Rowan Tree Medical, P.A.

This page provides basic and limited information about HIV.
If you have any questions, please ask your healthcare provider about what is presented here.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that causes the immune system to become ineffective. 

HIV is a type of virus known as a retrovirus. The virus infects humans by entering a type of white blood cell called a T-helper, or CD4 cell. When the virus enters a CD4 cell, the cell becomes inactive and is eventually destroyed. As the virus replicates, it enters and destroys more of these cells. CD4 cells play a major role in the body’s immune response and are necessary to fight off infections.

HIV is present in most body fluids and is transmitted from person to person when these fluids mix. Two common ways of transmitting HIV are through having unprotected sex and sharing intravenous needles. The virus is found in small numbers in tears and saliva, but transmission by these routes has never been reported. HIV is not present in sweat and is not transmitted by touching someone with HIV or by touching anything they have been in contact with. HIV is actually a delicate virus that cannot survive for long outside of the human body. In comparison, the virus that causes Hepatitis can live outside of the body for 7 to 10 days! 

HIV symptoms are similar to those of the flu. Symptoms tend to develop within weeks or months after infection. Though flu symptoms are most common, a rash and nerve disorders (neuropathy) may also develop.

HIV can be diagnosed by either a blood test or saliva test. The HIV virus can be detected in a blood sample, but most laboratory testing determines the presence of HIV antibodies and not the virus itself. If antibodies are detected in a blood sample, a second type of test is performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is recommended that everyone who is or ever has been sexually active be tested for HIV at least every 6 months.

HIV treatment is unique to each individual. The decision for treatment is carefully determined by your doctor. There are several classes of HIV medications. Generally speaking, most people are treated with three drugs from two different drug classes. Because HIV mutates rapidly, it could easily become resistant to one drug type. By combining medications that work differently, it reduces the chances of resistance.

There is currently no cure for or vaccine against HIV infection. The scientific community has been working towards this goal for 30 years. Unfortunately, many variants of HIV exist and the virus has the ability to mutate rapidly. Also, because the virus lives within our own cells, it protects itself well. These are the barriers scientists face in finding a cure for HIV.

Studies have shown that certain populations appear to be more resistant to HIV than others. The HIV virus requires a certain type of receptor, or “doorway,” to enter into a CD4 cell. Through a genetic mutation, some people lack these receptors. This mutation is of interest to scientist and may lead to future advances in treating or preventing HIV infection.

HIV and AIDS is not the same thing. If someone is HIV positive, it simply means that the virus is present in their body. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a late stage and chronic infection caused by uncontrolled or untreated HIV. This diagnosis is given where virus count (viral load) is extremely high and the remaining number of functioning CD4 cells is very low. Usually, there are also other diseases or infections present that the body cannot effectively fight off.

Rapid testing is a method for testing blood for antibodies. The test takes 7 minutes and is used by many health clinics and mobile testing sites. While the results are available quickly, they are not as accurate as laboratory testing. A positive rapid test is always followed up with a confirmation test done in a laboratory.

This means that although a person is diagnosed as HIV positive, they have so few numbers of the virus (viral copies) in their blood, the laboratory cannot easily detect them. The number of copies is typically less than 50. Some newer, more sensitive laboratory tests now consider undetectable less than 20 copies. Along with maintaining a high CD4 count, an undetectable viral load is one goal of treatment.

Yes, you can. Though the chance is reduced, it is not eliminated. Practicing safe sex is always recommended.

If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, go immediately to the closest emergency department. They will make a determination of your risk and may decide to prescribe an antiretroviral medication. They may also draw blood for testing. This procedure is called post-exposure prophylaxis.

PrEP is pre-exposure prophylaxis. Some researchers believe that taking antiretroviral medication offers a level of protection if taken before engaging in unsafe sex. Party promoters may also distribute these medications with other drugs such as Viagra and alkyl nitrites (poppers). Unfortunately, PrEP is not an effective method of preventing the transmission of HIV and is never recommended as an alternative to practicing safe sex.