|
The animation above depicts how HIV weakens the immune system |
Your doctor should do a complete physical examination, asks you a lot of questions, and take some blood for tests. These test can tell how your immune system is working and how much virus is in your blood. these tests are called a CD4 and viral load test. These first meetings with your doctor are very important because they give you the chance to talk openly. You may be asked questions that seem very personal, but this information is important for your doctor to understand how best to treat you.
|
|
Yes. You must remember, there is no cure for HIV/AIDS yet. Once you are infected, you remain infected even with an undetectable viral load. You can still infect others if you don't practice safer sex - even during oral sex. Also, you can be infected again with a different and maybe harder-to-treat type of HIV.
|
|
Experts agree that people who have certain infections or symptoms should start treatment. But many people with HIV infection do not have symptoms. For these people, it can be hard to know the best time to start treatment.
CD4 counts and viral load are evaluated by physicians to help decide when to start treatment. Most experts believe people starting HIV therapy should be mentally and emotionally ready to take their medicines correctly. This is not easy to do every day. HIV medicines have side effects, and often it is hard to remember to take HIV medicnes on time. you and your doctor should discuss when to start treatment.
Taking medicines puts you in charge of your health - you are fighting back against
the disease.
|
|
| There is currently no known cure for HIV infection or AIDS. most experts believe that once you are infected, if you stop taking your medicines, your HIV disease may get worse. Some experts are studying the idea that under certain circumstances, certain patients may benefit from a short break from their HIV medicines. However, you should always take your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes. |
