HIV Overview

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is an infection that attacks specific white blood cells called "CD4 T-cells." These are the cells that control your whole immune system. If not treated, it can eventually lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). In AIDS, the body is no longer able to effectively fight infections and certain cancers. This can lead to serious illness.

HIV is spread by contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. When first infected, people may feel like they have the flu. After that, they may not have any symptoms for many years. In this time, the HIV virus may multiply in the person's body and slowly lower the person's immune system. It may take 10 or more years after getting the HIV infection to progress into AIDS. Fortunately, many new drugs have been developed to hold back the virus that causes AIDS, and control the disease. These drugs are called "anti-retrovirals," and their goal is to:

• Slow the HIV virus from copying.
• Stop the HIV virus from maturing.
• Prevent the HIV virus from attaching to white blood cells.

The HIV virus changes (mutates) very quickly, so that if you treat it with just one drug, it can change to become resistant to that drug. That's why people with HIV need to be treated with a few different anti-HIV drugs together. This is called highly active anti-retroviral therapy, or HAART. Other drugs may also be given for other infections that happen during the course of AIDS. Our clinicians are ready to talk with you about these different medications.

Living with HIV

Learning that you have HIV can be very hard to accept. Seek people that can help you cope, such as support groups, a social worker or counselor. Medication treatments can be complicated and cause side effects. Take an active role in your treatment. Educate yourself and others about HIV and AIDS. Currently, there is no vaccine against HIV and there is no cure for AIDS. However, by taking the proper steps, HIV infection and AIDS can be handled like other chronic, long-term illnesses and kept under control.

If you are on HIV therapy:

• Know how to prevent others from getting HIV and AIDS.
• Be sure you know how to recognize possible drug side effects.
• Take your drugs the way the doctor prescribed them. Do not skip doses.
• Learn how to manage side effects. This includes knowing when to ask your doctor for help.
• Know which side effects are serious, and let your doctor or nurse know about them immediately.
• Don't share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or syringes with anyone.
• See your doctor if you become pregnant. There are important steps that you can take to avoid transmitting HIV to your baby.

Knowing about your treatment is important so that you can continue to enjoy an active life. To learn more about HIV, please visit: www.cdc.gov/hiv/dhap.htm

Healthy Pointers:

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Avoid meats, eggs and seafood that are not well cooked.
• Drink purified water.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Get enough rest.
• Find ways to relax.
• See your doctor regularly.
• Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Tell your doctor about all your medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
• Get regular screening tests.
• Get immunizations.
• Don't smoke tobacco or use illegal drugs.
• Avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms during intercourse.
• Inform sexual partners that you have HIV, and use condoms to protect from transmitting HIV.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom or after playing with your pets.

Questions? Call us at 1.888.282.5166 or email us.

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