Knowledge is power
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) invades the host and integrates into the immune system of the body. This allows for unchecked replication and subsequent destruction of the immune system, causing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (Aids).
Aids was first identified in 1981, and has been a matter of public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa for over 20 years.
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 68% of all people living with HIV/Aids.
While significant inroads have been made in HIV management, there remain a few concerns among healthcare workers.
These include individuals who do not know their HIV status, individuals who do not disclose their HIV status to their partner(s), those who do not use their antiretroviral therapy (ART) regularly, and those who are unaware of the names of their drugs, or monitoring blood results.reached the last month of your ART script.
Blood tests are needed and a new script needs to be issued.
Once the last month of treatment is reached, arrangements should be made to get a new script.
Do not wait until there are just a few tablets in the bottle.
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HIV is prevalent in South Africa.
Sexual transmission is the most common way of contracting the virus. For this reason, all couples who are considering initiating a sexual relationship should have an HIV test.
Individuals who feel they are at high risk for becoming infected should test more frequently and use condoms regularly.
Those who cannot reliably use condoms should strongly consider using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
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This plays an important role in the reduction of transmission as it allows for exposed individuals to check their HIV status.
This may lead to a change in sexual practice and possibly earlier initiation of ART.
There are many reasons for nondisclosure: the fear of hurting loved ones, abandonment and rejection, violence, and accusations of infidelity are often stumbling blocks.
Motivation can come from looking out for the well-being of loved ones.
Furthermore, there are many hurdles one encounters as ART is initiated, and starting the journey with the support of a loved one is an immeasurable asset.
Patients stop ART for various reasons: belief that they have been cured, failure to collect medication, non-disclosure of issues and fear of being found out, psychological problems like depression, and side-effects of the drugs, among others.
ART is a life-long commitment.
HIV is incurable and ART allows for suppression of the virus so the damage done to the body is minimised.
When ART is stopped, the virus - which hides in the brain, liver and other organs begins to replicate.
This leads to complications and the continued destruction of the immune system.
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It is important to note when you have reached the last month of your ART script.
Blood tests are needed and a new script needs to be issued.
Once the last month of treatment is reached, arrangements should be made to get a new script.
Do not wait until there are just a few tablets in the bottle.
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Psychological issues are not uncommon. A good support structure helps you to continue, even when you are feeling down.
It is always good to speak to your doctor if you have feelings of despair and no longer feel like taking your medication.
If you experience any side-effects, always disclose them to your doctor. There are many ways we are able to help.
One of the worst complications of non-adherence is the development of HIV resistance.
In other words, the ART you take no longer works due to viral mutations.
The aim of adherence is to keep you healthy and avoid HIV resistance.
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Knowledge is power!
It is important to know the names of your ART. This helps you and any new healthcare provider you see, offer you the best care.
If you struggle to remember the name(s), it helps to take a picture of the box to show to any healthcare provider who needs to know.
There can be drug-drug interactions, and even some drugs that may not be allowed while you are taking certain ARTs, so knowing the name of your treatment is useful.
It is also important to know your monitoring bloods.
Your viral load should always be undetectable, below 40 or 20 copies/mL,
depending on the test used.
Your CD4 count should always be moving upwards until it lies within normal range.
The tests for your kidney, liver and blood cells should be normal. Ask your doctor for the results.
An undetectable viral load means it is extremely unlikely that you can transmit HIV to anyone or develop viral mutations.
A good CD4 count means your immune system is functioning well, and the other blood results advise HIV practitioners that your body is managing the ART well.
HIV treatment is freely available to all who need it.
No individual should hesitate to test and seek health options early, either to treat HIV or to remain uninfected.