What is the duration of HIV?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

HIV lasts for a lifetime. If untreated, HIV infection will likely progress to AIDS after a period of time, usually eight to ten years. Proper treatment followed strictly can postpone the advance of the disease for years or even decades, and improve the quality of life for those living with the virus.

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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a chronic but manageable condition—while there is no cure for an HIV infection, there are medications that can s...

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

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Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine

In several studies of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), people who took the medications consistently ...

Charlie Sheen on HIV: “Why I Need Support”

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

HIV and AIDS

HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, slowly destroys the body’s immune system and causes AIDS if not treated. It can be spread through unprotected sex and sexual contact, contaminated blood transfusions, contaminated needles and syringes, and through breastfeeding or transferred at birth from a mother to her child.

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