What is HIV?
HIV is the shortened way to say human immunodeficiency virus. It’s a contagious virus that attacks your immune system and makes you susceptible to other infections and diseases. Though it is manageable and often undetectable with treatment, HIV is a lifelong condition.
How is HIV spread?
HIV is commonly spread through:
- Blood
- Semen
- Breast milk
- Vaginal fluids
Unprotected sex and sharing drug needles with someone who is infected with HIV are the main ways HIV is spread.
What are the stages of HIV?
There are three stages of infection with HIV:
First stage: acute HIV infection
A large viral load when you’re first infected may cause sudden flu-like symptoms.
Second stage: clinical latency
A period of time when HIV is asymptomatic. With medication and comprehensive care, this stage can last for decades. Without treatment, critical immune system cells called CD4 T are damaged or killed, compromising your immune system.
Third stage: AIDS
The most advanced stage of HIV, when your CD4 T cell count plummets below 200 and you are more prone to develop dangerous opportunistic illnesses, such as pneumonia, toxoplasmosis, and tuberculosis.
What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?
Early symptoms of HIV that can progress to AIDS if untreated are:
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Night sweats
- Thrush
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
- Purple spots on your skin
- Long-term diarrhea
- Rash
- Sore throat
Sudden, unexplained weight loss in conjunction with any or all of the symptoms may be related to HIV/AIDS. It’s important to seek confidential care at Neudorf Infectious Diseases Clinic if you believe you were exposed to HIV.
How is HIV/AIDS treated?
There’s no cure for HIV/AIDS, but Dr. Miller is experienced in all aspects of HIV and AIDS and monitors your condition closely to keep you healthy. She will likely prescribe antiretroviral medications to stall the progression of the virus and keep your CD4 T cell count at optimal levels.
The team at Neudorf Infectious Diseases Clinic customizes your treatment to meet your specific needs. Call to schedule a comprehensive consultation or use the online scheduling option.
