HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) gradually makes the body unable to fight certain cancers and infections. This eMedTV Web page discusses the diagnosis, prevention, transmission, and symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
As this eMedTV selection explains, HIV transmission typically occurs through sharing needles or having unprotected sex with an infected person. This page covers the ways HIV can be spread, as well as the ways in which it can't.
Typically, early symptoms of HIV either do not appear at all or consist of a flu-like illness. This part of the eMedTV archives describes possible early signs and symptoms of this infection, including frequent fever, fatigue, skin rashes, and others.
Weight loss, frequent fever, and loss of energy are some common HIV symptoms. This selection from the eMedTV archives offers a detailed list of the symptoms of HIV that can occur at different stages of the infection.
This eMedTV article examines various HIV tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and oral tests. People are encouraged to see a doctor for testing, because most home-based tests are not FDA-approved, so they are not considered accurate.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, HIV is usually treated with medications such as protease inhibitors and fusion inhibitors. This article discusses the various medications used for treating this virus, and also lists possible side effects.
There are seven different groups, or "classes," of HIV medications. This selection from the eMedTV Web site takes an in-depth look at these various classes and explains why most people with HIV or AIDS take a combination of these drugs.
Not sharing needles and not having unprotected sex are the two most important strategies for preventing HIV. This eMedTV resource explains the importance of not engaging in risky behavior, and gives other tips for preventing the spread of this virus.
Certain HIV drugs (namely NNRTIs, NRTIs, and PIs) can cause a skin rash as a side effect. This eMedTV page covers the drugs that can cause an HIV skin rash and lists specific rash symptoms, such as peeling skin and red spots with a blistered center.
Hepatitis C and HIV can both be transmitted through contaminated needles or unprotected sex. As this eMedTV Web page explains, a co-infection with hepatitis C and HIV can be quite serious and can affect the treatment for either of the conditions.
Treatment options for HIV and depression include medications, therapy, and herbal remedies. This page of the eMedTV library discusses HIV and depression, and explains the importance of recognizing and treating it in people with serious illnesses.
In 2003, 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 U.S. residents had HIV, according to recent HIV statistics. This page of the eMedTV archives provides a link to more HIV statistics.
