HIV symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may depend on the stage of the infection. Many people with HIV may not experience any symptoms for years after becoming infected. However, some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms shortly after infection, which typically resolve within a few weeks. Here are the common symptoms associated with HIV:

Early Symptoms (Acute HIV Infection):

Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Rash: Red, blotchy rash that may appear on the body, often on the chest, back, arms, or legs.
Sore throat: Pain or discomfort in the throat.
Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin.
Asymptomatic Stage (Clinical Latency):

Many people with HIV may not experience any symptoms during this stage, which can last for years.

Advanced HIV (AIDS):

Chronic symptoms: Persistent fever, fatigue, diarrhoea, and weight loss.
Opportunistic infections: Infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system, such as tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, candidiasis (thrush), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
Neurological symptoms: Cognitive impairment, memory loss, and neurological disorders.
Skin problems: Skin rashes, sores, and lesions.

It's important to note that HIV symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses, and not everyone with HIV will experience symptoms, especially in the early stages. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. If you experience any symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to HIV, it's important to see a healthcare provider for testing and, if necessary, treatment and support. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage HIV and prevent the virus impacting on your body and passing it to another person. 

HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids that contain high concentrations of the virus. Here are the main ways HIV can be spread:

Sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through condomless vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. The virus can enter the body through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. Condomless receptive anal sex carries the highest risk of transmission, followed by receptive vaginal sex and insertive anal or vaginal sex. Using condoms consistently and correctly can greatly reduce the risk of HIV transmission during sexual activity.

Sharing needles or syringes: HIV can be transmitted through sharing needles or syringes contaminated with infected blood. This can occur during injection drug use, tattooing, body piercing, or medical procedures where equipment is not properly sterilised. Using sterile needles and syringes and avoiding sharing injection equipment are crucial for preventing HIV transmission among people who inject drugs.

Mother-to-child transmission: HIV can be passed from an HIV-positive mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, with proper medical care and treatment during pregnancy and childbirth, the risk of mother-to-child transmission can be significantly reduced. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) taken by the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lower the amount of virus in her blood and decrease the risk of transmission to the baby.

It's important to note that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, sharing food or drinks, or through mosquito bites. HIV is a fragile virus that does not survive long outside the body, and it cannot be transmitted through activities like shaking hands or using the same toilet seat as someone with HIV.

Preventing HIV transmission involves implementing a combination of strategies to reduce the risk of infection. Here are key prevention methods:

Use condoms consistently and correctly: Condoms provide a barrier that can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Using condoms consistently and correctly with each sexual encounter, from start to finish, is crucial for preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Get tested and know your partner's HIV status: Regular HIV testing, along with testing for other STIs, is important for early detection and treatment. Knowing your HIV status and that of your sexual partners allows for informed decisions about sexual health and risk reduction.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP involves taking a daily pill (usually a combination of two antiretroviral medications) to prevent HIV transmission. PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed and is recommended for individuals who may come into contact with the HIV virus on regular occasion.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): PEP involves taking antiretroviral medications within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection. PEP is recommended for individuals who may have been exposed to HIV through condomless sex and in some cases of needle stick injuries or other occupational or non-occupational exposures.

Use sterile needles and syringes: People who inject drugs should use sterile needles and syringes and avoid sharing injection equipment to prevent HIV transmission. Clean needles can be accessed from needle exchanges. 

Access to comprehensive sexual health education and services: Comprehensive sexual health education empowers individuals with knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment. Access to HIV testing, counselling, and support services is essential for early detection, linkage to care, and ongoing management of HIV.

By incorporating these prevention strategies into your sexual health practices, you can reduce the risk of HIV transmission and protect yourself and your sexual partners from transmission. 

HIV is typically treated with a combination of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of HIV medications to suppress the virus and reduce its ability to replicate in the body. Here are the key aspects of HIV treatment:

Antiretroviral therapy (ART): ART is the cornerstone of HIV treatment and involves taking a combination of three or more antiretroviral medications from different drug classes. These medications work by targeting different stages of the HIV life cycle, preventing the virus from multiplying and damaging the immune system. ART can significantly reduce the amount of virus in the blood (viral load) to undetectable levels, allowing the immune system to recover and preventing the progression of HIV to AIDS.

Initiating treatment: Treatment with ART is recommended for all individuals living with HIV, regardless of CD4 count or viral load. Starting treatment as soon as possible after HIV diagnosis is crucial for preventing HIV-related complications, reducing the risk of transmission to others, and improving long-term health outcomes.

Adherence to medication: Adhering to ART is essential for its effectiveness in suppressing the virus and maintaining long-term viral suppression. Taking medications as prescribed, following dosing schedules, and attending regular healthcare appointments are important for achieving and sustaining viral suppression.

Monitoring and follow-up: Regular monitoring of HIV viral load and CD4 count, as well as other laboratory tests, is essential for assessing treatment effectiveness and detecting any signs of treatment failure or drug resistance. Healthcare providers will also monitor for potential side effects of ART and provide appropriate management and support.

Lifestyle considerations: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress, can help support overall health and well-being for people living with HIV.

Overall, HIV treatment with ART is highly effective in suppressing the virus, improving immune function, and prolonging life expectancy for people living with HIV. With timely diagnosis, access to treatment, and ongoing support, individuals living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives.