HIV doesn’t make a person sick right away instead, it slowly breaks down the immune system from within. On World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to awareness and stigma-free conversations, a clear understanding of how the virus behaves in the body becomes crucial.
Speaking with Moneycontrol, Dr. Swapnil Gautam, Infectious Disease Physician, Bombay Hospital, Mumbai, explained the stages of HIV infection and why early testing and treatment can fundamentally change long-term health outcomes.
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What HIV does inside the body?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, particularly the CD4+ T-cells, which help the body fight infections. Once the virus enters the bloodstream, it binds to these cells, merges with them, and inserts its genetic material inside.
“HIV essentially hijacks the cell and forces it to produce more copies of itself. When the CD4 cell collapses, it releases thousands of new virus particles,” Dr. Gautam told Moneycontrol.
Within two to six weeks of exposure, individuals may experience flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands which is a period known as acute infection. During this stage, viral load rises sharply while CD4 counts drop.
Afterward, the virus enters a chronic phase, where a person may feel completely healthy for years. But inside the body, HIV continues damaging the immune system.
“People often don’t realise their body is under strain until opportunistic infections appear,” Dr. Gautam said.
During this stage, CD4 cells die faster than the body can replace them. If untreated, HIV progresses to AIDS, the most advanced stage of infection. Everyday illnesses become dangerous with tuberculosis, pneumonia, fungal infections, and even certain cancers can take hold because the immune system can no longer defend itself.
How does the treatment work?
According to Dr. Gautam, antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed the outlook for people living with HIV. “ART stops the virus from multiplying and allows the immune system to rebuild,” he said.
When taken regularly, ART can suppress HIV to undetectable levels, which means it cannot be sexually transmitted. With rising CD4 counts, individuals can lead long, healthy lives. HIV becomes a manageable chronic condition, not an inevitable decline.
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“The more we understand what happens inside the body, the better we can fight stigma, encourage testing, and ensure dignity and proper care for everyone living with HIV,” Dr. Gautam added.
Disclaimer: This article contains general health information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
