HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the immune system, the body's natural defense mechanism against viruses and bacteria. Over time, the infection destroys and impairs immune cells, causing the infected person to become immunodeficient. Once the immune system has been disabled, the victim becomes susceptible to many diseases and infections that a person with a normal immune system can fight off. The infection develops over the course of two to fifteen years, beginning with flu-like symptoms including fever, headaches, rashes, or sore throats. Over time, new symptoms arise, such as swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, diarrhea, and cough. If not treated, the infected person can develop other illnesses, such as tuberculosis, meningitis, and cancer.

The World Health Organization estimates that around 37 million people were living with HIV worldwide at the end of 2014. Two million of those people were infected during the same year. Over 1 million people died of HIV-related causes in 2014. There is currently no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral treatment can help control the virus sufficiently for the victim to continue living a mostly normal life. Testing for HIV can often give same-day results.

To learn more about Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens visit our Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Online Training web page.