farid

3 years

I think I might have been exposed to HIV recently

Hello Doctors, I will appreciate if you can be of assistance. I think I might have been exposed to HIV recently because of some symptoms and I am afraid and don’t know what to do. Any information can be of help. Thanks

Dr Ramzdhan,

4 years

  • Hey there and good day. Thank you for your kind question. Can I know more what kind of symptoms do you have? When does it start? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that can makes the immune system weak. Our immune system aids the body to fight off against infections. Untreated HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can reduces and kills CD4 cells, which called as T cells which is a type of immune cell.

  • Over time, as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) kills more CD4 cells, the body is becomes more weak and more likely to get various types of infections and even cancers.

  • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is transmitted through bodily fluids that include blood, vaginal or rectal fluids, semen, breast milk but the virus does not spread through air or water or just a normal contact. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a lifelong problems and currently there is no absolute cure, although many doctors and others are working to find one.

  • However, with medical management, including treatment called as an antiretroviral therapy, it can manage HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and live longer with the condition for many years. Without treatment, a patient with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is likely to develop more serious condition called as AIDS.

  • At this point, the immune system is too weak to get rid off other infections and diseases. If left untreated, life expectancy with AIDS is about 3 years. With antiretroviral therapy, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can be well managed and life expectancy can be nearly the same as people who does not have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

  • There is a lot of people that have the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) does not realize that they have one, so it is better for you to go your local GP for further investigations.

Please click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk to us privately online and discuss further about your symptoms and treatment needed. Thank you.

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