 |
HIV NewsHIV/AIDS affect not only the person who has the infection, but also partners, friends, and families. New drugs and research are making it possible to live longer – and better – with HIV infection or AIDS. The more you know about HIV/AIDS, the better you can guard your health, minimize the impact of the infection and its treatment and enhance the quality and length of your life. The BasicsHIV stands for Human immunodeficiency Virus. This virus causes AIDS. Being infected with HIV, however, is not the same as having AIDS. People who have tested positive for HIV have been known to stay healthy for years, even decades, with proper treatment. Over time – in many cases, a long time -- HIV slowly weakens the immune system until AIDS develops.AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. In medicine, a syndrome is a group of symptoms that all together indicate the presence of a disease. When a person has AIDS, his or her body has been weakened to the point where it is no longer able to effectively fight disease. As a result, many other health problems develop when a person has AIDS. Origins of AIDS and HIV In the United States, AIDS and HIV hit the headlines in the early 1980s. In 1982, public health officials began using the term “Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome” or AIDS. Formal tracking of AIDS cases in the United States began in 1982. The following year, scientists participating in an international committee discovered HIV as the cause of AIDS. With time and research, it has become clear that HIV and AIDS existed decades before 1982. In the mid- to late-1970s, doctors in Los Angeles and New York noted growing numbers of gay men developing rare types of pneumonia, cancer and other illnesses. An analysis of a blood sample taken from a man in 1959 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, uncovered HIV-1. (HIV-1 is the most widespread type of HIV in the developed world.) Genetic analysis of the blood sample suggests that HV-1 may have developed from a single virus in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Precisely how and when HIV came to exist is still being studied. In 1999, an international research team discovered HIV-1 in a group of chimpanzees native to west equatorial Africa. They have suggested that HIV-1 spread to humans when hunters became exposed to infected chimpanzee blood. Myths and theories about the spread of HIV abound – a promiscuous flight attendant or the purposeful spread of a man-made virus (a conspiracy), for example – have all been suggested. Most of these theories have been discredited or have not proven to have a basis in fact. Preventing HIV InfectionIf you have HIV – or if you don’t – you need to take steps to prevent spreading HIV.HIV is transmitted by:
To keep from getting HIV:
Testing NegativeGetting a negative test result can be an almost euphoric relief. While this is a good time to be thankful, it is also an excellent opportunity to take stock of your behaviors and review safe sex practices.Back to Safe Sex Basics: We all think we know it all when it comes to the bedroom. Truth is, we could all use a refresher course. Talk to your healthcare provider, visit an HIV/AIDS organization, or do an online search for the latest information about safe sex practices and HIV prevention. Practice Correct Condom Use: Proper, consistent use of condoms can prevent transmission of HIV by 80-95 percent. It also reduces the risk of other STDs like HPV, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, Chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease. Drugs & Alcohol: If you’re drinking and/or taking drugs, you are more apt to be in a situation where safe sex practices falter or fail altogether. If you have sex when you’re sober, you’re more likely to be safe. If you struggle with a drug or alcohol problem, seek help immediately. Not only does this potentially put you at risk with sex partners, it can also affect your drug regimen and overall healthcare. Reevaluate Life Issues: Is an old hurt or something from your past keeping you from having healthy sexual relationships? If you have a history of abuse or depression you may find it difficult to deal with safe sex situations and ask for what you need. Consider reaching out. Find a therapist you can talk to or perhaps join a support group to start addressing these important issues. Self–Esteem and Sexual Identity: The more you love who you are, the more likely you are to respect yourself and the person you’re with. Take Stock: Sometimes the people we find ourselves associating with lead us to behaviors we ordinarily wouldn’t do. Take stock of the people you’re surrounding yourself with. Do they have your best interest in mind? If not, time to eliminate any people who are draining your energy or toxic to your emotional and physical well-being. Testing PositiveIf you just learned you are HIV positive, it’s natural to feel scared, confused and unsure what to do next. First, concentrate on the good news - HIV is not a death sentence. Today, there are many effective medications and treatments available that can help control the disease and live a healthy and productive life.Second, take a proactive approach to your new diagnosis —put yourself in control. If you’re recently diagnosed, here are a few things you should start doing now: Choose an HIV specialist: This is one of the most important choices you will make. Look for a physician who specializes in HIV care. Your physician should be someone with whom you can talk openly.. Think of you and your physician as a team. You will be working closely together to maintain your quality of life and take the very best care of you possible. Start by asking yourself a few questions about what is important to you in a doctor. Is it location, availability, reputation, age, ethnicity, additional services offered, or openness to alternative therapies? Make a detailed list for yourself. Then, begin researching HIV physicians you think fit your criteria. You can also ask for referrals from others with HIV/AIDS. Find an HIV/AIDS organization: Finding an organization like AIDS Healthcare Foundation can be an excellent addition to your medical treatment. HIV/AIDS organizations provide information and advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS. They can serve as a support structure for newly diagnosed individuals by helping them with healthcare concerns and other issues that come up related to their HIV status. Learn more about the disease: Knowledge really is power and the more you know about your disease, the more actively and intelligently you can participate in your own medical care. Take the time to learn more about the disease, the medical tests involved, insurance issues, etc. However, don’t overwhelm yourself. HIV is a complex disease. There is much to know. Give yourself the time to absorb the information you’ve learned and don’t be afraid to ask questions of your healthcare provider. Develop a strategy to maintain your physical and emotional health: As a newly diagnosed person, you may feel depressed, or feel like isolating yourself from family, friends and others. It is extremely important at this time to maintain connections with people and do everything you can to take the best care of yourself. You know that when you eat right, exercise, get enough rest, and have a strong support system in place, you feel better and stronger. Now is the time to be vigilant about these things. You will also need to maintain adherence to any new drug regimen your physician may prescribe for you. Take the time to do what you need to do for you, don’t be afraid to ask questions and you will be on your way to taking control of your health. Coping with the DiagnosisLearning you have HIV can cause many emotions from fear to worry to anger to sadness and depression. One way to fight the fears and anxiety is to learn as much as possible about HIV/AIDS. This lets you take the best care of yourself and to make the best decisions about your treatment. If you can’t sleep, eat, concentrate or have thoughts of suicide talk to your doctor. Treatment can be very helpful if you are depressed or feel anxious. Go to the most informed sources you can to learn more. These include your doctor and national and local AIDS organizations. Going to support groups and talking to others can be very helpful. With the newest drugs and treatment programs, people today are living with HIV longer and with a better quality of life.How HIV Progresses to AIDSPeople commonly talk as if there is the infection (HIV) and then there is the disease (AIDS). HIV actually has several stages. HIV can move through these stages slowly or quickly. Studies of people who don’t receive treatment for HIV show that about half of HIV-infected people progress to AIDS within 10 years of being infected. Three out of four HIV-infected people progress to AIDS within 15 years of infection. Children who are born with HIV and people who got HIV through a blood transfusion tend to get sick more quickly. The stages of HIV tend to follow the pattern highlighted below, although actual times vary a great deal from one person to another:
When HIV Becomes AIDSAIDS is the last stage of HIV-infection. A doctor can make the diagnosis of HIV infection that has become AIDS. This diagnosis is based on guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control. Since 1996, powerful virus-fighting drugs have been introduced that dramatically delay the progression of HIV to AIDS. Other new treatments and drugs are now being used to treat illnesses associated with AIDS. Anti-retroviral therapy doesn’t cure AIDS, nor does it prevent the spread of HIV. Antiretrovirals do, however, extend life and improve the quality of life while living with HIV. As HIV progresses, the immune system becomes weakened. The body isn’t able to defend itself against common bacteria and viruses that a healthy immune system can do easily. These are called opportunistic infections because they take advantage of the weakened immune system. If you are on antiretroviral therapy, you can go along time before developing opportunistic infections. Some of the more common opportunistic infections are:
Know the Signs of HIV/AIDSOne thing that has allowed HIV infection to spread so far so fast is the lack of symptoms at first. Many people infected with HIV for 10 or more years have no symptoms of illness. They can still infect other people during this time unless they practice safe sex. The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested. Because a test is a snapshot of your health at one given time, it is wise to be tested periodically. It can take three to five months from exposure to HIV infection to when HIV can be found in a blood test. When HIV infection begins to make an impact on a person’s immune system, he or she may show signs such as:
The National HIV Testing Resources website also provides help in finding an HIV testing site. To get information by telephone, the Centers for Disease Control have a hotline at 1 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It offers information in English and en Español. These resources are confidential as well. You can also ask your health care provider to give you an HIV test. As with other diseases, the earlier HIV infection is discovered, the more effectively it can be treated. Deciding to Begin Anti-retroviral TherapyDeciding when to start anti-retroviral therapy is both challenging and personal. The decision should be made in partnership with an experienced, trusted doctor. It’s important to be well informed about both the benefits and the risks of anti-retroviral therapy before starting it. Many people live a long time without symptoms of HIV and without using anti-HIV therapy. Making a decision about treatment isn’t something that has to be done the right away after you learn you have HIV. Anti-retroviral therapy requires a long-term commitment to taking many pills or medicines as prescribed. Some of these medicines must be taken several times a day. Others have special requirements such as being taken with food – or several hours before or after meals. Anti-HIV drugs are powerful. They have side effects that must be considered. Finally, the longer a person is on anti-retroviral therapy, the more likely it is that drug resistance will develop. (This means that a drug no longer effective in fighting HIV.)Deciding to start anti-HIV therapy should take into consideration:
Treating HIV/AIDSSince 1987, when the first anti-retroviral drug was approved for treating HIV, many life-extending advances have been made in drugs to treat HIV/AIDS. That first drug, azidothymidine (AZT), is now one of more than 22 drugs that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to fight AIDS-related conditions.There are four classes of anti-retrovirals:
Over the course of treatment, the combination of drugs being used may need to be changed. Changes in a drug program are usually done when:
Side Effects of Anti-retroviral Therapy Anti-HIV drugs do cause side effects. Just because a drug has side effects doesn’t mean that everyone who takes it will have those effects. And just because a drug has side effects, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken. What these facts do mean, however, is that you should know and watch out for possible side effects. Taking drugs the way they are prescribed helps keep side effects low. When side effects do happen, it is usually in the first two to four weeks after starting a particular drug. Many side effects go away on their own as the body adapts to the medicines. Common side effects from anti-HIV drugs include:
Drug Interactions Because HAART involves taking several drugs, and because a person may be taking drugs for other infections at the same time, there is a risk of the various drugs interacting badly with each other. This doesn’t mean that the drugs shouldn’t be taken. It does mean that adjustments sometimes need to made to the therapy plan. Dosages may need to be changed to adapt to these interactions. It’s important to tell all you health care providers all the drugs you are taking to prevent drug interactions as much as possible. Drug Resistance One of the concerns about anti-HIV therapy over the long term is the virus’s ability to change (mutate) so it is no longer affected by an anti-HIV drug. This is called drug resistance. Often when drug resistance happens with one anti-HIV drug, the virus will resist all drugs in that class of anti-HIV drug. This is known as cross-resistance. Drug resistance is more likely to occur with some classes of anti-HIV drugs than others. For this reason, antiretroviral therapy usually includes drugs from several different classes. If the virus can resist one drug, it can still be held in check by the other drugs from other classes. If resistance develops, a doctor may change the drugs being used. In some cases, it’s possible to measure whether a person with HIV will be likely to resist a specific drug. This can sometimes be helpful in making treatment decisions. Ongoing Monitoring During Treatment Anyone with HIV will need to have tests to monitor his or her condition over time. These monitoring tests check for CD4 cell count levels, viral load and blood levels of various chemicals and enzymes that measure the body’s response to anti-HIV therapy. It is important to get these tests as your doctor recommends them. They help keep the virus under control and avoid the more significant side effects of anti-HIV treatment. During antiretroviral therapy, the goal is to get the viral load so low it cannot be detected by a blood test. Viral load tests today measure as few as 20 copies of the virus. There are several different viral load tests. Some consistently report higher viral loads than others. It’s important to have tests done at the same lab and using the same test, so that results are consistent. Positive Healthcare Buea Positive Healthcare Buea is the first program of it’s kind in the Cameroon specifically designed for Medicaid patients with HIV disease. The nationwide program stresses prevention and education, promoting lifestyle changes, improving medical self-management, and increasing patient and family satisfaction. Positive Healthcare’s disease management program includes physician consultations, patient and provider education, personalized RN Care Managers, clinical practice guidelines for patients and providers, and intensive care management focusing on adherence to treatment regimens and on preventive care. Above all, Positive Healthcare aims to improve the lives of patients by partnering with them and their providers to manage their disease and avoid medical crises. To find out more or to see if you qualify,please call 00237 99634340/33073873 Positive Healthcare Kumba As a Medi-Kumba beneficiary living with AIDS, you expect more from your health care program. Now, you can get more from Positive Healthcare. Since 2001, Positive Healthcare has been providing quality medical care exclusively for Medi-Kumba beneficiaries living with AIDS. As a Positive Healthcare member, we get to know you and can offer you a more personalized kind of medical care. And because we specialize in providing quality healthcare for people with AIDS, we’ll help you be as healthy as you can be. As a Positive Healthcare member, you’re eligible to receive all of the regular Medi-Kumba benefits. Plus, you’ll receive extra benefits, all at no cost to you, including expert providers, a helping hand, less paperwork, and wellness benefits. Positive Healthcare is part of MPYRAA. Our entire health care system is designed around men and women living with HIV and Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Become a Patient4 Easy Steps to Get StartedBecoming a MPYRAA Beneficiary. The easiest way to become a beneficiary at any of our Centers is to call our health care at +237 77 60 81 10. We will help you set up an appointment at one of our many convenient locations. What To Bring To Your First Appointment
Your First Appointment Please arrive at the centre half an hour early in order to begin filling out the paperwork. When you arrive you will be greeted by the front office staff and provided with initial forms and information. Please let us know if you need assistance in completing the forms. You will then meet with the Benefits Counselor who will conduct a financial and benefits screening and register you as a beneficiary. This will also allow us to determine if you can qualify for any other services such as AIDS drug cost assistance (ADAP) and/or Medi-Kumba. On this initial visit you will receive a new client orientation and a tour of the site. We look forward to meeting you. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be your health care provider. Get Involved. Make a difference.MPYRAA’s Public Health Division offers numerous ways to get involved in the fight against HIV and Human Rights. We can help you find the volunteer experience that is most fulfilling for you.You can volunteer with almost any of our diverse programs and gain valuable non-profit and public health experience. MPYRAA also has a volunteer counselor-training program. After making a commitment to MPYRAA, you may have the opportunity become a Certified HIV Testing Counselor. Call our Counselor Staff Coordinator at (+237) 75173891 for more information. Use of CondomsDisclaimer: This section of the page contains prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this web page.The HARD Facts Proper, consistent use of a condom:
WHERE to get Condoms Condoms are available almost anywhere and cost, on average, about 200Frs. They’re more economical if you buy them in larger quantities so don’t be afraid to buy in bulk. Condoms can be found at:
FREE Condoms
REASONS to Use
Condom CONFIDENCE Knowing how to use a condom properly significantly improves its effectiveness. Using a condom is simple, it just takes a little practice. But it’s worth it. Not only do condoms help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of contracting HIV and STDs, when used correctly most partners also say they feel sex is more pleasurable when they both feel informed and safe. MALE CONDOM The more you use a condom, the more confident you’ll become with putting it on. Practice alone or with your partner. It can be a fun, loving and sexy thing you can learn together! Putting on the Condom
Removing the Condom
FEMALE CONDOM Putting on the Condom
Removing the Condom
Condom DO’s & DON’Ts DO
DON'T
Which LUBE to Use Many condoms are pre-lubricated. Lubrication helps prevent rips and tears. But certain lubes can damage condoms. Here’s what you need to remember. Latex Condoms – DO NOT USE OIL-BASED lubricants. They can damage the latex. Products like Astro Glide, Probe, Web, and KY lubricating jelly work well with latex condoms. Polyurethane condoms - Oil-based lubricants CAN be used with these condoms. Condo – MANIA! With so many sizes, textures, colors and even flavors to choose from, there’s bound to be a condom for even the most apathetic out there. Here’s a recap of what’s available. Polymer Technology – For those allergic to latex and who prefer a thinner option, polyurethane condoms are a good bet. Water and oil-based lubricants can be used with these. The Bumpy Road to Love – Textured type condoms have bumps or ribs and promise increased pleasure or sensation. Other condoms have winding, twisting shapes, warming lubricants and one has a pouch towards the top that is supposed to add friction. Who knew! Matchmaker – Just to make sure your condom doesn’t clash with the rest of your, well, birthday suit, thank goodness they come in an array of colors. Pink, red, green, blue, orange, yellow, purple, natural, black, white, tropical and more. Rise and Shine - For you guys who like to show off the goods, glow in the dark condoms shine the light on your attributes. Lickety Split – Condoms come in an array of luscious flavors. Try mint, chocolate, tropical, strawberry, vanilla, banana, grape, and even cola flavors. HISTORY of the condom
Condom Clueless? GET THE FACTS Q: Do condoms break? A: Condoms can break. However, there are many factors that can contribute to breakage. Often times, user error is the reason for a condom breaking or slipping off during sex. Avoid opening the package with sharp objects like your teeth or sharp fingernails, jewelry. Be sure to hold the rim of the condom during withdrawal. Q: What about slippage? A: Lubrication can actually increase the risk of slippage for vaginal sex but help reduce breakage if used for anal sex where there is less natural lubrication. Q: What kind of lube should I use? A: It depends on the condom. If you’re using a latex condom, DO NOT use an oil-based lubricant. Instead, used water-based products. If you are using a polyurethane condom, oil-based products are ok. Q: How do I talk to my partner about condoms? A: It’s best to talk openly and honestly with your partner about condom use. Remember, you’re not only protecting them but yourself, too. Q: What if I lose my erection when I put on my condom? A: Don’t worry, you’re not alone. You’re probably just a little anxious. Try getting some condoms and practicing on your own before having sex. You’ll feel more relaxed and confident using them and more likely to keep your erection. Q: How can I check if a condom is safe? A: Make sure the condom has not expired. Check that the condom has a standard approval mark from the MINSANTE. Never use a novelty condom. Q: How are condoms tested? A: Condoms are subjected to a variety of tests. They are tested with an electrical current that checks for holes. Condoms are also tested in batches for breakage and are submitted to air inflation and water leakage tests. Q: What are condoms made of? A: Predominantly, most condoms in use today are made of latex or polyurethane. LINKS www.aidshealth.org - US largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care. www.cdc.gov - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.who.int www.condoms4life.org/home.htm www.freecondoms.com www.advocatesforyouth.org - Advocates for Youth www.guttmacher.org - Alan Guttmacher Institute www.ashastd.org - American Social Health Association www.kff.org - Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation www.siecus.org - SIECUS Myths About HIV/AIDSMany myths about HIV and AIDS have contributed to prejudice and stigma about the disease. Here are some of the most common.Myth: AIDS Is a Death Sentence Reality: In the early 1980s and before, people with HIV/AIDS died almost before the disease could be identified. Much has changed since then. Antiretroviral therapy has made it possible for people to live for decades with HIV infection. When taken as directed by your physician, antiretroviral can improve the quality of your life and health for many years. In the meantime, research is ongoing into the causes of HIV, better ways to treat it and potential cures. Myth: HIV only affects . . . . . . gay men . . . drug users Reality: HIV is an equal opportunity virus. It can affect newborn babies, women, seniors, teens and people of any race or nationality. Any behavior such as unsafe sex, multiple sexual partners or intravenous drug use can put you at risk for HIV infection and AIDS. In fact, women are increasingly becoming HIV-infected more than men. This usually happens through sharing HIV-contaminated needles or sex with an HIV-infected man. The Center for Disease Control in the United States estimates that nearly a third of new HIV infections in world wide involves women. In areas like sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 60% of adults with HIV are women. In the meantime, research is ongoing into the causes of HIV, better ways to treat it and potential cures. Myth: AIDS can be cured by . . . . . . the new drugs available . . . sex with a virgin . . . sex with an animal Reality: There is no cure for HIV infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) helps manage symptoms and the amount of the virus in the body, but it is not a cure. People with HIV who are receiving HAART are living longer and longer. However, if HAART is stopped, the virus becomes stronger and eventually develops into AIDS. Since the 16th century, people have believed that sex with a virgin could get rid of sexually transmitted diseases. It simply isn’t true. Sex with a virgin just exposes the virgin to HIV. No sexual act cures HIV. Sex with an animal is cruel, a criminal offense in many places and carries with it other risks. Myth: HIV/AIDS can be spread by . . . . . . casual contact with a person who has HIV . . . mosquitoes . . . being tattooed . . . breathing the air around an HIV-infected person . . . toilet seats or doorknobs . . . touching, hugging, holding hands or cheek kissing an HIV-infected person . . . kissing an HIV-infected person . . . sharing silverware or plates with an HIV-infected person . . . sharing exercise equipment or playing sports with an HIV-infected person Reality: HIV is spread only when someone is exposed to blood, semen, vaginal fluid or mother’s milk from someone who is infected with HIV. The virus doesn’t live long in the open environment outside the body. There is virtually no evidence that HIV infection can be spread from tears or sweat. Even saliva has a very little viral content. (The risk goes up, however, if either person has blood in their mouth from cuts, open sores or gum disease.) HIV infection can’t be spread by day-to-day contact at work, school or social settings. Shaking someone’s hand, hugging them, using the same toilet, drinking from the same glass, being nearby when someone with HIV coughs or sneezes – none of these activities spreads HIV infection. Even open-mouthed kissing is relatively low risk. During a mosquito bite, the mosquito injects its own saliva into the person it is biting. It is not injecting blood from the last person the mosquito bit. Mosquito saliva can carry infections such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever or West Nile virus. That is how a person can get those infections from a mosquito bite. HIV cannot be transmitted in that way. The chance of getting infected while being tattooed is low because HIV can’t survive well in the open air. Tattooing if precautions aren’t used can spread other diseases, including hepatitis. Using disposable needles, proper cleaning and sterilization of equipment eliminates much of the infection risk from tattooing. While a woman with HIV who is pregnant can spread the virus to her child during childbirth or pregnancy, it doesn’t happen as often as you might expect. A pregnant woman with HIV, who receives no treatment at all, will give birth to an HIV-infected baby about 25% of the time. With today’s antiretroviral therapy, however, the rate of transmission from mother to child has dropped to about 2%. Myth: AIDS can be cured by . . . . . . the new drugs available . . . sex with a virgin . . . sex with an animal Reality: There is no cure for HIV infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) helps manage symptoms and the amount of the virus in the body, but it is not a cure. People with HIV who are receiving HAART are living longer and longer. However, if HAART is stopped, the virus becomes stronger and eventually develops into AIDS. Since the 16th century, people have believed that sex with a virgin could get rid of sexually transmitted diseases. It simply isn’t true. Sex with a virgin just exposes the virgin to HIV. No sexual act cures HIV. Sex with an animal is cruel, a criminal offense in many places and carries with it other risks. Myth: HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted . . . . . . if you’re on antiretroviral therapy . . . by oral sex . . . If you use birth control methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges, spermicides or the Pill . . . If you already have another sexually transmitted disease . . . If you use your own needles when taking drugs and don’t share them Reality: Anti-retroviral helps keep the symptoms of HIV infection under control. It helps keep the amount of virus in the body as low as possible. It does not cure HIV or AIDS. Even when the virus can’t be detected by the tests we have available today, it is still in the body. It can still be spread to others, Oral sex is less risky than anal or vaginal risk – but not risk free. HIV can spread (to either partner) when there is contact between semen and mucous membranes in the mouth. A single instance of oral sex probably has a very low level or risk. But the more oral sex a person has, the higher his or her risks. Risks go up if there are open sores on the genitals or mouth or if there is bleeding from gum disease. Any direct contact between semen or saliva or openings in the skin or surface of the mouth raises the risks of HIV infection. Spermicides, diaphragms, caps, sponges and the Pill are all aimed at preventing conception. They do not protect against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. Some birth control products that contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9 may actually increase the risk of HIV infection. Not only is it possible to have more than one sexually transmitted disease (STD) at a time, having an STD can make you six to 10 times more like to pass or get HIV during sex. Your chances of getting HIV infection go up 10 to 300 times if a genital ulcer from syphilis or herpes is present. Sharing contaminated hypodermic needles can spread HIV infection. But what many people don’t realize is that sharing the tools used to prepare for an intravenous drug injection can also spread HIV infection. Myth: Anti-retroviral drugs are toxic and more dangerous than the HIV itself Reality: Anti-retroviral drugs are powerful. Taken in combinations of two or more drugs at a time, they can keep HIV infection in check for long periods. Antiretroviral drugs have reduced the death rate from HIV/AIDS by 80%. At the same time, they have made dramatic improvements in the quality of life for people who have HIV infection. At the same time, anti-retroviral drugs have side effects of their own and can cause interactions for other drugs that a person may need to take for opportunistic infections. Educating yourself about the drugs you are taking, knowing what side effects to look for and working in partnership with a doctor whom you trust can keep the drawbacks of anti-retroviral therapy low. Myth: HIV testing is . . . . . . unreliable . . . pointless . . . unnecessary because I would know if my lover or I had HIV Reality: You can have – and spread – HIV for up to 10 years without having any symptoms of HIV or AIDS. HIV affects each individual differently. It is possible to look and feel healthy for years. The only sure way to know if you have HIV infection is to get tested. Today, testing for HIV is more reliable than tests for many other diseases. The accuracy in establishing whether a person does – or does not – have HIV infection is quite high and reliable. Usually when a test comes back HIV positive, the test is repeated or other test are done to check for viral genetic material in body fluids and cells to confirm the first test results. Knowing if you have HIV, gives you the power to seek treatment when it will be most effective. It also makes it possible for you to avoid spreading the infection to others. Myth: HIV is a man-made virus created for warfare or to target people of certain races. Reality: In the history of medical research, there are some terrible examples of studies done that showed a reckless disregard for individual or community safety. These studies have left much distrust among many people of the public health system. In addition, a Soviet newspaper in the mid-1980s claimed that AIDS was the result of U.S. germ warfare experiments. HIV/AIDS affects members of minority groups heavily because they do not always have access to health care or expensive antiretroviral drugs. After nearly 30 years of intense study and publicity, there is no evidence that governments have the ability to create such a devastating virus or policies of using the virus to their own ends. Myth: HIV/AIDS doesn’t really exist because . . . . . . AIDS is just a new name for old diseases that have existed for a long time in Africa . . . there are so many diseases associated with HIV/AIDS infection, one virus can’t cause them all Reality: Many diseases common in Africa have symptoms associated with AIDS such as wasting, diarrhea or tuberculosis. However, these diseases used to be only associated with the elderly or people who didn’t get enough to eat. With AIDS, these symptoms are young and middle-aged people, many of whom are members of the middle class. Additionally, research has shown that people with the above symptoms who are also HIV positive are much more likely to die sooner than people with the same symptoms who don’t have HIV. HIV infection changes the body’s ability to handle other infections. AIDS doesn’t cause the other diseases that a person with HIV/AIDS often gets – they are the result of having HIV/AIDS. The way HIV works in the body is to weaken the immune system. Common bacteria and viruses that everyone has on and in their bodies can’t be controlled by the weakened immune system. As a result, a person with HIV/AIDS develops diseases such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), thrush, Kaposi’s sarcoma, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and others. These are called opportunistic infections. The types of infections that a person with HIV develops depend on what he or she is exposed to in the surrounding environment. ResearchMPYRAA Research is dedicated to discovering better treatments and improving quality of life for people living with HIV.An Experienced and Caring Staff Our staff are specialists in the field of HIV/AIDS/HUMAN RIGHTS. They have years of experience and are sensitive to the issues that people with HIV face. We give individual care to everyone participating in a clinical trial. We provide access to a variety of providers trained in specific fields. Clinical Trials MPYRAA Research has over 4 years of experience with anti-retroviral (ARV) studies, including:
Why You Should Consider Being in a MPYRAA Research Study By taking part in clinical trials, you're not only helping yourself, you're helping others. Your participation helps us find new and better HIV treatments. Additionally, MPYRAA Research offers many benefits for those who join our clinical trials:
Current MPYRAA Research Clinical Trials Research FAQs Q: Do I need to participate in a study in order to receive treatment? A: No, you can and should discuss all of your treatment options with your regular medical provider before participating in a research study so that you understand all of your options. Q: Once I am in a study, can I drop out? A: Your participation in studies is purely voluntary. You can drop out at any time for any reason without penalty to you. In addition, if for any reason the physician conducting the research or your physician feel that the study is no longer beneficial or may even be harmful to you, they may take you off a study. Q: Why should I participate in research? A: You should participate in research if you would like to contribute to the scientific understanding of your illness. You or future generations may benefit from the contribution of your time and effort. In addition, you may have the first opportunity to receive the newest, cutting-edge therapies for your illness before they are available to the general public. Q: Do I have any rights as a research subject? A: Yes. Every research protocol is overseen by an Independent Review Board in order to protect patient safety. In addition, every research subject is given a copy of the Research Subject's Bill of Rights. Every study is subject to oversight by independent monitors from drug companies to the MINSANTE. When you are in a study, you will receive a consent form that explains in detail the procedures of the study. You should fully understand the consent form before signing or participating in a study. You cannot be enrolled in a research study unless you give your signed consent. You can also drop out at any time. Q: What are the pros and cons to participating in research? A: The pros to participating are the opportunity to receive the newest, cutting edge therapies for your illness before they are available to the general public. In addition, you will have the benefit of being followed by additional specialists in the field of HIV/AIDS who will communicate your results to your regular medical provider. The cons to participating are that the treatments are new so there may be unforeseen side effects and risks. There is no guarantee of efficacy. Q: Will I be a "guinea pig" if I participate in a research study? A: No. As a research participant you have certain protections. All medications involved in research studies have undergone extensive laboratory and animal studies before they are administered to humans. In most cases, the medication you will be taking in a study has already been administered to other people in earlier studies. Q: Why do you have to do research? A: All medications in the United States must go through multiple phases of testing before they can be approved by MINSANTE. All the treatments currently available today by prescription have been tested on people who previously were willing to participate in research studies. Q: Are there any guarantees? A: No. There are no guarantees that you will have no side effects or that the study medication will work for you. However, if it appears that a medication is not right for you, the study investigator may discontinue you from the study. Q: What do the stages in the drug approval process mean? A: Every drug, before it is approved by the MINSANTE, must undergo stepwise research. Not every promising drug compound makes it through all four stages. The timeline from conception to MINSANTE approval can take many years due to the rigorous testing that each drug must receive before approval. Clinical Research Stages This table describes each of the stages in the clinical research process: Preclinical Trials Animal studies that support Phase I study and tolerance trials. Data about a drug's effects in animals help establish boundaries for safe use in human testing. Phase I Trials Initial safety trials on a new medication in which investigators attempt to establish a safe and effective dose and dosing regimen in about 20 to 80 healthy volunteers. This data provides the guidelines for larger safety and efficacy studies. Phase II Trials Phase 2a: Pilot clinical trials to evaluate efficacy and safety in selected populations of about 100 to 300 patients. These studies often involve hospitalized patients who can be closely monitored. Objectives may focus on dose-response, type of patient, frequency of dosing, or any number of other issues involved in safety and efficacy. Phase 2b: Well-controlled trials to evaluate safety and efficacy in patients who have the disease or condition to be treated, diagnosed, or prevented. These trials usually represent the most rigorous demonstration of a medication's efficacy. Phase III Trials Phase 3a: Multi-center studies in population of perhaps 1,000 to 3,000 patients for whom the medication is eventually intended. Phase III trials generate additional safety and efficacy data from relatively large numbers of patients in both controlled and uncontrolled designs. Phase 3b: Trials conducted after regulatory submission, but prior to MINSANTE approval and launch. Such trials may supplement earlier trials, complete earlier trials, or may be directed towards a new type of trial (e.g. quality of life, marketing). Phase IV Trials Large-scale clinical studies performed after a medication has been approved by the MPYRAA to test the medication in related indications and/or to generate additional efficacy and safety data to be included on the its label Legal Steps to Take if You Have HIVHIV is a serious condition. There may come a time when you aren’t able to make decisions for yourself or you need to have others manage your financial affairs. Planning to address these issues will help relieve stress and worry on your part and give others in your life the security of knowing what you want.Every one who tests positive for HIV should have:
|