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Fears vs. Facts
Theresa Mack, MD, has a response for every patient misconception about life with HIV
HIV DRUGS KILL PEOPLE WITH HIV, NOT THE DISEASE ITSELF. “Years ago not much was known about treating HIV and you might
have had to take 30 or more pills a day. Today’s meds can lower the
level of virus to undetectable levels. Our simplest regimens can be as
few as two pills per day. Even if patients can’t swallow pills, there
are liquid formulations. However, the meds can have side effects, which
doctors and patients must discuss.”
IF I TAKE THE MEDS, OTHER PEOPLE WILL KNOW I HAVE HIV. “With certain meds,
patients can sometimes get fat accumulations in the abdomen, neck or
around the jawline or fat wasting in the cheeks, arms or legs. I
usually suggest a consultation with a nutritionist and regular
exercise. If you have undesirable side effects, we can consider
switching you to another medication to try to minimize them.”
IF I'M ON MEDS OR MY VIRAL LOAD IS UNDETECTABLE, I CAN'T GIVE IT TO ANYBODY. “Reaching
an ‘undetectable’ HIV level means that the virus is no longer in
your bloodstream. But it can go into hiding in the lymph nodes, genital
tract and other organs. You can still transmit it to someone else.”
I CAN'T HAVE A CHILD IF I'M HIV POSITIVE. “Because
certain HIV meds can be taken safely during pregnancy (click here for a full list of those), mother-to-child transmission rates
are as low as 1–2 %. Let’s say you’re already on treatment and become
pregnant. If your meds are safe for pregnancy, we can continue
treatment to term. If you’re not on treatment, we can initiate meds
after the first trimester. And if your viral load rises above 1,000, a
C-section can reduce transmission risk. If you’re a positive man,
sperm-washing and other techniques can reduce the risk of transmission
to mother
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