Clinical Latency
After the initial surge of symptoms has died down, the clinical latency period follows. This is the stage at which the virus spreads and wreaks havoc insidiously. At this point, your body’s immune system has seemingly succumbed to the virus. Without an HIV medication, most people can stay in this stage for 10 to 15 years before the infection deteriorates any further. But, with proper medication, an infected person may stay in this stage for decades. Depending on the detectable viral load, you could still transmit the virus at this stage. However, if you take your medication seriously (as prescribed by your physician) and maintain an undetectable viral load, you could stay protected and prevent the spread of the virus. [3]
