Learning Objectives and Clinical Implications

1. Understand the epidemiology, modes of transmission, and natural history of HIV/AIDS to support effective prevention and early diagnosis.
2. Recognize clinical presentations across different stages of HIV infection, including acute seroconversion and advanced disease.
3. Identify key opportunistic infections and AIDS-defining illnesses, and differentiate them from common infections.
4. Interpret essential diagnostic tests, including HIV serology, CD4 count, and viral load, for staging and monitoring.
5. Initiate and optimize Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) based on current guidelines, ensuring early treatment for all diagnosed individuals.
6. Manage complications, including opportunistic infections, drug toxicities, and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).
7. Emphasize prevention strategies, including safe practices, screening, and use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
8. Promote adherence, reduce stigma, and ensure long-term multidisciplinary care to improve survival and quality of life in people living with HIV.