What is the typical timeline of HIV progression to AIDS without treatment?

The timeline of HIV progression to AIDS without treatment is generally acknowledged to fall within the range of 8 to 10 years, although individual factors can cause variations. This is based on observations that HIV can remain asymptomatic for several years as it slowly damages the immune system. The virus works to reduce the effectiveness of CD4 cells, which are crucial for a healthy immune response.

During this latent period, individuals may not exhibit symptoms, and many are unaware they are infected. Eventually, however, as the virus continues to replicate and the CD4 cell count drops, individuals may progress to AIDS, characterized by opportunistic infections and other severe health issues.

Variations in this timeline can be influenced by numerous factors, including overall health, genetics, co-infections, and lifestyle choices such as diet and substance use. Therefore, while the typical range is acknowledged, the exact timeframe can differ from one person to another.