HIV Infection (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV is a serious sexually transmitted infection that it is transmitted through oral, anal or vaginal intercourse. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of heterosexual people contracting the disease. The disease is incurable but recent advances in medical treatments mean that the disease process can be slowed considerably and symptoms managed successfully; many people who have treatment now live with the disease well into their 60’s and 70’s.
If you think you may have put yourself at risk, we recommend you get tested for this and other STI’s as quickly as possible, limiting the risk of complications. Nu Health performs these tests quickly, professionally and confidentially making it as stress free as possible.
Signs and Symptoms
HIV sometimes has no symptoms for up to ten years. However, up to 80% of people with HIV report a short flu-like infection that occurs a few weeks after exposure and lasts for up to a month. Symptoms of this include:
•Sore throat
•Fever
•Chills
•Rash on the body
•Fatigue
•Muscle and joint aches and weakness
•Swollen lymph nodes (in the neck, groin or armpit)
After these symptoms have subsided, the virus will lie dormant for some time (up to a decade), during which, the virus damages the immune system. Eventually, the virus will damage the immune system to such an extent that it cannot fight infections anymore; the disease has then progressed to the stage of AIDS (acute immune deficiency syndrome). Typical symptoms of AIDS include:
•Extreme fatigue
•Weight loss
•Constant diarrhoea
•White areas on the mouth or tongue
•Regular fevers
•Persistent swollen lymph glands in the throat, armpit or groin
•Night sweats
Diagnosis
The only way to know if you have HIV is to have a test. At Nu Health, we offer a range of tests for HIV depending on when you think you may have contracted the virus. We offer comprehensive counselling before and after the test to help you through this stressful time. We recommend that you have a full STD check at this time to test for other infections.
Treatment
In the unfortunate event that you are found to be HIV positive, you will immediately receive counselling to help you come to terms with the diagnosis. We will then put you in touch with HIV specialists (with your consent) who can help formulate a treatment plan to help you best manage the disease.
Emergency HIV Treatment (Post Exposure Prophylaxis, HIV PEP)
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours you may be able to take anti-HIV medication, known as PEP, which will minimize the chance of you developing HIV.
After HIV has entered your body, it takes between a few hours to a few days to infect your blood stream and affect you permanently. For this reason, it is advisable to start PEP as soon as possible after you think you may have been exposed. The medication works by limiting the disease’s ability to take hold in your body and so giving you the best chance to avoid the disease post exposure.
In order for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to work properly, you must take the medication for a month. During this time, you may experience some difficult side effects including vomiting and diarrhoea, extreme fatigue and headaches. Although the side effects can be quite debilitating, most people find it preferable to the risk of contracting HIV.
We recommend that following PEP treatment you have a HIV test to ensure the treatment has been effective.
Confidentiality
All procedures at Nu Health are completely confidential. For continuation of care, we will automatically let your GP know about any consultations, tests, results, referrals or advice given. If you would prefer us not to do this, please let us know and we will not disclose the above.
Click here or Call us FREE on 08000 30 29 30 to make an enquiry or book your appointment
Finance Options
Nu health has a range of finance options to help you manage the cost of your treatment.
