In 1981 a group of unusual diseases and rare cancers were detected in some people that signaled the discovery of a new sexually transmitted disease: HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Initially, HIV/AIDS was thought to be a disease that primarily afflicted homosexual males, an error that led many heterosexuals to believe AIDS was a "gay problem." Today, we know... Read more >
HIV symptoms can be difficult to detect. Early symptoms of HIV resemble those of the flu or a cold. In fact, the disease often has no symptoms until it progresses into AIDS and symptoms of opportunistic infections emerge. Severe AIDS symptoms may take anywhere from two to ten years to develop. Early Symptoms of HIV Few people are likely to associate the early symptoms of HIV with eventual AIDS onset: initial HIV... Read more >
HIV testing accurately diagnoses the presence of the virus. However, in order for an HIV test to be effective, it must be administered about two months after possible contact with HIV. This allows the body to produce a concentration of antibodies sufficient for the test to be accurate. Do You Need an HIV Test? An HIV test is not a routine medical procedure: only people who believe they have been exposed to the... Read more >
AIDS treatment has progressed remarkably since the discovery of the disease in 1981. Early HIV treatment was extremely limited in effectiveness and most AIDS patients had life expectancies of less than two years. By 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved approximately twenty drugs for the treatment of HIV and AIDS. HIV treatment is also referred to as antiretroviral therapy because the... Read more >
Since the discovery of AIDS in 1981, AIDS research has produced a number of treatments that have greatly increased the lifespan and quality of life of people who are HIV positive. While AIDS is still incurable, people with access to AIDS treatment can now be said to be living with AIDS, rather than dying of AIDS. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of HIV positive individuals worldwide can gain access... Read more >
While researchers are working hard to develop a cure or vaccine for HIV, it is important for HIV positive individuals to attend to all aspects of their health. In addition to antiretroviral therapy that promotes physical well being, HIV support groups offer comfort and assistance on the mental and emotional levels. The following lists a variety of HIV support groups, ranging from online forums to local meetings... Read more >
Currently, the FDA has approved over twenty medications for HIV antiretroviral therapy. However, because many researchers are still working to improve and advance treatment for HIV/AIDS, there are many ongoing HIV clinical trials in various stages of completion. Of the 24 antiretroviral medications being tested, nearly half are in phase II/III of the clinical trial process. Prospects are a bit more grim... Read more >
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