If you suspect contracting HIV, you must get tested to prevent the virus from becoming terminal. Hospice and Palliative Care of California are where you can find all the information you need. Sabri Malek MD delivers expert care and treatments for HIV disease. Contact the providers today for essential tips on how you can prevent the spread of the virus and keep your condition manageable.
What is HIV?
HIV is an acronym representing Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is an incurable disease that spreads via bodily fluids leading to the development of AIDS. Every single day, your body constantly works hard to combat infections and diseases. However, if you contract HIV, your body begins attacking the cells responsible for fighting these infections. As a result, your immune system weakens, leaving your body vulnerable to a severe illness or cancer.
Stages of HIV
HIV develops in three main stages. In the first state, Acute HIV, flu-like symptoms tend to occur. Because large amounts of viruses are replicated in your body during this stage, it is imperative to begin treatment. Moreover, your risk for transmitting HIV during the Acute stage is very high.
Clinical latency is stage two. In this phase, the virus dwells inside you. Nevertheless, you will experience few symptoms, if any. Although you might feel better, your risk of transmitting the disease is still relatively high.
In the final stage, your immune system is too weak and damaged. During this stage, you have what is known as autoimmune deficiency syndrome, alias AIDS. Here, you are extremely vulnerable to disease or cancer.
Life expectancy for an individual who has advanced to AIDS is approximately three years. Luckily, modern treatments from Sabri Malek MD can significantly reduce the chance of developing AIDS.
Are There Available Treatments for HIV?
Currently, there is no coming back from HIV. Nevertheless, various ways exist to manage the virus and prevent it from advancing into AIDS at Hospice and Palliative Care of California. Such ways include:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) refers to a series of medications to treat HIV, and each method uniquely attacks the virus. Their basic job is preventing the growth of the virus, thereby stalling the progression of HIV. Besides managing the virus, ART also reduces the risk of spreading the infection to other individuals.
You can also access medications to curb infection. For example, if you choose to have unprotected sex, have multiple sexual partners, or share drug needles, your Hospice and Palliative Care of California experts may prescribe a daily medication known as PrEp (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent the spread of HIV proactively.
If you fear you have already been exposed to the virus, hope is not lost. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can offer relief. For optimal effectiveness, PEP ought to be prescribed within three days of contracting HIV. Your Hospice and Palliative Care of California provider offers care and support during every step of your illness.
Other Services
In addition, Dr. Malek and his team at Hospice and Palliative Care of California offer various other services, including:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Pulmonary disease
- Coma
- Alzheimer’s disease
- ALS
- Hospice care
Conclusion
If you are in search of HIV care for yourself or a loved one, do not hesitate to contact the caring providers of Hospice and Palliative Care of California. Call the offices to book an appointment or schedule an online appointment today.