Can individuals with HIV develop AIDS?

Question

Hi doctor,

One of my relatives is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive. He says that it is functional and the virus is not affecting him in any way, and he will not transmit the infection to anyone. As per him, he does not require the antiviral medicine either but is taking it as he is extra cautious. Please help me; how can I be sure of his claims as truth in this relationship is very important for me? Also, can you please let me know the prognosis of this disease. As per him, he will live a normal life and there is no threat of developing AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) as he is a special case. Please let me know if this is true and how it can be proved.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There is nothing like functional HIV infection. Confirm whether he has HIV 1 or 2 because HIV 2 is less infectious and less violent than HIV 1.

If he is infected with HIV-1, then he will be a slow progressor or a rapid progressor. If he is rapid, then he will have a low CD4 (cluster of differential 4) count below 350 by two years, and if he is a slow progressor, then it will take four to five years but is inevitable to land in AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if he will not take medicines.

Get his viral load and CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) report to know the current status to assess his claims.

Prognosis is very good at the current age owing to very good use of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) medication. They can live a normal life with medicine.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.