Does everyone who has HIV eventually develop AIDS?

There is no certain answer to this question; it is known that the majority of untreated HIV-positive people do eventually become ill from HIV infection. However, with regular medical care and adherence to treatment, many people have been living with HIV/AIDS for almost two decades or more. The likelihood of long-term survival increases if an HIV-positive individual finds out their status as soon as possible and begins treatment earlier in the course of HIV disease. With proper treatment and the emergence of new treatments, it has become possible to further postpone, and possibly even prevent, illness.

Show All Answers

1. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
2. What is an Opportunistic Infection (OI)?
3. Where did HIV come from?
4. How is someone infected with HIV?
5. Can I get HIV from casual contact with someone who is infected?
6. How can someone reduce the risk of being infected with HIV?
7. How does someone know if they are infected with HIV?
8. What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
9. Is there a cure for HIV?
10. Does everyone who has HIV eventually develop AIDS?
11. Where should someone begin if they want to get HIV care?
12. When should someone start taking HIV treatment?
13. How much does HIV care cost?
14. If someone is diagnosed with AIDS, does that mean they will die soon?
15. If someone is HIV positive, what else can they do to stay healthy?