HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Because it is a virus, HIV is not curable. However, treatment is available to help manage HIV and prevent it from progressing.

Symptoms and Stages of HIV

Most individuals have flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks. Having these symptoms alone does not mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms. However, some individuals have no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. It is important to note that HIV can be transmitted in all stages of the disease.

Stages of HIV include:

Stage 1– Acute HIV Infection

Early stages of HIV may have flu-like symptoms, but not everyone has symptoms. Fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headache, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss are all symptoms that can be experienced.

Stage 2– Chronic HIV Infection

This stage may be asymptomatic, but HIV is still active and continues to reproduce in the body. Individuals who take HIV treatment may never move into stage 3.

Stage 3– Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

This is the most dangerous stage of HIV infection. AIDS damages the body’s immune system and patients can develop an increasing number of severe illnesses called opportunistic infections. AIDS is diagnosed when CD4 cells or T cells drop below 200 cells/mm. CD4 cells are cells that assist T cells with immunity and helps the body fight off infections. Individuals with AIDS may have a high viral count and be highly infectious. Without treatment, the life expectancy for AIDS patients is about 3 years.

HIV treatment can slow or prevent progression of the disease. In the US, most individuals with HIV do not develop AIDS. HIV medications are available to help stop the progression of the disease.

HIV Testing, Treatment, & Cost

Antibodies are produced by your immune system when you are exposed to viruses like HIV. A blood test can detect these antibodies 23-90 days after exposure. Antigens are foreign substances that cause your immune system to activate.

At Phoenix Women’s Clinic, the cost of the HIV test includes the office visit of $35, plus a lab fee of $15. There are no additional fees unless you would like to add additional labs. We offer a $90 STD/ STI panel package which includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV and Syphilis including the exam.

Make an Appointment for testing here.