HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell called a CD4 cell. This cell's main function is to fight disease. When a person's CD4 cell count gets low, they are more susceptible to illnesses. People with HIV are said to have AIDS when they develop certain infections, cancers or when their CD4 count is less than 200. CD4 count is determined by a blood test in a doctor's office.

Having HIV does not always mean that you have AIDS. It can take many years for people with the virus to develop AIDS. Patients who are adherent to treatment may never develop AIDS.

HIV and AIDS cannot be cured but research and development of successful treatments now mean that patients infected with HIV/AIDS can expect a normal life expectancy.

How Do People Get HIV?

A person cannot be infected by HIV through casual contact such as a hand shake, hug, toilet seat, telephones, sharing utensils, or bug bites. A person gets HIV when an infected person's body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk) enter his or her bloodstream. The virus can enter the blood through linings in the mouth, anus, or sex organs (the penis and vagina), or through broken skin.

Unprotected sex with an infected person or sharing needles to take drugs are common methods of transmission.

Both men and women can spread HIV. A person with HIV can feel fine and still give the virus to others. Pregnant women with HIV also can give the virus to their babies, though with proper prenatal care and adequate HIV treatment an HIV positive mother can successfully give birth without transmitting the virus.

Treatment and Care

Patients with HIV infection require routine laboratory testing to monitor the level of virus in their body (HIV PCR or viral load) and CD4 count (helper cells). Monitoring these laboratory levels gives the care provider as assessment of how the virus is affecting the patient's immune system and also how well prescribed treatments are working.

Antiretroviral therapy (ARV's) is used to treat HIV infection. There are several classes of therapy and each works in a different way against the virus but through various combinations provide effective treatment. One of the most important responsibilities patients have is to be adherent to treatment. Inconsistent treatment of the virus can result in developing resistance to treatment.

AbsoluteCARE is on the forefront of HIV care and provides the latest in treatment options, management of side effects, research opportunities and support services.