The HIV Life Cycle

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Key Points

  • HIV damages the immune system by infecting and destroying CD4 cells (CD4 T lymphocytes), which protect the body from infection.
  • HIV uses CD4 cells to multiply and spread through the body in a seven-step process known as the HIV life cycle.

HIV Medicines and Side Effects

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Key Points

  • Side effects are symptoms or problems that may occur when taking any medicine, including HIV medicine. While HIV medicines can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of disease transmission in people with HIV, they can sometimes cause mild to serious side effects.
  • HIV medicines approved by the U.S.

HIV and High Cholesterol

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Key Points

  • High cholesterol (also called hyperlipidemia) is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors including HIV and certain HIV medicines.
  • High cholesterol refers to high levels of total cholesterol in the blood, which increases the risk of heart disease for all people with or witho

HIV and Hepatotoxicity

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Key Points

  • Hepatotoxicity refers to liver damage caused by a medicine, chemical, or supplement.
  • Symptoms of hepatotoxicity can include rash, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dark-colored urine, diarrhea, light-colored stools, jaundice, itching, loss of appetite, and fever.
  • Hepatotoxicity is a potentially serious side effect of some HIV medicines.
  • HIV m

HIV and Diabetes

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Key Points

  • Diabetes is a disease that develops when levels of blood glucose (also called blood sugar) are too high.
  • While there are different types of diabetes, type 2 diabetes is the most common and is more likely in people with HIV.
  • It is important for people with HIV to have their blood glucose levels c

HIV and Lipodystrophy

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Key Points

  • Lipodystrophy is a condition that changes the way the body makes, uses, and stores fat, and may affect some people with HIV.
  • The exact cause of lipodystrophy is unknown but is linked to HIV infection and some HIV medicines.
  • If you have HIV and are experiencing lipodystrophy, you should consult with your health care provider to determine if a change to your HIV medicine is necessary.

 

HIV and Osteoporosis

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Key Points

  • Osteoporosis is a bone disease caused by bone loss that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures.
  • The risk of osteoporosis increases as people age and is most common in older women.

HIV and Rash

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

Key Points

  • A rash is an irritated or swollen area of skin that may be itchy, red, bumpy, and painful.
  • A rash may be an early symptom of HIV infection. In people who already have HIV, a rash can develop due to secondary infections or interactions with medicines, including some HIV medicines.
  • A rash caused by an HIV medicine is typically not serious and resolves in several days to weeks without treatment.
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