HIV is a virus that has changed the way we think about health and relationships. For many years, it has carried fear, stigma, and confusion.
Even though treatment has advanced and people with HIV can now live long, healthy lives, a lot of myths still surround it.
So, what exactly is HIV, and how does it affect the body? Let’s break it down.
Causes / What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the body’s defense system, specifically the CD4 cells (T-cells) that help fight infections.
Over time, if untreated, HIV weakens the immune system so much that the body becomes vulnerable to infections and certain cancers.
Key points to understand about HIV:
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It is caused by a virus, not by witchcraft, curses, or sharing food with someone living with HIV.
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Once HIV enters the body, it begins to multiply and gradually reduces the number of CD4 cells, weakening immunity.
In simple terms, HIV doesn’t kill directly; it breaks down the immune system, leaving the body exposed to other “opportunistic” infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and even some cancers.
How HIV Spreads
HIV is found in certain body fluids, and it can only spread when these fluids from a person living with HIV enter another person’s body.
These fluids include: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk
Main ways HIV spreads:
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Unprotected sex (vaginal or anal) with someone who has HIV.
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Sharing needles or syringes, often during drug use, tattoos, or unsafe medical practices.
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Blood transfusions or organ transplants, if proper screening isn’t done (less common today due to improved safety measures).
HIV does not spread through:
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Hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
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Sharing toilets, utensils, or food.
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Mosquito bites, sweat, or tears.
HIV only spreads through specific body fluids, not through casual contact or everyday interactions.
Symptoms / Stages of HIV Infection
HIV doesn’t look the same in everyone. Some people may notice signs within weeks of infection, while others may not have obvious symptoms for years.
What’s important to know is that the virus keeps working silently in the body even when you feel fine.
1. Early stage (Acute HIV infection)
This happens 2–6 weeks after the virus enters the body. It often feels like malaria or the flu.
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Fever
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Skin rash
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Sore throat
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Headache or muscle pain
2. Quiet stage (Clinical latency)
At this point, HIV is still present but works more slowly. Many people feel fine and may not suspect anything, but the virus is quietly weakening the immune system.
3. Advanced stage (AIDS)
This is the stage where the immune system is badly damaged and the body struggles to fight infections. Signs may include:
Risk Factors
Anyone can get HIV, but certain situations and behaviours increase the chances of infection.
In Nigeria and many other countries, these risks are often linked to lifestyle choices, access to healthcare, and social issues.
Major risk factors include:
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Having unprotected sex (especially with multiple partners)
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Living with another untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis or gonorrhoea
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Sharing needles, syringes, or other sharp objects
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Receiving unscreened blood transfusions or unsafe medical procedures
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Being born to or breastfed by a mother who is HIV-positive without preventive care
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Limited access to HIV testing and treatment
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Social stigma that prevents people from seeking help or using protection
The higher the exposure to unprotected sex, unsafe medical practices, or untreated HIV, the higher the risk.
Prevention & Control Measures
The good news is that HIV can be prevented. With the right steps, the risk of infection can be greatly reduced.
Treatment has also advanced, meaning people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives if they get care early.
Ways to prevent and control HIV include:
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Use condoms consistently and correctly during sex.
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Get tested regularly and know your partner’s status.
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Start and stay on antiretroviral therapy (ART) if diagnosed, it lowers the viral load to undetectable levels, making it almost impossible to transmit the virus (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
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Prevent mother-to-child transmission with proper care during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
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Avoid sharing needles or sharp objects such as razors, clippers, or syringes.
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Ensure safe blood transfusions and medical practices by using only blood that has been screened.
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Educate and reduce stigma so more people feel safe to test and seek treatment.
In short: prevention works, and treatment saves lives. The earlier you know your status, the better the outcome will be.
Final Thoughts
HIV remains a reality that touches families, communities, and healthcare systems every day.
The more openly we talk about it, the easier it becomes to clear up myths, encourage testing, and support those living with the virus. Knowledge is not just power here, it’s protection.
What are your thoughts? Do you feel people around you have enough correct information about HIV, or is misinformation still a big problem?
Let’s talk about it.
Researched by Victoria Odueso
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