Overview
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time; AIDS is its late stage. With free antiretroviral therapy available across Nigeria, people who test early and stay on treatment live long, healthy lives and cannot transmit the virus once it is suppressed. Testing is quick, confidential and widely available.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms for years
- Flu-like illness weeks after infection
- Persistent swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent fevers or night sweats
- Frequent infections such as thrush or shingles
- Chronic diarrhoea
Causes & risk factors
- Unprotected sex with an infected partner
- Sharing needles, blades or sharp objects
- Transfusion of unscreened blood
- Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding
Treatment & self-care
Daily antiretroviral tablets, started as soon as possible after diagnosis, keep the virus suppressed and the immune system strong. Treatment is free at designated centres, with regular viral-load monitoring. Condoms, partner testing and medication adherence prevent transmission; pregnant women on treatment protect their babies.
See a doctor urgently if
- You have never tested and have had any risk exposure
- Possible exposure within the last 72 hours (ask about PEP urgently)
- Weight loss, chronic fever or recurring infections
- You are on treatment and keep missing doses or feel unwell