The first phase of infection is often referred to as “flu-like syndrome”. Its appearance should be expected within a month of infection. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and headache.

Also found at this stage are weight loss, some persistent fatigue, diarrhea, appetite and night sweats. After an acute period, many people may go through an asymptomatic period lasting several years.

If HIV is left untreated, it makes the immune system weak over time. This course creates certain diseases and complications that are characteristic of AIDS. Symptoms may include chronic or recurrent infectious diseases – pneumonia, tuberculosis and opportunistic infection, lymphoma.

Diagnosis at MDI Clinic

A test known as ELISA (enzyme-immune linkage test) determines the amount of antibodies to the infection. Appearance of antibodies is possible after 2-3 weeks. However, this test can sometimes be a false positive, so it is usually confirmed by other methods.

The test, known as IFA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or immunochemiluminescent assay (IHLA), not only tells you about antibodies but also antigens (proteins). It is more sensitive and easier to detect in the initial stage of the disease.

Polymerase chain reaction and DNA tests are used to confirm infection after antibody results are obtained.

These tests measure the ratio of viruses to virus particles in the blood. They were used to assess viral activity and the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The lower the impact of the viral load, the more successful the treatment is considered to be.