When testing for HIV, the person being tested does not need to fast, but should wash and clean themselves thoroughly, especially the genitals, before coming for the test. Do not shave off lesions or ulcers, and do not apply any medicine or gel to the ulcerated area.

As an infectious disease that destroys the body's immune system, people infected with HIV are susceptible to opportunistic infections. The disease progresses through many stages, each with different characteristics. Early recognition of the symptoms of the disease helps to treat and prevent HIV infection more effectively.

HIV develops through several stages, each with different characteristics. In particular, the silent stage of HIV does not have any symptoms, so it is difficult for the patient to detect that he or she is infected.

Once HIV progresses to the final stage, the mortality rate of people with HIV increases significantly. Without treatment, people who have progressed to the final stage usually only live for about 3 years. If the patient has a dangerous opportunistic infection, the life expectancy is only 1 year.