But it can be a challenge to get regular access to the pills, and the grueling treatment regimen also causes long-term liver damage in a few patients. Considering the countries covered in the global study of HIV market, places such as, the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the UK, Japan, and Canada are majorly dealing with HIV patients in large numbers.
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The Department of Labor and Employment on Monday warned employers not to discriminate against workers afflicted with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome as it intensifies the information campaign on the prevention of HIV and AIDS in workplaces.
Dr. Louis Picker of Oregon Health and Science University is one of them.
In the U.S., 67 laws explicitly focused on people living with HIV had been enacted in 33 states by 2011. “We have learned over the years through lots of research that when you treat someone with HIV effectively you suppress the replication, the growth of the virus, they’re rendered no longer contagious”, said Dr. Cohen, who stressed that is with proper treatment. He has regular checks at the HIV clinic at Crawley Hospital.
Most people with HIV take a combination of three anti-retrovirals and it is vital that the medications are taken every day. “There is an assumption around STI’s that people will form stereotypes, and they will determine whether they are being safe or not without consulting a professional”. Unlike many other viruses, the body can not get rid of HIV over time, so those that contract the virus have it for life. While the treatment has led to reductions in HIV death rates worldwide, it is not a cure. Since the body can’t fight off other infections because the immune system is compromised, a person can die from an illness that would probably be fought off in someone without the virus. “I contracted it from a guy I was with at the time”, said Lee.
The best way to prevent catching HIV during sex is to use a condom.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) exists for those who have already come in contact with the virus, and it works to enhance their immune system, according to the CDC.
But even though the antiretroviral therapy is hugely beneficial, many people with HIV do not take those medications.
An estimated 36.9 million people were living with HIV globally as of the end of previous year.
“You don’t want to get people’s hopes up but I do hope that it helps people down the track”, he said. The test results are confidential.
Treatment and outlooks can be different for those who have HIV for years and delay treatment.
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The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 have an HIV test at least once as part of routine health care, and that people seek out testing if they have risk factors that include having sex with someone whose HIV status they did not know.
