As this article unpacks what HIV is, what symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent the further spread of the disease, it’s good to remember that a positive status is not a death sentence. While the is no HIV cure as of yet, your status should not prevent you from living a full life and helping to provide a lasting legacy for your family. Take the first step in protecting your family with life cover developed specifically for HIV-positive individuals.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV is the common name for the human immunodeficiency virus, which interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections. This virus attacks immune cells (aka CD4 cells) that would otherwise be fighting off infections in the body themselves. As the HIV in a person’s system kills more of their CD4 cells, the body becomes more vulnerable to various types of infections and cancers.

AIDS is recognised as the most advanced stage of HIV. While having HIV doesn’t necessarily mean you have AIDS, untreated HIV can progress to AIDS within ten years. You would be diagnosed with AIDS if your CD4 count drops below the 200 per cubic millimetre mark.

HIV/AIDS Symptoms

While some HIV symptoms differ between men and women, the most common symptoms present just like your average cold or flu. Within a few weeks of HIV infection, a person will begin to experience a fever, sore throat, and fatigue.

However, more often than not, HIV appears asymptomatic until the virus progresses to AIDS. AIDS symptoms include severe weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and recurrent and persistent infections.

Because HIV symptoms are often dismissed as a typical bout of flu, most people don’t think to check their status until more serious symptoms appear. Unfortunately, by that point, the HIV virus may have already progressed to AIDS. It is best to learn of your status sooner rather than later. This is best accomplished through regular HIV tests at your local doctor’s office, clinic or hospital.

How To Prevent HIV and AIDS

HIV is mainly transmitted through bodily fluids such as:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal fluids
• Rectal fluids
• Breast milk

Some of the ways HIV is spread from person to person includes:

• Through vaginal or anal sex
• By sharing needles and syringes
• By sharing tattoo equipment without sterilising it between uses
• During pregnancy, labour, or delivery from a woman to her baby
• During breastfeeding
• Through “pre-mastication” or chewing up a baby’s food before feeding it to them
• Through exposure to the blood of an individual living with HIV. The virus is also transmitted through blood transfusion or organ transplants.

There are a number of ways to prevent being on the receiving end of this virus.

Safe Sex

The most common way, in which HIV is spread is through unprotected sex, i.e. sex without a condom. This risk cannot be entirely eliminated unless one abstains from sex completely. However, the risk can be lowered by taking the following precautions:

• Get tested for HIV
• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Use condoms
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Ensure the HIV-positive person is taking their medications as directed

Avoid sharing needles

Since HIV is spread through blood, it’s important to remember that it can be contracted by using contaminated materials. Even if you’re not a drug user, you could come into contact with a contaminated needle if your tattoo artist doesn’t sterilise theirs between clients.

Consider PrEP

If you live in an environment that has a high-risk of HIV infection or work in a high-risk environment, speak to your doctor about PrEP. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a combination of two drugs that can reduce the risk of contracting HIV, if taken consistently.

Treatments For HIV and AIDS

Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS at this point. However, you can slow the progression of the virus by going on antiretroviral medication (ARVs). By being consistent in taking this medication, you can lower the risk of spreading HIV to your sexual partners and extend your life in spite of the virus.

No matter what your status, your life matters. Your HIV-status shouldn’t restrict you from applying and getting an affordable life cover policy that can help to take care of your loved ones when you’re no longer around. Get quotes for life cover designed for HIV-positive individuals.

The post HIV And AIDS: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention appeared first on Specialised Life.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, visit your doctor and ask for an HIV test. If you’re worried about being excluded from accessing life cover, speak to us about getting a quote for specialised health cover today!

Early Signs Of HIV In Women

These early symptoms are often dismissed as a simple cold or flu. These include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Lack of energy
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash

If you experience these symptoms after having unprotected sex, ask your doctor to conduct an HIV test. This is a quick blood test that can be done in minutes and can indicate whether or not you have contracted the virus.

However, even without noticeable symptoms, it’s important to note that an HIV-positive individual can still pass on the virus to others.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

HIV attacks the immune system, so don’t be surprised, if you suddenly find yourself more prone to infections. Oral or vaginal candidiasis (a.k.a. yeast infections) is one of the more common infections for HIV-positive women. If the virus is attacking your system, you might find your infections especially persistent and harder to treat.

In general, people with HIV are also more vulnerable to the following infections:

• Skin
• Eyes
• Lungs
• Kidneys
• Digestive tract
• Brain

Changes In Your Period

Women with HIV can experience changes in their menstrual cycle. You might find your periods are lighter or heavier than usual, or you might not get a period at all. HIV-positive women may also experience more severe pre-menstrual symptoms, like cramps and fatigue.

Skin Symptoms

The HIV rash is probably the most recognisable symptom. There are a number of skin conditions associated with the disease.

While a rash could be a symptom of HIV, it could also simply be the result of a recurring infection or condition. If you do find a rash, it’s a good idea to have a healthcare provider review you’re your medical history. This should tell them what diagnostic tests are needed.

Advanced Symptoms Of HIV

The sooner you start on antiretroviral medication, the less likely you are to suffer the more advanced symptoms of HIV. These include:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough
• Trouble swallowing

If these symptoms are also ignored, HIV in its later stages can lead to:

• Short-term memory loss
• Mental confusion
• Coma

HIV and AIDS

There’s a reason why HIV and AIDS are often mentioned in the same breath. The most advanced stage of HIV is acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). By this stage, the immune system is completely compromised, and the body has a tougher time fighting infection. Individuals with AIDS are also at high risk of certain cancers, including Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cervical cancer.

Don’t let your symptoms reach this stage! If you’re concerned that you might have HIV, speak to your doctor about an ARV prescription. And if you’re worried about finding life cover after an HIV-positive diagnosis: We make it our mission to find life insurance for HIV-positive individuals, so drop us a line!

The post What HIV Symptoms Women Should Look Out For appeared first on Specialised Life.

Myth #1: You can cure HIV through diet and lifestyle changes alone

Many years ago, former health minister, Dr Tshabalala-Msimang, came under fire for insisting that one could cure HIV with a vegetable-rich diet. Medical professionals were quick to dismiss her claims that diet alone could provide an adequate cure for HIV. But that didn’t stop many HIV-positive South Africans from trying. While healthy lifestyle and diet habits can support an HIV treatment, these factors cannot get rid of HIV completely.

Myth #2: Having an “undetectable” viral load means you are cured

It is possible for an HIV-positive person to achieve undetectable levels after adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, this doesn’t mean that the virus has been entirely eradicated. Rather, an undetectable viral load only means that the HIV virus remains dormant in various places within the body. Should an HIV-positive person stop taking their ARV medication, the HIV will immediately begin to replicate, and your vial load will rise again.

Myth #3: HIV Is A Death Sentence

Despite all our efforts over the last 30 years, we’re still a ways off from a definitive HIV cure. However, ARV treatment is still the recommended course of action. It has proven effective for the most part in keeping HIV from spreading throughout the body. As the effectiveness of antiretrovirals has consistently improved over the years, more HIV-positive people are able to live long and full lives.

Unfortunately, no HIV treatment developed thus far can absolutely cure HIV. You can, however, reduce your viral load by starting on ARVs as soon as possible after you’ve been diagnosed and adopt healthy dietary and lifestyle habits. What HIV does make more difficult is being able to get life insurance. Thankfully, some insurance providers are moving with the times and offering life insurance for HIV positive individuals.

Ask us about quotes for life insurance for HIV positive people.

The post HIV “Cure”: Myths & Facts appeared first on Specialised Life.

How Do HIV Medicines Work?

HIV medication (ARV) works to prevent HIV from multiplying (making copies of itself), which over time reduces the amount of HIV (aka the viral load) in the body. Less HIV in the body, means the immune system has a chance to recover. By reducing the amount of HIV in the body, the ARV treatment also reduces the risk of transmission (still a good idea to take further precautions when engaging in sexual activity).

Short-Term Side Effects of ARV

When you first start on ART or change your ARV, you may experience some side-effects as your body adjusts to it. ARV side-effects might be a nuisance at first, but they often improve within a few weeks. In the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to manage these side-effects with changes to your lifestyle and habits.

Fatigue. Try taking brief 20-30 minute naps. A balanced diet can also keep your body fuelled, and low-impact exercise can boost your energy.

Nausea. Many HIV medicines are meant to be taken with food. However, it is best to avoid foods that trigger upset stomachs. Eat some plain toast in the morning or Provitas in the morning. Keep to small meals and cold foods. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid antacids or other over-the-counter (OTC) products without first consulting your doctor. Ginger, whether in ginger ale, ginger tea, or ginger biscuits, can go far in settling your stomach.

Diarrhoea. Make sure to drink enough fluids and stay hydrated. Speak to your doctor about any OTC medications you can take that won’t interfere with your ARVs.

Headaches. Most OTC painkillers work well enough for these headaches. Other than that, the only remedies are to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid loud noises and bright light.

Rashes. Avoid extremely hot showers or baths as well as skin products that contain alcohol or harsh chemicals. Sun exposure can make a rash worse, so be sure to wear sunscreen and moisturising lotions for any dry, itchy areas.

Reactions to a syringe (if taking an injectable medicine). Check in with your doctor to find out if your injection technique is correct. Change your injection sites to give your skin and tissues a chance to heal. Finally, try to warm the medicine in your hands, before you inject it, and apply ice to the area afterwards.

Pain, tingling or numbness in hands or feet. Gently massage the affected part. Wear loose-fitting shoes or jewellery. For intense pain, consider OTC painkillers.

Dry mouth. You can summon up some spit by sucking on sugarless candies or lozenges, or chew sugarless gum. Obviously, you should avoid sugar, sticky foods, and caffeine. And, of course, drink a lot of water.

Long-Term Side Effects of ARV

Most side-effects of ARV end after a few weeks of starting on the medication. However, long-term use of ARVs has some side-effects of its own.

Fat redistribution. One long-term effect of ART is that it changes how your body makes, uses, and stores fat. You might lose fat in your face and legs, while gaining it in your belly. Speak to your doctor about what alternative medications you can use to keep these symptoms in check.

Higher cholesterol or triglyceride levels. High cholesterol and high triglyceride are typically associated with increased risk of heart disease. Diet and lifestyle changes should be your first course of action, but it’s always best to keep tabs on your cholesterol (with your doctor, of course).

Higher blood sugar levels. You can keep this side-effect under control through regular exercise, maintaining a health weight, and other related lifestyle changes. Again, be sure to keep your doctor in the loop, in case there is other medication you might need to manage this.

Loss of bone density. As one gets older, one’s bones become more brittle and one is more likely to get broken bones. This is especially true for people on an ARV. However, you can keep your bones strong by doing weight-bearing exercises like walking or lifting weights. Speak with your doctor about taking a calcium and vitamin D supplement or other medications to treat osteoporosis.

Weight loss. This may sound like a plus at first, but your ARV may be causing you to lose a dangerous amount of weight. Speak to your doctor about how to maintain a healthy weight as you live with taking your HIV medication.

Keep in mind that these side-effects may not necessarily be due to your HIV medicine. These symptoms could be signs of an underlying problem that has nothing to do with your HIV treatment. As you undergo ARV treatment, keep in touch with your doctor to make sure the symptoms you are experiencing are actually ARV side-effects and how to manage these to live your best life.

The post Side Effects of HIV Treatment appeared first on Specialised Life.