Chronic HIV infection, also called asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency, is the second stage of HIV after the initial acute phase. During this stage, HIV is still active in the body, but it multiplies much more slowly than it did during the early phase. Because of this, people in the chronic stage often do not experience any symptoms or signs of illness, which is why it is sometimes called the “silent” phase of HIV.
Even though a person may feel completely healthy, the virus is still damaging their immune system over time. Without treatment, chronic HIV infection usually progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) after about 10 years or longer. However, for some people, especially those with weaker immune responses, the disease can move faster.
The good news is that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can change the course of chronic HIV infection. People who start and stick to ART can keep the virus under control for many years – even decades – without developing AIDS. ART works by lowering the amount of HIV in the blood (the viral load) to undetectable levels, helping to protect the immune system and prevent the virus from being passed on to others.
Because there are often no clear symptoms during this stage, regular HIV testing and ongoing medical care are critical. Staying in care and continuing treatment helps ensure that HIV stays controlled and that individuals live long, healthy lives.