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Pictures and symptoms of common STDs

Pictures and symptoms of common STDs

Understanding symptoms and seeing pictures of STDs can help people identify the signs and encourage them to see a doctor. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are on the rise. In 2017, researchers saw an increase in STDs for the fourth year in a row, and the highest ever rates of […]

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What to know about HAART for HIV

What to know about HAART for HIV

HAART refers to any HIV treatment that uses a combination of two or more drugs. A healthcare provider may choose to prescribe a combination of three or more drugs to improve the treatment’s chance of success. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is also sometimes called combination antiretroviral therapy, or antiretroviral therapy. In this article, we […]

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What is a 4th generation HIV test?

What is a 4th generation HIV test?

Fourth-generation HIV tests can detect both HIV antibodies and p24 antigens, whereas older versions only check for antibodies. This means the newer tests can provide a quicker diagnosis than the previous ones. Many clinics and healthcare providers offer free HIV testing. The process is straightforward, and it usually involves taking a small sample of blood, […]

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Differences between HIV-1 and HIV-2

Differences between HIV-1 and HIV-2

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. There are two main types of this virus: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Both types of HIV are long-term but manageable health conditions. With effective treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Understanding the different types of HIV helps increase awareness of the condition. In this […]

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What causes HIV-related fatigue?

What causes HIV-related fatigue?

Many people who are living with HIV experience fatigue. It may be directly related to HIV or indirectly related through medications, psychological effects, or life stress. In this article, we look at the causes of HIV-related fatigue, how to overcome fatigue, and the effects HIV has on a person’s mental health. An unusual level of […]

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What are integrase inhibitors for HIV?

What are integrase inhibitors for HIV?

Treating HIV involves taking antiretroviral medications. Integrase inhibitors, also known as integrase strand transfer inhibitors, are one of the seven classes of antiretroviral drugs. All antiretroviral medications fight HIV, but the different classes work in different ways. Integrase inhibitors, also called INSTIs, block the action of an enzyme, HIV integrase, which the virus needs in […]

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HIV and AIDS: A timeline and history

HIV and AIDS: A timeline and history

The history of AIDS and HIV was initially shrouded in misunderstanding and fear. Now, thanks to decades of research and medical advances, we know much more about the virus and how to treat it. This article will cover the primary topics in the history of HIV, from its beginnings to the latest research today. Origins […]

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What are protease inhibitors for HIV?

What are protease inhibitors for HIV?

Treatments for HIV involve taking antiretroviral drugs. Protease inhibitors are one of seven classes of antiretroviral drugs. Antiretroviral drugs are designed to treat HIV. Different drugs have different mechanisms of action. Protease inhibitors work by blocking the activity of HIV protease, which is an enzyme that HIV needs to multiply. A healthcare professional usually prescribes […]

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What types of pain can HIV cause?

What types of pain can HIV cause?

Experiencing pain is common among people living with HIV. Types of HIV-related pain can include headaches, joint pain, and abdominal cramping. Pain can have a profound, negative impact on people’s overall quality of life. One study revealed that people with HIV were more likely to experience pain than those without HIV. The researchers also found […]