After exposure, the virus invades and replicates in immune cells near the site of infection. It quickly spreads to regional lymph nodes and via the blood stream to the rest of the body. During this stage the patient may experience ''Acute Retroviral Syndrome'', a vague flu-like illness. The patient is often asymptomatic for the first 5-10 years after infection. By that time, untreated, progression to AIDS in inevitable, except in a small subset of patients.
== Treatment ==
Treatment issues are complicated by issues of poverty and education. In communities with adequate resources, HIV infection is treatable with Highly Active Retroviral Therapy ([[HAART]]). This therapy effectively prevents progression to AIDS in many patients, however there are many side effects to treatment, and resistance is a serious issue.
== Prevention ==
Prevention is an issue complicated by issues of poverty and education. Sexual transmission can be effectively prevented by avoiding sexual contact (abstinence), or by regular, proper use of latex condoms. A large percentage of those infected are unaware of their disease status, which complicates prevention. Spouses are often infected without their knowledge of their partner's status.
Occupational infection can be prevented with the use of '''universal precautions''' and by post-exposure prophylaxis.
Currently, no vaccine is available, and it is not clear if a vaccine will be available any time in the near future.
== References ==