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This article will shed light on helping the public to understand that there are different pieces of equipment for improving treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
There are pieces of equipment used to increase, maintain, and improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Commonly used aides include: communication aids, continence aids, daily living and mobility aids, home oxygen, medical-grade footwear, spinal and lower limb orthoses, artificial limbs, and spectacles [1]. There are other kinds of treatments that include pills and shots [3]. According to Stanford Health Care, the “most effective treatment for HIV is antiretroviral therapy (ART)” [6]. One of the benefits of taking treatment as prescribed is helping to “keep your viral load low” [3]. If you skip treatment, there is a chance that HIV will “multiply rapidly” and “weaken your immune system” [3]. Taking treatment as prescribed also “prevents transmission to others” and “prevents drug resistance” [3]. Side effects of treatment can include: “nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, headache, rash, dizziness, fatigue, and temporary pain in injection site (for shots)” [3]. Even though there is no cure, treatment can keep HIV controlled [3]. No matter the circumstances, those diagnosed with HIV should seek treatment and talk to a “health care provider about medical conditions or other medicines” being taken [3]. When treatment is delayed, “it will continue to harm your immune system” and “put you at higher risk for transmitting HIV to your partners, getting sick, and developing AIDS” [3]. Having AIDS means “your immune system has been severely damaged,” and, therefore, you are more susceptible to infections [5]. Signs of the infections from the development of AIDS include: “sweats, chills, recurring fever, chronic diarrhea, swollen lymph glands, persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth, persistent unexplained fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and skin rashes or bumps” [5]. “There is no cure for AIDS,” however, there are treatments and medications for HIV [8]. Developing a treatment plan with your doctor may include factors such as: “your willingness and readiness to begin therapy, the stage of your disease, and other health problems” [8].
Treatment makes the people those living with AIDS surround themselves with happy that they get to live longer. Due to such longevity, “quality of life (QOL) has emerged as a significant medical outcome measure” [4]. “HIV/AIDS has been one of the greatest health problems in the world” that people are still dealing with today [4]. It causes “further socioeconomic problems for individuals, families, communities, and governments in many countries” [5]. People with HIV/AIDS have participated in a “randomized clinical trial testing where they have an intensive behavioral intervention aimed at reducing HIV transmission risks” [2].
The 2010 study conducted by Kalichman et al. concluded that “having the integrated transmission risk reduction intervention demonstrated increased antiretroviral therapy adherence and less unprotected intercourse with nonseroconcordant partners at 3 month - and 6-month follow-ups as well as fewer new sexually transmitted infections diagnosed over the 9-month follow-up period” [2]. Negative results from an HIV test “doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t have HIV,” as there is a window period, also known as, “the time between when a person gets HIV and when a test can accurately detect it” [7]. There is a chance in which the test shows a positive result, and if it does happen, you must have a “follow-up test to confirm the results,” ask doctors what the next step will be, and take cautions from there [7].
Kalichman et al. says that a “theory-based integrated behavioral intervention can improve HIV treatment adherence and reduce HIV transmission risks” [2]. It is suggested that “HIV treatment as prevention should be bundled with behavioral interventions to maximize effectiveness” [2]. If you are concerned that you may have HIV/AIDS, ask your primary care physician to refer you to get the necessary testing, then move forward from there.
References:
1. The State of Queensland; jurisdiction=Queensland. (2014, April 10). Types of AIDS and equipment. Queensland Government. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://www.qld.gov.au/health/support/equipment/types
2. Kalichman, S. C., Cherry, C., Kalichman, M. O., Amaral, C. M., White, D., Pope, H., Swetzes, C., Eaton, L., Macy, R., & Cain, D. (2011). Integrated behavioral intervention to improve HIV/AIDS treatment adherence and reduce HIV transmission. American journal of public health, 101(3), 531–538. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2010.197608
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 20). Treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved May 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/treatment.html
4. Basavaraj, K. H., Navya, M. A., & Rashmi, R. (2010). Quality of life in HIV/AIDS. Indian journal of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, 31(2), 75–80. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7184.74971
5. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 26). HIV/AIDS. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524
6. Treatments. Stanford Health Care (SHC) - Stanford Medical Center. (2019, July 1). Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive-health/hiv-aids/treatments.html
7. Understanding HIV test results. Understanding HIV Test ResultsHIV.gov. (2021, April 8). Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/understanding-hiv-test-results
8. AIDS treatment. ucsfhealth.org. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/aids/treatment
Contributors:
Authors: Sara Giarnieri and Diya Jacob
Editors: Lauryn Agron and Sara Giarnieri
Health scientist: Diya Jacob