Millions of new HIV infections occur worldwide each year, though the incidence has dropped significantly after the advent of high effective medications (ART- antiretroviral therapy). HIV
infection is acquired through sexual route, exposure to infected blood or mother to child transmission. Men having sex with men are particularly at high risk.
HIV and AIDS is still a stigma in our society. Many patients still hesitate to contact the health care providers due to the stigma associated, lack of awareness about the disease and fear of the side
effects of medicines. This leads to delay in the initiation of treatment and hence increased risk of a variety of opportunistic infections, malignancies and other diseases. Treatment and medications for HIV infection have changed over the last few decades from highly toxic and less effective medications to highly effective and safe medications. Though lot of advances have been made towards finding cure for HIV infection, the standard of care at present remains life-long ART.
After the diagnosis, ART should be started as early as possible. This supports the immune system to contain and prevent opportunistic infections and other damage caused by persistent, high viral load in the blood. It is now scientifically established that patients who consume the medications regularly have the life-expectancy comparable to their non-HIV counterparts. Patients on ART, should remain in contact with the HIV-specialist for regular check-ups; and monitoring of HIV viral load in the blood, and CD4 cell counts (important WBC counts which provide immunity against various infections).
Medicines used for the treatment are very safe. Usually, most of the patients are treated with a single pill a day. Some patients, who have resistant virus or prior history of receipt of medications in
an improper manner, need more than one pill. Patients whose viral load is not detectable, have negligible risk of transmission of virus to others. The present ART is safe and can be used in patients
of all ages, including those having other diseases like kidney, liver, heart problems etc.
In our country, treatment of HIV infection is available both in the government as well as private sector. Under the MoHFW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), NACP (National AIDS Control
Program) is in place which involves the formulation of guidelines and management of patients with HIV and AIDS by NACO (National AIDS Control Organization) free of cost.
With all these advancements, HIV has no longer remained a deadly disease. It is in fact a disease as easy to manage as any chronic disease, with excellent outcomes in patients who take the medicines regularly.
Looking for an HIV doctor in Ahmedabad? Look no further! Consider Tathaagat Infectious Diseases Clinic, where expert care and compassionate treatment meet.
Call us at +91 96646 30466 to schedule your consultation.
