Primary HIV infection is the first stage of HIV disease, when the virus first establishes itself in the body. Some researchers use the term acute HIV infection to describe the period of time between when a person is first infected with HIV and when the body produces antibodies against the virus (usually 6-12 weeks). Within the first 72 hours after exposure,...

HIV is a continuum. Most of us are used to thinking of disease in very simple terms: if you feel sick, you are sick; if you feel healthy, you are healthy. However, because HIV may be causing subtle changes in the immune system long before an infected person feels sick, most doctors have adopted the term HIV Disease to cover the entire HIV spectrum, from initial...

HIV stands for the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus. H – Human because this virus can only infect human beings (a similar virus exists which is capable of infecting several types of monkeys; scientists call this virus SIV [Simian Immunodeficiency Virus].Another similar disease exists among cats; this is by a virus named FIV [Feline Immunodeficiency...