Stay Healthy Longer: Fight Infections
People with HIV can get many infections (called opportunistic infections, or OIs). Many of these illnesses are very serious, and need to be treated. Some can be prevented.
This section explains what you can do to help prevent and treat these infections -- and stay healthy longer.
Below are the parts of the body that can be harmed and the medical name for each infection.
How to Help Yourself
These signs do not always mean you have an infection, but you may need tests to find out. It is important to tell the clinic nurse or doctor as soon as you have a problem.
Research: Hope for the Future
Scientists have made progress against infections linked to AIDS, and they are looking for new ways to help people with HIV stay healthy longer.
Today, many new drugs are being tested. You may be able to take part in one of these tests. If a new drug works, you may help yourself and others to fight infections better.
If you are interested, talk to your doctor or clinic nurse. Or call the numbers on the next page to find out more.
Remember:
How To Find Out More
Here are some numbers to call to learn more about these infections and their treatment:
You can ask questions and get more information about HIV-linked infections. You can also find out about support groups, treatment centers, and services for people with HIV.
You can find out about research studies for infections linked to AIDS -- which drugs are being tested, where the studies take place, and who is doing the research
Call Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to find out about studies being done at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.
SOURCE: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID)