HIV is a virus that affects the immune system. HIV is transmitted via sexual exposure with an infected person or through contact with infected blood or blood products. There are two variants of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV. HIV, if left untreated, causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). People who have AIDS cannot fight off infections. HIV attacks the body’s white blood cells called T cells. These cells help the body fight infections. When these cells are destroyed, people become sick. HIV affects the CD4+ T cells.
Fortunately, it is easy to manage HIV today since very effective medicines are available that eliminate the virus from the blood. This is called U = U which means Undetectable = Untransmitable. People with HIV on ART treatment live high-quality lives with normal to near normal life spans.
A person infected with HIV may not show any symptoms for years. Hence it is important to test for HIV in case there is a suspected exposure.
Symptoms of HIV may include fever, fatigue, weight loss, swollen glands, diarrhea, skin rashes, and mouth sores. Other symptoms may develop over time.
Symptoms of HIV Infection
People with HIV infection may or may not show any symptoms in the acute phase. Symptoms if present manifest as a flu-like syndrome, 2 to 3 weeks after the exposure. However, they may develop some of the following symptoms later on
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rashes
• Mouth sores
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches
HIV Specialists /Doctors who treat HIV
HIV can be treated by GPs with training and experience in treating HIV. Apart from this, there are specialists like infectious disease specialists, dermatologists, and venereologists who diagnose and treat HIV.
Infectious Disease Physician
An infectious disease physician is a doctor who treats people with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and prions. Infectious disease physicians treat many conditions, including tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes simplex, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, meningitis, encephalitis, and septicemia.
HIV/STD clinic in Mumbai
We at DrSafeHands have the best-experienced doctors who diagnose and treat HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We also have a team of counselors who help you at every step of the way to ensure your good health. All your information is kept confidential.
We provide end-to-end care for HIV and STIs. This includes tests, doctor consults, counselor support, treatment, medicines at the best prices, and so on. In short, we provide all care under one roof for patients that can be treated on OPD basis. You can meet our doctors at our clinic or consult them online.
DrSafeHands Centre Address:
502-503, 5th floor, Nirma Plaza, Makwana Road, opposite Bombay to Barcelona Café, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059
Disclaimer: This website may contain general information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals. Readers should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a health or fitness problem or disease. Readers should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment.
