By: Ann K. Avery, MD, Infectious Disease Physician at MetroHealth Medical Center
Getting an HIV diagnosis can feel scary at first—but the truth is, we’ve come a long way with treatment and support. 💪 And when you understand what’s happening in your body, it helps take the mystery (and fear!) out of it.
Let’s break down the stages of HIV—what they are, how they feel, and most importantly, how you can take control at every step.
Stage 1: Acute HIV infection
This is the first stage, and it usually shows up 2 to 4 weeks after someone gets HIV. It’s when the virus is multiplying in the body, and a lot of people don’t even know they have it yet. Some feel like they have the flu—fever, sore throat, night sweats, swollen glands, or a rash. 🤒
The tricky part? These symptoms go away on their own (more on that below), so people might not realize they have HIV. That’s why getting tested regularly is so important.
👉 How treatment helps: Starting HIV treatment (ART) during this stage helps stop the virus early. It can lower the amount of virus in your body (called viral load) fast—and help your immune system stay strong from the very beginning.
Stage 2: Chronic HIV (also called asymptomatic)
Here’s where things slow down. In the second stage of HIV, people often feel totally normal—no symptoms, no major changes. But even though it’s called “asymptomatic,” the virus is still there.
This stage can last for years. But there’s good news: with treatment (called ART, or antiretroviral therapy), you can stop the virus from spreading and protect your immune system. 🛡️
👉 How treatment helps: ART keeps your viral load so low that it can’t hurt your body—and even becomes undetectable. That means you can live a long, healthy life and not pass HIV to your partners. Yep, really! That’s the power of “U=U” (undetectable = untransmittable). ❤️
Stage 3: AIDS (advanced HIV)
If someone doesn’t get treatment, HIV can reach this third stage: AIDS. This is when the immune system is very weak, and the body can’t fight off infections the way it should. People with AIDS may lose weight quickly, feel tired all the time, or get sick more often.
But here’s the amazing part: getting HIV doesn’t mean you’ll ever reach this stage. ART can keep the virus under control for a lifetime. And if you do reach this stage, starting treatment can still help you bounce back. 💊
👉 How treatment helps: If you start ART—even at this stage—you can still turn things around. The meds help your body get stronger again, and many people living with AIDS go back to living full lives once treatment kicks in. Doctors sometimes have people with AIDS take an antibiotic in addition to ART for a little while, too, and this is normal.
Taking charge at every stage
No matter which of the stages of HIV you’re in, you’ve got options. 💯 Treatment is available, support is out there, and living a full, happy life with HIV is absolutely possible.
Here’s what you can do:
- 📅 Get tested regularly (even if you feel fine!)
- 💊 If you’re positive, start treatment right away and stick to it
- ❤️ Talk to your doctor and ask questions—it’s your body!
- 🧘♀️ Take care of your mental health, too. Living with HIV can be emotional, and that’s okay.
Why learning about the stages of HIV matters
Understanding the stages of HIV?helps you stay ahead of the game. It gives you the power to:
- Catch it early
- Get on treatment sooner
- Stay healthy longer
- Feel more confident talking with doctors, friends, and partners 🗣️
It also helps fight stigma. When more people learn the facts, we can change how the world sees HIV—and how people living with HIV see themselves. 🌍
You’re not alone in this
Whether you were just diagnosed, or you’ve been living with HIV for years, there’s a whole community out there ready to support you. Positive Peers is one of those places.
The Positive Peers app is a safe, private space to connect with others, find real-life advice, and learn more about living well with HIV. 💜 Whether you want tips on treatment, love, or just need someone who gets it, we’re here for you.
📲 Download the Positive Peers app today and take the next step in owning your journey.