Module 2 Discussion HIV
The three stages of HIV infection are acute HIV infection, chronic HIV infection, and
AIDs. The acute HIV infection occurs 204 weeks after initial exposure, the viral load is very
high during this stage, and the CD4 count drops significantly. Symptoms of this stage include
flu, and the virus is highly contagious during this stage (Morgan, 2023). The second stage is
the chronic stage, also called clinical latency, and it can last for many years, with a very low
undetectable viral load if the patient takes antiretroviral therapy (ART) and CD4 counts are
stabilized. However, they may be lower than the normal range. The final stage is AIDs,
where the CD4 count is below 200 cells/mm³, and the viral load has increased drastically.
During this stage, the immune system is severely compromised, and the individual is more
prone to opportunistic infections (Morgan, 2025).
One of the common opportunistic infections associated with HIV is tuberculosis. HIV
infected persons are more susceptible to tuberculosis due to their weakened immune system,
which cannot withstand the bacteria that cause it. TB affects various body organs, such as the
lungs, where the bacteria are highly concentrated. The disease is airborne, and if left
untreated, it can lead to severe complications and death (NIH, 2021).
References
Morgan, K. K. (2023, May 20). Stages of HIV. WebMD.
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NIH. (2021, August 16). What is an Opportunistic Infection? [Link].
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