In my career as a doctor, I've dealt with countless memorable cases, but the stories of people living with AIDS are always intriguing. AIDS, once considered a terminal disease, can now be effectively managed with modern medical treatment. However, despite advances in treatment, there are still many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. By sharing my experience in the clinic, I hope to demystify the disease and help people understand the real HIV so that they can better prevent and treat it.
A few years ago, I had a particular case. A young male patient came to our hospital with a persistent fever and an unexplained drastic drop in weight. At first sight, he appeared very anxious and fearful of a possible diagnosis. After a series of tests, including an HIV antibody test, we confirmed his HIV infection. His first reaction to this outcome was despair – a common response common to many patients who were first diagnosed as HIV-positive. However, after several consultations and detailed explanations, he began to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and gradually realized that AIDS was not the end of his life.
Initial infection (acute infectious stage)
When a person is initially infected with HIV, they may go through a period known as the "acute infection phase", which usually occurs in the first 2 to 4 weeks after infection. In my outpatient experience, many patients tend to report symptoms that feel similar to the flu at this stage.
Overview of symptoms
During the acute phase of infection, symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Fever: This is one of the most common symptoms and is usually the body's natural response to an invasion of the virus.
Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes are important immune organs in the body, and an enlarged lymph node usually means that the body is actively fighting off infection.
Muscle pain and fatigue: Many patients experience physical exhaustion, accompanied by widespread muscle pain.
These symptoms are very common and non-specific, so they can easily be mistaken for the common flu or other mild viral illness. This is why many people may not realize they are infected with HIV in the early stages.
Management of symptoms
Managing these symptoms usually involves symptomatic supportive care, such as:
Adequate rest: Allow the body more time to recover and fight the virus.
Plenty of fluids: Maintain proper hydration to help reduce symptoms of fever and fatigue.
Antipyretic analgesics, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help control fever and muscle pain.
Awareness of the importance
Because of the non-specific nature of these symptoms, I often recommend that even patients with mild symptoms should be screened for HIV if they have a history of high-risk behaviors such as unsafe sex or sharing syringes. Early diagnosis is key to the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and can significantly prolong quality of life and expectancy.
In medical practice, we have found that through early recognition and treatment, patients can effectively control viral replication and reduce the long-term damage to the immune system from HIV. Therefore, if you or someone you know has the above symptoms and may be at risk of exposure to HIV, I highly recommend getting tested for HIV as soon as possible. This is the first step to taking responsibility for your own health.
The late stage of AIDS (heyday)
Late-stage AIDS, often referred to as the heyday of AIDS, is the final stage after the HIV virus attacks the immune system. At this stage, the patient's immune system has been severely damaged, and the number of CD4 T cells (an important type of immune cell) in the body has dropped to an extremely low level, usually less than 200 cells per cubic millimeter. This immunocompromised state predisposes patients to a variety of opportunistic infections that would otherwise not affect healthy adults.
Typical symptoms
Persistent fever: Many patients experience an unexplained long-term low-grade or high-fever fever, which is usually a manifestation of some occult infection in the body.
Severe wasting: Known as "wasting syndrome," people lose uncontrollably and continuously losing weight, even with a normal diet.
Chronic diarrhoea: common in patients with advanced AIDS, it can be caused by intestinal infection, which seriously affects quality of life.
Recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, especially opportunistic pneumonia due to Pneumocystis jirovecii, are a very serious complication in AIDS patients.
Neurological problems: Patients may experience cognitive dysfunction such as memory loss, impaired judgment, etc.
Patient Stories
There was a 45-year-old patient whom I called John (not his real name). He reached the height of his AIDS years after being diagnosed as HIV-positive. By the time he came to my clinic, he had lost a lot of weight, had a frequent fever, and had recurrent lung infections. With meticulous care and appropriate antiviral treatment, we managed to manage his condition and improve his quality of life.
Key treatment strategies
For people with advanced AIDS, maintaining a high quality of life relies on several key treatment and care strategies:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART): Continued ART can help control viral replication and slow disease progression.
Prevention and treatment of opportunistic infections: Appropriate prophylaxis and antibiotics are selected depending on the patient's specific condition.
Nutritional support: Provide nutritious foods and necessary supplements for weight loss and loss of appetite.
Psychological and social support: Mental health is part of treatment, and social support can significantly improve quality of life.
Through this article, I hope to enhance our understanding of the challenges faced by people living with advanced HIV and highlight the importance of medical interventions in improving the lives of patients. Although AIDS is a grim diagnosis, proper management and care can enable patients to maintain a dignified and relatively comfortable life.
Prevention and daily precautions
Understand and practice safe sex:
Always using a latex condom for sex, whether vaginal or anal, is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV.
Get tested for HIV with your partner and share test results to make sure both partners are aware of their health.
Avoid using unsterilized needles:
Needles are not shared, especially when using drugs. Even in a healthcare setting, make sure all needles are single-use or thoroughly sterilized.
Choose a reputable shop when getting a tattoo or piercing, and make sure they use disposable tools.
Get tested for HIV regularly:
Regular testing is the only way to know your HIV status. Even if you feel well, you should get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or have had high-risk behaviors.
Most community health centers offer free or low-cost HIV testing.
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission:
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and you're HIV-positive, talk to your doctor about how you can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission with medications.
Make sure you receive appropriate medical monitoring throughout your pregnancy.
Education & Communication:
Educate your family and friends, especially adolescents, about how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent it.
Open discussions about sexual health and safe sex to dispel misconceptions and stigma about HIV.
By doing this, we can not only protect the health of ourselves and our families, but also contribute to an HIV-free future. Remember, prevention is always easier and more effective than cure.