Newly Diagnosed questions

What do HIV and AIDS stand for?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that attacks the body's immune system and over time, people become less able to fight off illness and diseases. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; AIDS is the last stage of HIV disease. Doctors make an AIDS diagnosis based on a set of symptoms and conditions identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What treatment is available for those living with HIV?

New treatments for HIV have slowed the rate of progression from initial infection to a diagnosis of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). There is still no cure. Drug combination therapies are often referred to as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapies or HAART. HAART, (also called ART) or a "drug cocktail", includes drugs such as Protease Inhibitors, Nucleotide, Non-Nucleotides, Nucleoside, Entry Inhibitors and Integrase Inhibitors. Research is ongoing to find newer, easier-to-take medications. These drug combinations have been more effective than any of the other previously availably therapies.

While some who use drug combination therapy do very well and feel healthy, others may develop substantial side-effects and may not be able to stay on one or more of their medications. For still others, the combination therapy simply does not work. Many find the new drug regimens too demanding to take correctly, even though not doing so weakens the benefits of taking the drug. In addition, these drugs are very expensive. Many people who do not have adequate health insurance cannot afford the average cost of $12,000 or more per year for drug combination therapy. NYS has a program in place called ADAP or ADAP Plus that may be able to assist with the cost of medications, doctor visits, and more. For more information and/or to see if you qualify you can call, 800-542-2437 or write to: ADAP Plus, Empire Station, PO Box 2052, Albany, NY 12220-2052.

People who miss doses of their medications may put themselves at risk for developing drug-resistant strains of HIV. An HIV-positive person may need to maintain a complicated treatment regimen for many years or for the rest of his/her life. People are better able to take their medications as prescribed if they limit their alcohol intake. People who are working and leading active lives also need to plan ahead to be sure they make time to take their medications exactly as prescribed. Taking each medication correctly every time and every day, helps the body fight HIV more effectively.

What can those with HIV do to stay healthy?

People who are HIV-positive can live healthy, productive lives for many years. A person infected with HIV can do many things to stay healthy longer:

  • Exercise regularly to stay strong and fit.
  • Make sure you have a doctor who knows how to treat HIV, and follow your doctor's instructions. Keep your appointments even if you feel fine. 
  • Be an active partner in your health care, ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
  • Take the medications exactly as your doctor or other health care provider tells you to take them. If you get sick from your medications, call your doctor for advice rather than relying on the advice of your friends or family members.
  • Don't smoke cigarettes or use drugs and/or alcohol. Your body can fight the virus more effectively if you stop smoking, using drugs and/or alcohol. Seek help if you can't stop on your own.
  • Get enough sleep and rest.
  • Eat a balanced diet and seek nutritional assessments from a registered dietician who specializes in HIV.
  • Learn stress-management techniques. Many people find it easier to cope with the chronic stress of living with HIV/AIDS if they have a good social support network and/or engage in prayer or meditation.
  • Women should get a Pap test once a year. Women infected with HIV are more likely to have an abnormal Pap test than women who do not have HIV.
  • Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?

No. There is NO CURE OR VACCINE for HIV infection or AIDS. Research scientists in the US and other countries are actively working toward the development of a cure. To date, no one has ever been able to cure any virus known to mankind, however, there are medications to help treat HIV.