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

When one considers the vast complement of homeopathic or naturopathic therapies as an adjunct to the treatment of HIV infection remember to consult your health-care provider/ physician, clinical nurse or pharmacist, particularly if you are taking medications or antiretrovirals. In addition, one may consider acupuncture, massotherapy, vitamin supplements, mineral supplements, anti-oxidants and various other alternative treatments. Individual or combinations of alternative therapies have assisted many patients living with HIV, at one time or another during the course of their infection. If you are already following a naturopathic/homeopathic treatment regimen – remember that there are several factors to consider such that "you maximize the benefits and minimize the potential risks".

• There exist complementary therapies that actually serve to « stimulate » the immune system. A well-known example is Echinacea. Many homeopathic clinicians extol the virtues of Echinacea’s capacity to stimulate the immune system and thereby assist an individual in fighting off a cold or flu. It is extremely important to be aware that the use in patients living with HIV may be paradoxical. As you learned earlier on in this section, HIV is present (latent) in the immune system. When a product like Echinacea stimulates the immune system, not only is your immune system stimulated, but also the HIV virus itself is also stimulated. This can lead to an unwanted increase in the viral load. In the instance of Echinacea, this naturopathic remedy can actually negatively impact your health status.
• Another important risk factor that must be assessed when a person living with HIV is combining antiretrovirals and complementary treatment interventions is the potential for medication interactions (please refer to the section: "Other medications and naturopathic products" in What can I do to avoid resistance? These interactions can have a negative impact on your HIV therapeutic success and negatively impact your health over the long run. Once again, prior to commencing antiretrovirals, communicate with your physician/pharmacist all medications or therapies that you are taking prior to initiation. If you are already receiving treatment with antiretrovirals and are considering supplementing with complementary therapies speak with a member of your health care team.
• There are several complementary therapies that can be beneficial in the management of side effects, or the prevention of other health conditions, however, one must exclude the possibility of interactions PRIOR to starting. Your health care provider can assist you in the selection of beneficial and safe alternative therapeutic choices.

Research on HIV and aging in QC — 2013

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Aids/HIV & Work .pdf (french)

Your Health & You .pdf (french)

Live Better With HIV .pdf (french)

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