Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks white blood cells in the immune system, which makes the body vulnerable to infections and certain diseases. HIV can progress to a point at which the immune system is severely damaged and unable to function adequately, and this is called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is defined by the presence of certain infections or by blood levels of a type of white blood cell called CD4 cells. ^[1]

Two to 4 weeks after becoming infected, a person develops a flu-like illness. Often the symptoms are mild or are ascribed to a harmless virus and are ignored. Symptoms might include the following: ^[1]

• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Mouth ulcers
• Swollen glands
• Skin rash

The virus replicates slowly, destroying white blood cells and making the immune system weaker. This process can last for up to 10 years and may not cause any symptoms.

Eventually, when the immune system has suffered severe damage, HIV leads to the development of AIDS. AIDS typically manifests with the onset of unusual cancers such as Kaposi’s sarcoma and certain types of lymphoma or by infection with organisms that take advantage of a weakened immune system, called opportunistic infections (OIs). Common OIs include the following: ^[2]

• Candida
• Herpes simplex
• Tuberculosis
• Certain types of pneumonia and meningitis

HIV is diagnosed by a blood test. Rapid tests, called HIV antibody tests, are available that can be done at home or during a visit with the doctor and provide results within minutes. If an HIV antibody test is positive, it is vital to confirm the result with a laboratory test, either an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. ^[1]

HIV infection is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), sometimes called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Treatment consists of tablets called antiretrovirals (ARVs). These medications prevent or slow the replication of the virus, allowing the immune system to recover from its damage. Usually, treatment begins with 3 different types of antiretroviral medications, available in one combination tablet. The treatment does not cure the virus, so it must be taken for life; however, individuals who are undergoing treatment can reach the point at which they have almost no detectable levels of virus and are nearly incapable of transmitting it to others. ^[1]

No supplement has been determined to affect HIV or restore the health of the damaged immune system. A multivitamin supplement may reduce the rate of progression of HIV in people who have specific vitamin deficiencies, and protein supplementation can be useful in individuals with HIV who struggle to get enough protein in their regular diet.^[3][4] Probiotic supplements may help improve CD4 counts and minimize the gastric side effects of ART. Currently, there is not a specific recommended strain or dose of probiotic.^[5]

Nutrition counseling after diagnosis may help to ensure adequate nutrition in people diagnosed with HIV. Although evidence does not support the use of a specific diet, it is recommended to eat a varied diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals. ^{[6] [3]} In low-income areas where food availability is a concern and diets may lack variety, a multivitamin is recommended for everyone diagnosed with HIV. ^[4]

Research is ongoing on injectable long-acting ARVs that are administered only every 1–2 months, rather than as a daily tablet, as well as implants that could last a year. Although neither of these treatments are currently available, they will likely be an option in the future. ^[7] Recent reports note that, 5 people appear to be in remission from HIV after stem cell transplants that were given for other reasons. This is exciting news and offers hope for an eventual cure for HIV, but much more research must be done to determine whether it is practical and safe. ^[8]

HIV is spread through the bodily fluids of people infected with the virus. Most commonly, this spread occurs through unprotected sexual contact. It can also be spread via contaminated blood, typically through sharing of needles. HIV can also be spread from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. ^[1]