Introduction What is the difference between HIV infection and AIDS? Evaluating your health status Phase 1 - Primo-infection Phase 2 – Seropositive without symptoms Phase 3 – Seropositive with symptoms Phase 4 – AIDS Will I necessarily progress through all phases? What are CD4 cells? What is the viral load? When should I start medications to treat HIV (antiretrovirals)? How does anti-HIV treatment work? Why is it necessary to take several medications at the same time? What are the different types of antiretrovirals? How to choose the best combination of medications? How do I know if my treatment is working? Why are treatments unable to completely erradicate HIV from the body? What are the potential side-effects of antiretrovirals? Why is it sometimes necessary to change the medications in my triple therapy? What is medication resistance? What can I do to avoid resistance? Treatment adherence means: Can alternative or naturopathic/homeopathic therapies assist me in managing my HIV infection? Will I need to take medications for the rest of my life? What can I do to stay in good health? Condom breaks or tears? —Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) HIV and Depression HIV and Aging HIV and Neurocognitive Disorders KASA (Kaletra Adherance and Support Assistance)Program Links and References

Prior to the onset of antiretrovirals (medications used to manage HIV infections), all HIV positive individuals progressed from phase 1 through 4, and this without great exception. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral medications, it is possible to manipulate the virus and it is no longer necessary to progress systematically through HIV to AIDS without the hope of improvement. While it is impossible to regress from phase 2, 3 or 4 to phase 1 (primo-infection), it is possible to reverse the progression of infection and to improve someone’s condition: from AIDS to phase 3 or 2, as an example. The goal of an appropriately timed treatment intervention is to prevent the HIV virus from degrading your immune system – and to assist you in maintaining your health at its optimal level.

Regardless of the stage of infection at which you are diagnosed, there are medications available that will effectively permit you to control your HIV, slow down its progression and ideally improve your overall immune and health status. You in control of the virus, and not the opposite!

Research on HIV and aging in QC — 2013

Video - One Life

Aids/HIV & Work .pdf (french)

Your Health & You .pdf (french)

Live Better With HIV .pdf (french)

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