what does hiv do to the body

HIV attacks the immune system, especially CD4 cells, which weakens the body’s ability to fight infections and some cancers. Over time, untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, where ordinary infections become much more serious.

What happens in the body

• HIV infects and destroys CD4 T cells, which are key immune cells.

• As CD4 counts drop, the immune system gets weaker and less able to fight off germs.

• In early infection, some people get flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.

• In later stages, people can develop opportunistic infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and oral thrush.

• Untreated HIV can also affect the lungs, digestive system, heart, and nervous system.

Simple picture

Think of the immune system as the body’s defense team. HIV slowly damages that team, so infections that would normally be mild can become severe.

Important note

HIV is treatable, and early treatment with antiretroviral therapy can help people live long, healthy lives and prevent progression to AIDS.

If you want, I can also explain the early symptoms , how HIV is transmitted , or how treatment works.