Question

When does treatment of HIV typically begin? What is the body's initial reaction to the HIV virus?

a) Upon diagnosis; the body may exhibit flu-like symptoms
b) After the virus has progressed; the body starts producing antibodies
c) During the asymptomatic stage; the virus is actively replicating
d) At the onset of symptoms; the body recognizes and fights the virus

Answer 1

HIV treatment begins upon diagnosis, and the body's initial reaction to the HIV virus includes flu-like symptoms. Acute HIV infection is confirmed through specialized tests, and antiretroviral therapy is initiated to manage the virus and extend the latency period.

Step-by-step explanation:

Treatment of HIV typically begins upon diagnosis; during this time, the body may exhibit flu-like symptoms. Two to four weeks after infection, acute HIV infection can occur, presenting flu-like symptoms which can last a few weeks. The body is very contagious at this acute stage and requires fourth-generation antibody-antigen tests or nucleic acid tests (NAT) for confirmation. As the infection progresses to clinical latency, HIV becomes dormant, though still active at low levels. During seroconversion, anti-HIV antibodies increase, but the virus levels decline, although this antibody response can't control the disease long-term. Prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy can prolong the clinical latency stage and reduce the transmission risks.