HIV is a virus that primarily attacks CD4-positive (CD4+) T-helper cells, which are white blood cells in the body's immune system.



These cells, also known as CD4 cells, T-helper cells, or T4 cells, are critical for recognizing pathogens that enter the body and mounting an immune response to combat them. Without treatment, HIV invades and kills CD4 cells, reducing the immune system's ability to fight infections and illnesses.



If their CD4 cell count falls below a particular… Continue

In people who are at high risk, there is a medical technique that greatly lowers the likelihood of contracting HIV. Prep, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, is an antiretroviral medication that helps people who are HIV-negative to remain HIV-free even if they have sex with HIV-positive or unidentified partners without using a condom.



"High risk" in this context refers to having one or more sexual partners who are HIV positive. It may also refer to engaging in sexual activity in… Continue

HIV is a virus that predominantly targets CD4-positive (CD4+) T-helper cells, which are white blood cells, in the immune system of the body.



These cells sometimes referred to as CD4 cells, T-helper cells, or T4 cells, play a critical role in identifying pathogens that enter the body and in setting up an immune response to fight them. If HIV is not treated, it invades and kills CD4 cells, lowering the immune system's ability to combat infections and diseases.



If their CD4… Continue

There are medical interventions that significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection for those who are at high risk of developing it. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is the term used. PrEP is an antiviral drug that helps HIV-negative persons maintain their HIV-free status even if they have sexual contact without wearing a condom with an HIV-positive or unknown partner.



In this instance, having one or more sexual partners who are HIV + is considered to be "high risk." As well as any… Continue

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most studied viruses in history, and investments in HIV/AIDS research have yielded some incredible scientific breakthroughs, such as a better understanding of viral biology and pathogenesis, as well as life-saving antiretroviral drugs.



HIV infection was not the catalyst for the creation of targeted antiviral medications. However, the National Institutes of Health's massive investments in biomedical research and pharmaceutical… Continue

What exactly is PEP?



PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a drug that is given after you suspect you have been exposed to HIV. It can help in an emergency, but you must take it within 72 hours of the probable exposure for it to be helpful. After then, you must take PEP every day for 28 days.



PEP should not be used as a stand-in for HIV prevention medications such as PrEP, or as a fallback if you don't use a condom or practise safe sex.



The term PEP refers to… Continue

An HIV diagnosis can completely transform your life and cause a flood of emotions. On the other side, reading blogs written by HIV-positive people and healthcare professionals can help you realize you're not alone.



How can a person become HIV-positive?



HIV can be contracted when bodily fluids from an infected person enter your bloodstream. Blood, sperm, vaginal fluids, anus fluids, and breast milk are all examples of body fluids.



The virus can enter the… Continue

Despite the fact that HIV has no cure, there are drugs that can help HIV patient’s live long and healthy lives. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment that reduces the progression of HIV in your body and can help you live a long and healthy life. It can also reduce or even eliminate your risk of infecting others with HIV.

ART reduces the amount of HIV in your body (known as your viral load) to the point where normal blood tests can't detect it. It's considered "undetectable" if…

Continue

There is a medical strategy for persons who are at high risk of contracting HIV that drastically reduces the risk of contracting HIV. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is an antiretroviral treatment that helps HIV-negative persons stay HIV-free even if they have sex without a condom with partners who are HIV-positive or unknown.

In this example, "high risk" is defined as having one or more HIV-positive sexual partners. It can also refer to having intercourse in an area…

Continue