HIV / AIDS

HIV/AIDS medications are drugs used to treat and manage Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. While there is no cure for HIV, these medications help:

• Suppress the virus in the blood (reducing the viral load)

• Slow down the progression of the disease

• Boost the immune system by increasing CD4 cell count

• Reduce the risk of transmission to others

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When properly managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and prevent the virus from developing into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

HIV is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which attacks and weakens the immune system by destroying CD4 T-cells (white blood cells that help fight infections).

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The primary causes of HIV transmission include:

• Unprotected sex: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner

• Sharing needles: Through contaminated needles or syringes (e.g., drug use)

• Blood transfusions: Though rare due to strict blood screening

• Mother-to-child transmission: During childbirth or breastfeeding

• Exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids: Through open wounds or cuts

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HIV cannot be transmitted through:

• Hugging, shaking hands, or casual contact

• Sharing food, drinks, or toilets

• Mosquito bites or insect stings

HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection:

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1. Acute HIV Infection (2–4 weeks after exposure)

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, fatigue)

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Headache or muscle aches

• Skin rash

• Night sweats

During this stage, the virus replicates rapidly, and individuals are highly contagious.

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2. Chronic HIV Infection (Latent Stage)

• No symptoms or mild symptoms

• Low-grade fevers or fatigue

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Weight loss

The virus is still active but replicates at lower levels. Without treatment, this stage can last for years before progressing to AIDS.

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3. AIDS (Advanced HIV)

• Severe immune system damage

• Frequent infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis)

• Rapid weight loss and chronic diarrhea

• Skin rashes or lesions

• Memory loss or neurological disorders

At this stage, the immune system is severely compromised, making the body vulnerable to life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers.

HIV/AIDS is treated with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which is a combination of medications that reduce the virus in the body.

There are several classes of HIV drugs, each targeting different parts of the virus's life cycle:

1. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)

• Purpose: Block the virus from copying its genetic material

• Common medications:

  • Tenofovir (Viread)

  • Emtricitabine (Emtriva)

  • Abacavir (Ziagen)

  • Lamivudine (Epivir)

• How they work: These drugs act as "faulty building blocks" during the virus’s replication process, preventing it from multiplying.

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2. Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)

• Purpose: Prevent the virus from replicating by binding to the reverse transcriptase enzyme

• Common medications:

  • Efavirenz (Sustiva)

  • Etravirine (Intelence)

  • Rilpivirine (Edurant)

• How they work: NNRTIs stop HIV from using the reverse transcriptase enzyme to create copies of itself.

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3. Protease Inhibitors (PIs)

• Purpose: Block the protease enzyme, which the virus uses to mature and spread

• Common medications:

  • Atazanavir (Reyataz)

  • Darunavir (Prezista)

  • Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra)

• How they work: PIs prevent HIV from forming infectious particles, keeping the viral load low.

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4. Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs)

• Purpose: Block the integrase enzyme, preventing the virus from inserting its DNA into human cells

• Common medications:

  • Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

  • Raltegravir (Isentress)

  • Bictegravir (part of Biktarvy)

• How they work: These drugs stop the virus from integrating into host DNA, preventing further replication.

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5. Entry and Fusion Inhibitors

• Purpose: Prevent HIV from entering or fusing with human cells

• Common medications:

  • Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) – Fusion inhibitor

  • Maraviroc (Selzentry) – Entry inhibitor

• How they work: These drugs block the virus from binding to or entering human cells, preventing infection.

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6. Pharmacokinetic Enhancers

• Purpose: Improve the effectiveness of other HIV medications

• Common medications:

  • Ritonavir (Norvir)

  • Cobicistat (Tybost)

• How they work: These drugs slow down the breakdown of other antiretrovirals, keeping them in the body longer.

While HIV medications are effective, they may cause side effects, including:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Headaches or fatigue

• Dizziness or insomnia

• Rash or skin irritation

• Weight gain or loss

• Liver or kidney issues

• Changes in cholesterol levels

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Serious side effects (rare but require immediate medical attention):

• Severe allergic reactions

• Liver damage or inflammation

• Mental health changes: Depression, mood swings

Doctors use several tests to diagnose HIV:

• HIV antibody test: Detects antibodies in the blood or saliva (takes 2-8 weeks after exposure)

• HIV antigen/antibody test: Detects both HIV antigens and antibodies

• Nucleic acid test (NAT): Detects the virus’s genetic material (effective early detection)

• CD4 count: Measures the strength of the immune system

• Viral load test: Measures the amount of HIV in the blood

• Practice safe sex: Use condoms and avoid risky sexual behaviors

• Use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Daily medication for people at high risk

• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): Emergency medication within 72 hours of potential exposure

• Avoid sharing needles: Use sterile equipment

• Get regular testing: Early detection reduces the risk of transmission

• Prevent mother-to-child transmission: Pregnant women with HIV should receive ART

1. Can HIV be cured?

• No, but it can be effectively managed with ART.

2. How often should I get tested for HIV?

• If you’re sexually active or at high risk, you should get tested at least once a year.

3. Can you live a normal life with HIV?

• Yes, with consistent treatment and a healthy lifestyle, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

4. Is HIV medication lifelong?

• Yes, ART is a lifelong treatment to control the virus and prevent progression to AIDS.