Open AccessHIV/AIDS
Author(s) -
Teri Capriotti
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
home healthcare now
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2374-4537
pISSN - 2374-4529
DOI - 10.1097/nhh.0000000000000706
Subject(s) - medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , intensive care medicine , transmission (telecommunications) , antiretroviral treatment , disease , antiretroviral therapy , immunology , viral load , electrical engineering , engineering
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, once fatal, has become a chronic disease that can be treated and well-managed. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) can result in undetectable levels of HIV in the bloodstream. The risk factors, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, acute HIV infection, potential opportunistic infections, and malignancies should be understood by all those caring for persons living with HIV. Preventive treatment is possible with preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis regimens. Home healthcare providers can assist individuals to adhere to medication regimens, monitor efficacy of treatment, recognize complications of HIV and side effects of ART. Most importantly, they can support, educate, and counsel persons living with HIV and their families.