How many years can the AIDS virus be dormant?

The HIV virus, which causes AIDS, can remain dormant in the body for several years, often going undetected during the asymptomatic phase. This latency period can range from about 2 to 15 years or more, depending on various factors such as the individual's immune response and whether they receive treatment. Without treatment, the virus will eventually progress to AIDS, but modern antiretroviral therapies can effectively suppress the virus and prevent progression for many years.