The length of time a person with severe AIDS can live varies from person to person, depending on the concentration of HIV infection, the route of infection, as well as the individual’s immune status and treatment.
AIDS is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the entire disease is divided into three general phases: the acute HIV infection phase, the asymptomatic HIV infection phase, and the AIDS phase. If the disease is severe and has entered the AIDS stage and no treatment is given, the average survival period may be only 12-18 months, and shorter for those with severe complications; if aggressive treatment is given, such as antiviral therapy, anti-HIV therapy and symptomatic treatment, the survival period will be extended.
Patients with HIV can expect to extend their lives for decades if they undergo standardized anti-HIV treatment before their disease reaches the AIDS stage. Therefore, it is recommended to seek timely treatment from an infection unit or STD unit after a clear diagnosis.