HIV

HIV is a virus that causes chronic infection, and can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) with severe and life-threatening failure of the immune system.

Infection and infection
HIV leads to immune weakening by killing CD4 (the body's defense cells) which weakens our defenses against infections. Without treatment, one can become seriously ill from common infections as the body no longer has anything to defend itself with, and eventually develop AIDS. AIDS is a condition related to severe immune deficiency caused by the HIV virus. The virus is transmitted via body fluid through sexual contact, through blood infection (eg by using unclean needles) or from mother to child.

Your doctor will take a blood test to see if you are infected with HIV. This can be taken at the earliest 3 weeks after the possible time of infection, and is best if 8-12 weeks have passed (then everyone has developed antibodies to the virus). This test shows if you are infected with the virus.

There is no separate test for AIDS as this is a broad condition where you look at the medical history as a whole and make the diagnosis based on this. If the test for HIV is positive, several blood tests are performed to map the status of the immune system.

The doctors at Dr. Dropin can help you get the blood sample you need to check if you are infected with the HIV virus- If you are infected, you will be referred to infectious diseases for treatment and further follow-up.

Dr.Dropin cannot prescribe or dispense emergency treatment / post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). If you have been exposed to potential infection within the last 72 hours, please contact your nearest emergency room or acute care clinic immediately for assessment and potential initiation of treatment.