How Can HIV Infection Be Treated?

Hello and welcome to HCM. Thanks for putting up your query over here. HIV is an infection caused by a virus.The infection gradually weakens the immune system of infected person.As a result the person slowly falls prey to various diseases.The stage when immunity is so low to cause various disease ,disabilities and cancer is called AIDS.It takes 10-15 years for an HIV infection to develop into AIDS.Till the person seems healthy but is capable of transmitting infection to others.Transmission of virus usually occurs by unprotected sexual activities,blood transfusion,from infected mother to baby and sharing infected needles.It is not transmitted by general touch or sharing things or utensils or by air.This is important for you to know if you are going to take care of him. Yes,the anti retroviral drugs are very important.When the person s immunity falls below certain level (assessed through blood tests) and depending on clinical scenario,he is started on with anti retroviral therapy.The treatment is monitored for checking any developing side effects. Without treatment,the person fall ill too early with various complications.The patient and caretakers can visit to counsellors for detailed information about the disease and ways of self care. About the advice for personal care to infected person and his caretakers, -Have a healthy balanced diet and intake of plenty of water.Have small and frequent meals as there is loss of appetite.Follow all food safety and hygienic measures. -Keep his mind relax by yoga,meditation,regular exercising and help of supporting people around. -Any incidence of fever,diarrhoea,cough,headache to be immediately reported to health authority. -Timely visits for follow up with treating doctors and counsellors . Hope this information helps. Thanks and regards.