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.
  • Although HIV medicines can sometimes cause side effects, they are safe and effective for most people and offer more health benefits than risks.
  • The type and severi

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

Submitted by hiv-info-adm on

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 area of skin that is itchy, red, bumpy, or painful.
  • A rash can be an early sign of HIV, a side effect of HIV medicines, or a symptom of another infection.
  • Most HIV-related rashes aren’t serious, but some can be life-threatening.
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