Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV/AIDS weakens your ability to fight infections. It is contracted through unprotected sex or needle sharing with an infected person.
Overview and Symptoms
Within a few weeks after infection, human immunodeficiency virus can cause short-lived flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat and fatigue. After these initial symptoms, HIV typically does not cause any specific symptoms until the disease progresses to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Symptoms of AIDS include weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, frequent infections such as sores, persistent diarrhea or pneumonia.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, although medications known as anti-retroviral regimens (ARVs) can dramatically slow the progression of symptoms.
Division of Infectious Diseases
The Division of Infectious Diseases provides world-class consultative services to HIV/AIDS patients, both routinely as well as in emergencies. As our patient, you will have access to the best treatment as well as new therapies through our research and clinical trials — if you choose to participate in a trial.