HIV Information for the Newly Diagnosed

An HIV diagnosis can be a major turning point in an individual's life. Because of the stigma and misinformation that can be associated with HIV infection, it is important that newly diagnosed individuals be properly educated about how to stay healthy with HIV.

Transmission

• In order to avoid accidental transmission, it is important for newly diagnosed HIV patients to understand how the disease can be spread. HIV is found in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, blood, and breast milk. Transmission of the disease can occur from any of these fluids, but not through skin contact or saliva.

Symptoms

• Symptoms during early infection can mimic those of the flu, with fatigue, body weakness, aching, fever, and nausea all being present. These symptoms may not occur in all HIV patients, however.

Treatment

• Several different forms of antiretroviral treatment are available and are usually given in a combination of two to four different treatment types. Treatment is generally not started until the immune system has been compromised by HIV, meaning that the CD4 immune cell count has dropped below 500.

Adherence

• Adherence to an HIV treatment regimen is essential in preventing viral resistance and treatment failure. Even a few missed medicine doses can lead to the virus mutating in order to adapt to the medications that are being used.

Life Expectancy

• HIV is not considered to be a fatal illness, but is instead referred to as being chronic yet manageable. With proper treatment, HIV-positive individuals can enjoy a relatively normal life expectancy.