HIV/AIDS

---

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system of individuals. If left untreated, it may progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome  (AIDS).  

Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection

Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like symptoms which include: 

• Fever
• Chills
• Rash
• Night sweats
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mouth ulcers

These symptoms can last several weeks, although some individuals do not experience any symptoms at all.

Stage 2: Clinical Latency (Chronic HIV infection)

The virus continues to multiply, but at very low levels. Individuals are usually asymptomatic during this stage.

Stage 3: AIDS

Left untreated, HIV infection may progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Symptoms of AIDS may include:

• Rapid weight loss
• Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
• Extreme and unexplained fatigue
• Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
• Chronic Diarrhea 
• Oral Thrush
• Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals
• Pneumonia
• Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders
• Susceptibility for Opportunistic Infections including Tuberculosis,  Pneumocystis Pneumonia, CMV, and Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS).

References: 

1.   Clinical utility of dronabinol in the treatment of weight loss associated with HIV and AIDS

2.  Marijuana as Medicine? The Science Beyond the Controversy

3.   Cannabis Use in HIV for Pain and Other Medical Symptoms

4.  Cannabinoids Reduce Extracellular Vesicle Release from HIV-1 Infected Myeloid Cells and Inhibit Viral Transcription 

5.   Benefits of Medical Marijuana for HIV