Comprehensive Health Care for members of the HIV+ Community
We provide Comprehensive Health Care for members of the HIV+ community- We are experienced HIV specialists, using optimized, modern treatment therapies which will both maintain full viral suppression and optimal health and minimize risk for long term complications. Additional services offered include ADAP enrollment and referrals to local HIV supportive services.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is HIV/AIDS?
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a medical condition that is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV was first reported in Africa in 1985 and closely resembles the simian virus found in macaques. In 2014 itself, it was estimated that there were 37 million individuals with HIV globally.
HIV causes a depletion of lymphocytes (specifically, CD4 lymphocytes) which results in a depressed immunity. The HIV virus silently and slowly overpowers the innate defence mechanisms which normally function to prevent infections by bacteria, viruses and fungi which we encounter on a daily basis. Patients who are untreated for several years will eventually succumb to AIDS which is characterized by opportunistic infections and certain malignancies.
How is HIV/AIDS diagnosed?
There are various ways in which HIV can be diagnosed. These include laboratory-based nucleic acid (DNA) testing, point-of-care nucleic acid (DNA) testing, various immunoassays, Western blot and rapid diagnostic tests. These tests look for one of two things – either components of the HIV virus itself, or antibodies which have been developed by the host to proteins which comprise the HIV virus.
How soon after exposure can HIV be detected?
For a period of 10 days following a HIV infection, there is currently no available serological assay that can detect any marker of a HIV infection. It is therefore recommended that patients who are worried about a HIV infection after an exposure, consider PREP and obtain a diagnostic test 10 days following the incident.
What are the signs and symptoms of HIV?
Patients with HIV often exhibit no symptoms for several years. Indeed, some patients will experience what is known as “Acute HIV Syndrome” which occurs a few weeks after the initial infection. This is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Lethargy & Malaise
- Headache
- Muscle & Joint Aches
- Fever, Chills & Rigors
- Non-specific rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loss of Weight & Appetite
- Sore Throat
What are the signs and symptoms of HIV?
The treatment of HIV is complex and varies depending on the patient. Collectively, the treatment is termed antiretroviral therapy (ART). Standard ART comprises of 3 medications; the goal is to control the proliferation and multiplication of the HIV virus and to increase the CD4 lymphocyte count to a degree where the host’s immune system functions well. This prolongs the asymptomatic (without symptoms) phase of the infection, retards the progression of the disease as well as reduces the risk of transmission of HIV to other individuals.
