HIV and AIDS: Origins, symptoms, treatments, and additional information
In the year 2024, it was estimated that approximately 40.8 million people worldwide were living with HIV, marking a significant reduction in new HIV infections since 2010. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were about 1.3 million new HIV infections in 2024, and around 630,000 deaths from HIV-related causes.
The WHO African Region continues to be the hardest hit, with approximately two-thirds of the global total of people living with HIV (PLHIV) residing there. Women and girls constitute 53% of all PLHIV globally.
While updated 2024-2025 statistics for the United States are not explicitly provided, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) typically reports detailed annual data, showing a much lower national prevalence and new infection rate relative to global figures.
In terms of global statistics, the prevalence of HIV among adults aged 15–49 was roughly 0.7% in 2024. It's important to note that approximately one-third of people with HIV do not know they have it.
HIV is a highly stigmatized disease, often shrouded in misconceptions. It's crucial to address these stigmas to ensure those affected feel supported and included. Intravenous drug use is a key means of HIV transmission, and sharing needles and other drug equipment can expose a person to HIV and other viruses, such as hepatitis C.
There is no evidence that complementary, alternative, or herbal remedies are effective in treating HIV. However, certain mineral or vitamin supplements may benefit health in other ways. It's always advisable to discuss these with a qualified healthcare professional before taking any.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to severe complications and develop into stage 3 HIV, which is life-threatening. Treating HIV involves taking antiretroviral medications that fight the infection and slow the spread of the virus. These treatments are lifelong, but medications are becoming increasingly effective and may require a person only taking one pill per day.
Prevention methods such as using barrier protection and PrEP can drastically reduce a person's chances of contracting HIV and other STIs. Speaking with a mental health professional or a trusted doctor can help manage feelings of anxiety or depression that may arise from an HIV diagnosis.
There are three types of HIV tests: nucleic acid tests (NAT), antigen/antibody tests, and rapid and self-tests. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk of contracting HIV can have a rapid test. If the test results are negative, the test provider usually recommends having another test within a few weeks.
If a person thinks they have had exposure to HIV within the past 72 hours, they should talk with a healthcare professional about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Treating HIV early can significantly improve outcomes.
Despite the challenges posed by HIV, progress has been made in reducing new infections and deaths. Regularly checking in with a healthcare team can ensure that a person's treatment aligns with their age and any other health issues.
Anyone in the United States who suspects recent HIV exposure can find their nearest testing facility here. It's essential to remember that with proper treatment and care, many people who take HIV treatments live long, healthy lives.
- In addition to HIV, other medical-conditions such as hepatitis, arthritis, Alzheimer's, dermatitis, asthma, and psoriatic arthritis also pose significant health challenges worldwide.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) often reports on the global prevalence of various health-and-wellness issues like HIV, including diseases like hepatitis, Alzheimer's, and dermatitis.
- Science and medical advancements are crucial in predicting and managing the progression of health-related conditions, such as HIV, HIV-related macular degeneration, and atopic dermatitis.
- AQ, a newly developed clean water technology, is instrumental in preventing the spread of waterborne diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
- Dry skin conditions like eczema (dermatitis) can occur in people with HIV, exacerbating their overall health condition.
- In HIV-positive individuals, the risk of developing HIV-associated cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease is higher than in the general population.
- The HIV epidemic has shown a significant decrease in new infections since 2010, but other diseases like bipolar disorder and aids-related complex (ARC) continue to pose challenges.
- Along with HIV, sexual health issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes and syphilis have gained increasing attention within the global health-and-wellness community.
- Advances in medical science have improved treatments for numerous conditions, including HIV-related degeneration, ARC, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as consuming a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise, can benefit those living with health conditions like HIV, asthma, and atopic eczema.
