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

4 stages in the evolution of an HIV infection

The health-care provider that announced your HIV result likely suggested that you begin a regular medical follow-up specific to HIV. An HIV check-up will permit you to evaluate (in consort with your physician) your stage of infection and the overall health of your immune system.

In an attempt to evaluate your global health status, your physician will take a complete medical history (pertaining to your previous and current state of health) followed by a complete medical examination and a battery of laboratory tests. (please refer to the section What are CD4 cells? and What is the viral load?) Depending on your previous and/or current state of health and age, your physician may also request that you undergo supplementary evaluations (x-rays, ECG, nutritional evaluation, etc.).

The combination of your physical examination and your laboratory results will permit you and your physician to evaluate the stage of your HIV infection. There are generally 4 stages that are described (these stages are not rigid, and patients may be at different points of their infection at different stages):

• Primo-infection
• Seropositive without symptoms
• Seropositive with symptoms
• AIDS

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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