How does HIV start?

HIV infection in humans came from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. The chimpanzee version of the virus (called simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV) was probably passed to humans when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came in contact with their infected blood.

What are the 4 stages of HIV?

Stages of HIV Infection
  • Stages of Infection – (assuming no treatment) …
  • Stage 1: Infection. …
  • Stage 2: Asymptomatic. …
  • Stage 3: Symptomatic. …
  • Stage 4: AIDS/Progression of HIV to AIDS.

Can you have HIV for 20 years and not know?

Most people experience a short flu-like illness 2 to 6 weeks after HIV infection, which lasts for a week or 2. After these symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any symptoms for many years, although the virus continues to damage your immune system. This means many people with HIV do not know they’re infected.

What happens to your body when you are HIV positive?

HIV is a viral infection. It targets and gradually weakens the body’s immune system by damaging cells called CD4 T cells. This damage means that, over time, the body becomes less able to fight off other infections. If the immune system becomes impaired enough, infections that are typically mild can be life threatening.