4. AIDS (Advanced HIV Infection)
The final stage, AIDS, occurs when the CD4 count drops very low and the immune system is severely damaged. The body becomes vulnerable to serious “opportunistic” infections and certain cancers that a healthy immune system would typically fight off.
Possible symptoms of AIDS can include:
– Persistent, unexplained fever
– Chills and night sweats
– Chronic diarrhea
– Swollen lymph nodes that don’t go away
– White patches or unusual lesions in the mouth
– Severe fatigue and weakness
– Rapid, unexplained weight loss
– Skin rashes, lesions, or bumps
– Recurrent or severe infections (such as certain types of pneumonia, TB, or fungal infections)
With today’s treatments, most people who are diagnosed early and stay on ART never progress to AIDS. Regular testing, early diagnosis, and consistent treatment are the key reasons why.
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