Diseases
hiv
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled.
Symptoms
- possible symptoms include: fever, headache, muscle, aches, and joint pain
- swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck
- weight loss
- oral yeast infection (thrush)
- chronic diarrhea
Causes
- hiv is caused by a virus. it can spread through sexual contact, illicit injection drug use or sharing needles, contact with infected blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
Risk factors
- have unprotected sex.
- have an std.
- use illicit injection drugs.
Diagnosis
- antigen/antibody tests.
- antibody tests.
- nucleic acid tests (nats).
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is hiv?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled.
What are the symptoms of hiv?
possible symptoms include: fever, headache, muscle, aches, and joint pain, swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck, weight loss, oral yeast infection (thrush), chronic diarrhea
What causes hiv?
hiv is caused by a virus. it can spread through sexual contact, illicit injection drug use or sharing needles, contact with infected blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
Which medicines are used for hiv?
didanosine, dolutegravir, efavirenz, emtricitabine, human papillomavirus vaccine, lamivudine, nevirapine, raltegravir, stavudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, zidovudine
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