Taking medicine after HIV infection is not only to control the virus, but also to reduce dangerous complications.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that can severely weaken the human immune system.

In the late stage of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, the patient’s immune system faces severe challenges. The HIV virus specifically attacks CD4 cells in the immune system, also known as T cells, which are a key line of defense against foreign pathogens. As the number of these cells decreases, patients become more susceptible to various infections and diseases.

The role of anti-HIV drugs

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an effective treatment method that can help patients maintain the function of the immune system and significantly reduce the risk of diseases caused by immune system damage. ART inhibits HIV replication, reduces damage to the immune system, thereby maintaining the number of CD4 cells and enhancing the body’s resistance to disease.

AIDS stage/late stage HIV infection definition

It is the end stage of disease after HIV infection. The patient’s CD4+T lymphocyte count is mostly <200/µL. The main clinical manifestations at this stage are HIV-related symptoms, signs, and various opportunistic infections and tumors.

Opportunistic infections

Opportunistic infections are those that are unlikely to occur when the immune system is normal. They take advantage of the weakness of the immune system and are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. With advances in HIV treatment, many opportunistic infections have been better controlled, but untreated or AIDS patients still face higher risks. Common opportunistic infections:

• Pneumocystis pneumonia: A fungal infection that may cause fluid accumulation and inflammation in the lungs.
• Candidiasis: An infection caused by fungi that may affect the throat and esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing and chest pain.
• Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs but may also invade other parts of the body.
• Cytomegalovirus infection: A viral infection that may damage the eyes, digestive tract, or lungs.
• Cryptococcal meningitis: A fungal infection that affects the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.
• Toxoplasmosis: An infection caused by parasites that may affect the brain and cause seizures.
• Herpes simplex virus infection: Common in oral herpes and genital ulcers, may persist for a long time in late-stage HIV patients.
• Salmonella infection: A bacterial intestinal infection that may cause sepsis.

Late-stage HIV and neurological problems

Late-stage HIV and AIDS may also cause a series of neurological problems, including memory loss, depression, anxiety, dementia, etc.

HIV and AIDS-related cancers

HIV-infected individuals have a higher risk of three types of cancer, including Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer. In addition, they may also face higher risks of other cancers, such as lung cancer, oral and throat cancer, liver cancer, etc.

Kaposi’s sarcoma appears as purple spots on the skin and may also cluster in organs; non-Hodgkin lymphoma affects the lymphatic system; and cervical cancer affects the cervix in women.

How to reduce the risk of opportunistic infections and cancer?

The most important thing is to take medicine on time. Taking HIV medication on time every day is key to controlling the virus and keeping the immune system healthy.

Here are some other simple and effective measures:

• Safe sexual behavior: Using condoms and dental dams can reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
• Vaccination: Discuss with your doctor which vaccines you need to enhance your body’s immunity to diseases.
• Frequent hand washing: Regular hand washing can prevent certain microorganisms that may cause opportunistic infections. Especially before and after cooking, eating, after using the bathroom or changing baby diapers, and after cleaning pet feces or changing cat litter, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
• Regular exercise: Combine aerobic exercise and strength training to enhance cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, etc. can speed up your heartbeat; strength training can use your own body weight or dumbbells, etc.
• Healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can enhance the immune system and prevent infections. Make sure food is thoroughly cooked, avoid eating raw or undercooked food, and unpasteurized dairy products and juices, etc.
• Pay attention to drinking water safety: Do not drink untreated water, choose bottled water or filtered water.
• Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and oral cancer, and quitting smoking is especially important for late-stage HIV patients.

By taking these measures, late-stage HIV patients can greatly reduce the risk of opportunistic infections and cancer and maintain good health. At the same time, regular communication with doctors and following doctors’ advice and treatment plans are also crucial.