
• Vomit;
• Pneumonia.

HIV in children can only be detected at 3 years of age. Symptoms - developmental delay, growth, disproportionate head and hands, thinness, frequent colds, fraught with serious complications.

The combination of several or all factors indicates the course of the disease in an exacerbated form. It was at this time that a person begins to worry about his health, takes tests and receives a disappointing diagnosis. You can live with HIV for ten, fifteen, twenty years. But if the last stage comes - AIDS, the days are numbered to a couple of months. Sometimes the infection goes through all stages very quickly, including PreAIDS, which is maintained with the help of drugs for many years. The danger of a rapid flow threatens drug addicts and newborn children, whose metabolic processes are accelerated several times.

Test check at home

If you suspect you have HIV infection, you can get an inexpensive test from a pharmacy. To carry out the test, it is necessary to collect a small amount of saliva and soak a strip on which a special reagent is applied. The result, as in the case of determining pregnancy - two strips, which means it is positive. The reliability of the test is high - 99 percent.

There are similar blood tests, with a 100 percent result. Having made a puncture with a needle on your finger, you drip a small amount of blood onto a special glass in the window and wait for the result. Two lines are positive, one is negative.

After a test check, if in doubt, you must contact the clinic and take blood tests from a vein. Such analyzes are carried out anonymously, the results are issued under an individual number.

Life with HIV infection is possible, the main thing is not to panic and take care of your health.

How to determine outwardly by a person whether he has AIDS or not?

Oh, if it were easy to determine whether a person is outwardly ill, this problem would not threaten humanity. The saddest thing is that after inception, a week or two in a person, small signs appear in the form of a chill temperature, after which a latent phase begins, which can last 10 years. The number of HIV symptoms in men does not differ significantly from the number of HIV symptoms in women.

One of the hallmarks is a rash. As a rule, these are areas of colorless skin. It usually appears within one week to one month after infection.

Other signs include loss of appetite and fatigue. One of the most striking symptoms is an increase in lymph nodes in the groin, on the neck and under the arms. They gradually become swollen and hard. You should be attentive to this particular symptom, because it is easy to miss it: the lymph nodes do not give any pain signals and do not cause any discomfort. It should be noted that swollen lymph nodes are present not only in HIV, but also in other diseases.

Signs of HIV in women include pelvic infections. Unfortunately, women do not always have symptoms of HIV infection.

As HIV progresses, women can also experience symptoms such as white or any other suspicious spots in the mouth, frequent bouts of fever, which include heavy night sweats, as in men, swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the groin, armpits or neck, constant fatigue, and decreased appetite and diarrhea.

Men and women have many similar signs of HIV infection. There are only minor differences. Although the detection of AIDS in women is easier, because there are clearer signs than in men.

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How to determine outwardly by a person whether he has AIDS or not?

It is impossible to say 100% about the presence of AIDS by the appearance of a person. However, there are still a number of signs indicating that a person has such a serious disease.

AIDS greatly changes the appearance of the patient. Watch the person. Some of the main signs of AIDS infection are:

Unreasonable bouts of fever;
- drastic weight loss
- constant fatigue and malaise;
- frequent diarrhea.

Pay attention to the human skin. Very often, in people infected with AIDS, spots, ulcers, warts, and numerous blisters appear on the surface of the skin. Also often with AIDS, patients suffer from fungal diseases, the nails acquire a pronounced yellow color and exfoliate.

When the brain is damaged by AIDS, the patient's bad mood stabilizes, memory worsens, movements become awkward. At the last stage of the disease, the patient becomes unable to perform the simplest actions.

If you notice the above symptoms in a person, then immediately send him to a doctor. It will be possible to establish the disease only after laboratory tests.

★★★★★★★★★★

You can't tell if a person has AIDS by looking at them.

Even special analyzes can be wrong.
First, HIV infection itself can be asymptomatic for many years. And people can look healthy.
Secondly, at the stage of development of the AIDS disease (the final stage of HIV infection), a person falls ill with many other diseases (in fact, he eventually dies from them). And the person will look according to these diagnoses. If the person is coughing, thin, pale, you can certainly suspect asthma, tuberculosis, or pneumonia. But to distinguish independent pneumonia from AIDS-induced pneumonia is unrealistic.
Thirdly, even if we take the external signs of the disease, then these will simply be signs of illness and poor health. And to determine outwardly whether it is AIDS, or cancer, or tuberculosis, or hepatitis, or another disease, or a whole complex, will not work.

By external signs, you can sometimes determine that a person is sick. But it is unrealistic to determine for sure that this is AIDS (or another disease).