HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system. If a child becomes infected, the virus destroys certain white blood cells. If too many are destroyed, the child's body has trouble fighting off disease. The most severe stage of HIV infection is AIDS. Most of...
Viral load is a measurement of how much HIV is present in your blood. A sample of blood is taken and sent to a lab for testing. Results are expressed as the number of copies of the virus per milliliter of blood. Each virus is called a "copy" because HIV reproduces by making copies of itself (replicating). The viral load...
A viral load test measures how much HIV is in the blood. It's first measured when you're diagnosed with HIV. This serves as the baseline. Future measurements are compared with it. With treatment, the viral load should go down. Within a few months, there should be very little virus in your blood.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the combination of several antiretroviral medicines used to slow the rate at which HIV makes copies of itself (multiplies) in the body. A combination of three or more antiretroviral medicines is more effective than using just one medicine (monotherapy) to treat HIV. The use of three or...
It is important to think about the emotional well-being of the person with HIV you care for. Because every person's emotional needs are different, no single approach is best for everybody. Encourage the person to become involved in medical decisions that affect his or her care and daily schedules. Being involved will...
What are HIV nonprogressors and HIV-resistant people? A few people with HIV are described as nonprogressors. These people have HIV that does not progress to more severe symptoms or disease, but they can still spread HIV. Most nonprogressors: Have lived with the infection for 10 to 15 years and remained healthy. Do not...
In most cases, HIV causes only a few weeks of flu-like symptoms. But if HIV isn't treated, you're more likely to get sick with opportunistic infections. HIV weakens your immune system so it can't fight off these infections. Preventing opportunistic infections is an important part of caring for yourself when you have...
A person who has HIV has difficulty fighting off other infections. You can help protect the person from infections. Avoid close contact with people who have contagious illnesses until their symptoms have disappeared. This includes illnesses such as colds, the flu, or stomach flu. If you have a cold or flu, wear a...
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies untreated HIV infection into three stages: CDC stages of HIV infection Acute retroviral syndrome: This is an illness with symptoms like mononucleosis. It often develops within a few days of infection with HIV, but it also may occur several weeks after...
Learn how to take antiretroviral medicines safely.
HIV is present in the blood, semen, and vaginal fluids of a person who is infected with HIV and is usually spread by: Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with a person who is infected with HIV. Using condoms is the only way to prevent getting or spreading HIV during sexual contact. Other forms of birth control do...
Learn what is checked during an HIV test, who might need one, and what the results may mean.
Eating a nutritious, balanced diet is an important part of treating HIV . Good nutrition can help your immune system stay strong, which in turn may help your body fight HIV. Knowing the best way to nourish your body will help keep it strong and allow your HIV medicines to work effectively. It is important to maintain...
Hives are an allergic reaction of the skin that may last a few minutes or can persist for a few days. They appear as raised, red, itchy bumps of different shapes and sizes, with defined red margins and pale centers. Hives may appear and then disappear at random and seem to move from place to place on the skin. Hives may...
Most hives (urticaria) are an allergic skin reaction that appears as raised, red, itchy bumps of different shapes and sizes. Patches of hives may combine to form raised, reddened skin over large areas of the body. Hives are often minor, but they can also be the first sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction...
A rash that suddenly appears on your face or body may be your skin’s reaction to an allergen. How can you soothe the itching and heal your hives? According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful. Uncover your sensitivities Work with a knowledgeable health professional to find out...
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How to Use It Most people do not need to use HMB. For those involved in regular exercise who do choose to take this supplement, the research generally uses 3 grams of HMB per day in combination with resistive exercise, such as weight lifting. Where to Find It Small amounts of HMB are present in many foods of animal and...
HMB How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes? Biochemical and animal research shows HMB has a role in protein synthesis and might improve muscle growth and overall body composition as a supplement. However, double-blind human research suggests that HMB may only be effective when combined with an exercise program in people...
HMB How Much Is Usually Taken by Dieters? Biochemical and animal research shows HMB has a role in protein synthesis and might improve muscle growth and overall body composition as a supplement. However, double-blind human research suggests that HMB may only be effective when combined with an exercise program in people...
What is hoarding disorder? Hoarding disorder is a mental health condition that makes a person have a very hard time getting rid of or throwing away items they own. Over time, the items may take over the person's home. The items may cover tables, beds, counters, and floors. Hallways and rooms—including kitchens and...
What is Hodgkin lymphoma? Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that begins in part of the immune system (the lymph system). White blood cells called lymphocytes can become abnormal or increase in number and grow without control. They may form lumps of tissue called tumors, usually in the lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, or...
Hodgkin lymphoma is cancer that begins in the lymph system in white blood cells called lymphocytes. When these cells become abnormal, they grow without control and may form lumps of tissue called tumors. The most common type of Hodgkin lymphoma is called classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The cancerous tumors (lymphomas) in...
Incidence and Mortality. Estimated new cases and deaths from HL in the United States in 2024:[ 1] New cases: 8,570. Deaths: 910. Up to 90% of all newly diagnosed patients with HL can be cured with combination chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.[ 2] Anatomy. The lymph system is part of the body's immune system...
