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How long can a person live with HIV?

How long can a person live with HIV?

The life expectancy of a person living with HIV has improved dramatically over recent years. Thanks to advances in treatment, namely antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV can now expect to live long, healthy lives. When the HIV and AIDS epidemic began in the United States in the 1980s, HIV was a life-threatening condition. However, […]

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What types of HIV medications are there?

What types of HIV medications are there?

Although there is currently no cure for HIV, a range of medications can control the condition. People with HIV take combinations of medicines. These regimens help them lead longer and healthier lives. This article provides a list of HIV medications that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have currently approved. We also give […]

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Can HIV live and spread outside the body?

Can HIV live and spread outside the body?

HIV cannot survive for very long outside of the body, and it cannot replicate without a human host. There is no single answer to the question of how long HIV can survive outside of the body, as it depends on the fluid the virus is present in. Only certain body fluids, including semen, blood, vaginal […]

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Intestinal worms in humans and their symptoms

Intestinal worms in humans and their symptoms

Intestinal worms, or parasitic worms, are simple organisms that feed off the human body. Many people recognize the more common varieties, such as tapeworms and hookworms, but may be less aware of the others. Intestinal worms can cause many symptoms in the body, some of which are similar to the symptoms of other gut disorders. […]

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How does ART work?

How does ART work?

Antiretroviral therapy treats HIV by suppressing the virus’ activity in the body. For most people who take them, these medications are very effective at keeping HIV under control. Treatment helps to improve quality of life, and it can ensure that a person with HIV has a similar life expectancy to a person without the virus. […]

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What to know about HIV false-positives

What to know about HIV false-positives

A false-positive HIV test occurs when a test incorrectly indicates that a person has contracted the virus. Receiving a false positive can inspire conflicting feelings. People may wonder what they can or should do next. In this article, we suggest some next steps for people who have had false-positive HIV test results. We also provide […]

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What is it like to live with HIV?

What is it like to live with HIV?

Recent advances in HIV treatment mean that people with the virus can now enjoy a better quality of life and longer lifespan than ever before. For most people, this diagnosis does not affect their ability to work, go to school, or socialize. HIV currently affects around 1.1. million people in the United States. Generally, these […]

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HIV and a dry cough: What to know

HIV and a dry cough: What to know

HIV can cause a dry cough and other symptoms that affect the lungs and respiratory system. A dry cough may occur because HIV reduces the body’s ability to fight off infection and other diseases. However, respiratory problems can have many causes that are not necessarily linked to HIV. A person with persistent or severe respiratory […]

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What is the link between HPV and HIV?

What is the link between HPV and HIV?

HPV and HIV are both viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections. The viruses cause different conditions, though people with HIV are more susceptible to HPV than others. People with untreated HIV are more likely to have active HPV infections and may experience worse symptoms of HPV. HPV prevention is especially important for people with HIV. […]

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Single-tablet regimens for HIV

Single-tablet regimens for HIV

Healthcare providers can treat HIV using antiretroviral therapy. A person may need to take several tablets a day or a single pill that contains multiple drugs. In this article, we look at the benefits of single-tablet regimens (STRs). We also provide a list of drugs that doctors commonly prescribe in STRs. What is an STR […]