Healthy Living With HIV-August/September 2011

The Interaction Between

Shingles & HIV S

hingles is a common and painful opportunistic infection in people with HIV. About 20% of people who have had chicken pox will eventually develop shingles,

Treating but the rate may be higher in people with HIV because of their weakened immune systems. Having HIV increases the risk of complications from shingles.

Shingles may disappear within a couple of weeks, but severe pain may continue for months. There is no way to predict an outbreak of shingles, but there are treatment options. Acyclovir, taken 5 times daily or given intravenously, may fight shingles in severe cases. Two newer drugs, famciclovir and galaciclovir, also seem to be effective against the pain of shingles but need to be taken only 3 times daily. Talk to your doctor to get treatment immediately if you think you may have shingles.

Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/art6101.html).

Telling Others

You’re HIV Positive

O

ne of the toughest decisions you’ll ever face is who to tell about your having HIV. It can be difficult to decide on who to tell and how to tell friends, family, lovers, and coworkers that you have the virus. There is no single “right” way to disclose your HIV status.

Telling others can be a good thing, because you can get love and support to help you deal with your health. You can keep your close friends and loved ones informed about issues that are important to you. Informing others of your HIV status may also help you reduce the chances of transmitting the disease to others. On the same token, you may worry about how others will accept or discriminate against you after telling someone about your HIV. You may also be concerned about being rejected in social or dating situations.

Take time to decide who to tell about your HIV status and how you’ll approach them. Be sure that you’re ready to tell someone.

August/September 2011

Here are some things to think about when you’re telling someone that you’re HIV-positive: • Know why you want to tell them: What do you want from them?

• Anticipate their reactions: What’s the best you can hope for or the worst that might happen? Be prepared to accept reactions from others.

• Learn about HIV: You may want to leave articles or a hotline phone number for the people you tell.

• Get support: Talk it over with someone you trust, and come up with a plan.

To get help with telling others about your HIV status, think about reaching out to counselors at HIV anonymous test sites or your HIV case manager. They may be able to help you consider all aspects of telling others about your HIV. Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/living/art6111.html?ts=pf).

Psoriasis

P

soriasis is a skin ailment that people with HIV may develop.

Typically, it first appears on the knees and elbows as itchy or burning reddish patches. Psoriasis may be caused by skin injuries, systemic infections, and certain drugs. People with HIV and psoriasis are prone to developing new infections.

Feature:

Good antiviral coverage is considered the best treatment for psoriasis and other HIV-related skin problems.

Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments and phototherapy—a treatment with ultraviolet B light and excimer lasers—may be helpful for mild outbreaks. For more severe outbreaks, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors can be of benefit but require regular injections and close monitoring by healthcare providers.

Getting Your

Cholesterol Under Control

To manage symptoms, keep skin moisturized to control the itching that comes with outbreaks. Cold compresses, cool showers, topical corticosteroids, and antihistamines can ease discomfort as well. If you think you may have psoriasis, talk to your doctor to explore treatment strategies that work best for you.

Source: eHow.com (www.ehow.com/how_4967392_treat-psoriasis-hiv-patients.html).

The editorial content for this brochure was developed and created solely by the Patient Education Center. The content does not necessarily represent the opinions and/or views of our advertisers.

Healthy Living With HIV is published by the Patient Education Center. Offices: 2445 Kuser Road, Suite 202, Hamilton, NJ 08690; and 180 Mount Airy Road, Suite 102, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Publication of an advertisement or other product mention in Healthy Living With HIV should not be construed as an endorsement of the product or the manufacturer’s claims. Such advertising or product mentions should similarly not be construed as either influencing or controlling the editorial content of Healthy Living With HIV. The appearance of or reference to any person or entity in the editorial material (including photographs) in this brochure does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of the product advertised. Readers are encouraged to contact the product manufacturer with any questions about the features and/ or limitations of any product mentioned. The reader also is advised to consult appropriate medical literature and the product information currently provided by the manufacturer of each drug to verify indications, dosage, method, duration of administration, and contraindications.

Copyright 2011, Patient Education Center

PEC-HL-AUG-034

Also in this issue:

The Interaction Between Shingles & HIV Treating Psoriasis Telling Others You’re HIV Positive

Visit us online at www.patientedu.org/hiv

The Interaction Between

Shingles & HIV S

hingles is a common and painful opportunistic infection in people with HIV. About 20% of people who have had chicken pox will eventually develop shingles,

Treating but the rate may be higher in people with HIV because of their weakened immune systems. Having HIV increases the risk of complications from shingles.

Shingles may disappear within a couple of weeks, but severe pain may continue for months. There is no way to predict an outbreak of shingles, but there are treatment options. Acyclovir, taken 5 times daily or given intravenously, may fight shingles in severe cases. Two newer drugs, famciclovir and galaciclovir, also seem to be effective against the pain of shingles but need to be taken only 3 times daily. Talk to your doctor to get treatment immediately if you think you may have shingles.

Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/art6101.html).

Telling Others

You’re HIV Positive

O

ne of the toughest decisions you’ll ever face is who to tell about your having HIV. It can be difficult to decide on who to tell and how to tell friends, family, lovers, and coworkers that you have the virus. There is no single “right” way to disclose your HIV status.

Telling others can be a good thing, because you can get love and support to help you deal with your health. You can keep your close friends and loved ones informed about issues that are important to you. Informing others of your HIV status may also help you reduce the chances of transmitting the disease to others. On the same token, you may worry about how others will accept or discriminate against you after telling someone about your HIV. You may also be concerned about being rejected in social or dating situations.

Take time to decide who to tell about your HIV status and how you’ll approach them. Be sure that you’re ready to tell someone.

August/September 2011

Here are some things to think about when you’re telling someone that you’re HIV-positive: • Know why you want to tell them: What do you want from them?

• Anticipate their reactions: What’s the best you can hope for or the worst that might happen? Be prepared to accept reactions from others.

• Learn about HIV: You may want to leave articles or a hotline phone number for the people you tell.

• Get support: Talk it over with someone you trust, and come up with a plan.

To get help with telling others about your HIV status, think about reaching out to counselors at HIV anonymous test sites or your HIV case manager. They may be able to help you consider all aspects of telling others about your HIV. Source: TheBody.com (www.thebody.com/content/living/art6111.html?ts=pf).

Psoriasis

P

soriasis is a skin ailment that people with HIV may develop.

Typically, it first appears on the knees and elbows as itchy or burning reddish patches. Psoriasis may be caused by skin injuries, systemic infections, and certain drugs. People with HIV and psoriasis are prone to developing new infections.

Feature:

Good antiviral coverage is considered the best treatment for psoriasis and other HIV-related skin problems.

Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments and phototherapy—a treatment with ultraviolet B light and excimer lasers—may be helpful for mild outbreaks. For more severe outbreaks, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors can be of benefit but require regular injections and close monitoring by healthcare providers.

Getting Your

Cholesterol Under Control

To manage symptoms, keep skin moisturized to control the itching that comes with outbreaks. Cold compresses, cool showers, topical corticosteroids, and antihistamines can ease discomfort as well. If you think you may have psoriasis, talk to your doctor to explore treatment strategies that work best for you.

Source: eHow.com (www.ehow.com/how_4967392_treat-psoriasis-hiv-patients.html).

The editorial content for this brochure was developed and created solely by the Patient Education Center. The content does not necessarily represent the opinions and/or views of our advertisers.

Healthy Living With HIV is published by the Patient Education Center. Offices: 2445 Kuser Road, Suite 202, Hamilton, NJ 08690; and 180 Mount Airy Road, Suite 102, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Publication of an advertisement or other product mention in Healthy Living With HIV should not be construed as an endorsement of the product or the manufacturer’s claims. Such advertising or product mentions should similarly not be construed as either influencing or controlling the editorial content of Healthy Living With HIV. The appearance of or reference to any person or entity in the editorial material (including photographs) in this brochure does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of the product advertised. Readers are encouraged to contact the product manufacturer with any questions about the features and/ or limitations of any product mentioned. The reader also is advised to consult appropriate medical literature and the product information currently provided by the manufacturer of each drug to verify indications, dosage, method, duration of administration, and contraindications.

Copyright 2011, Patient Education Center

PEC-HL-AUG-034

Also in this issue:

The Interaction Between Shingles & HIV Treating Psoriasis Telling Others You’re HIV Positive

Visit us online at www.patientedu.org/hiv

Getting Your

disease, diabetes, and stroke, but other problems can also occur, including painful inflammation of the pancreas and lipodystrophy.

Cholesterol Under Control

People living with HIV are at higher risk than others to develop high cholesterol.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your cholesterol in check and avoid the potential long-term health problems that have been linked to poorlycontrolled cholesterol.

C

holesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and other cells. It’s found in certain foods, such as food from animals, including dairy products, eggs, and meat. The body needs some cholesterol in order to function properly, but only in moderation. When too much cholesterol is present, serious health problems like heart disease may develop.

A simple blood test called a fasting lipid profile can check choles­ terol levels. This will measure total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Doctors will instruct you to not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the test is done. See the table for the ideal levels of cholesterol.

Table Recommended Cholesterol Levels Type of cholesterol Total cholesterol

Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol

Less than 100 mg/dL

HDL cholesterol

60 mg/dL or higher

Triglycerides

• LDL cholesterol: Also called “bad” cholesterol, LDL can cause buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries. The more LDL in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease.

• HDL cholesterol: Also called “good” cholesterol, HDL helps the body rid itself of bad cholesterol in the blood. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better.

• Triglycerides: This type of fat is converted from excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body and stored in fat cells throughout the body.

Connecting Cholesterol to HIV There are many possible causes for high cholesterol levels, including HIV and some HIV drugs. People with HIV are at particular risk for developing cholesterol problems, as it can cause serious long-term health problems. The biggest dangers are heart

Less than 150 mg/dL

Total Cholesterol

Category

Less than 200 mg/dL

Desirable

200 to 239 mg/dL Cholesterol travels through the blood and is attached to lipo­ proteins, which are cholesterol-protein packages. Lipoproteins are classified depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat. Triglycerides are another type of fat that is carried in the blood. Here are some brief descriptions of each type of cholesterol:

Recommended Target

240 mg/dL and above

Borderline High High

Sources: The Well Project (www.thewellproject.org/en_US/Diseases_and_ Conditions/Treatment_Related_Conditions/Hyperlipidemia.jsp) and WebMD (www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholesterol-basics).

Drug Considerations Sometimes, despite diet and exercise, cholesterol can’t be controlled well enough without the help of other drugs. There are a variety of medications avail­ able to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, but some of these may interact with HIV drugs.

To reduce the chance of drug interactions, make sure your doctors are aware of all the medications you take. If cholesterol-lowering drugs are being taken, it’s still important to have a good diet and to exercise regularly to help the drug work best.

It’s also important to remember to take the drug consistently.

Although heart disease risks have been linked with some HIV drugs, experts agree that there are important benefits to the heart and immune system from HIV treatment. People living with HIV should work closely with their doctors to weigh the risks and benefits of the HIV medications that are chosen. Some HIV drugs have less of an impact on cholesterol and triglycerides than others. All people taking HIV drugs should be aware of the possible side effects and get monitored at regular medical check-ups for high lipid levels. Under no circumstance should people stop or make changes to their HIV drug regimens without speaking to a healthcare provider.

Sources: The Well Project (www.thewellproject.org/en_US/Diseases_and_ Conditions/Treatment_Related_Conditions/Hyperlipidemia.jsp) and WebMD (www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholesterol-basics).

Strategies to Improve Cholesterol Levels

National Cholesterol Education Month

Saturated fat raises cholesterol the most. It’s found in the fat of animal products like meats and dairy. To keep saturated fat low, check nutrition facts on food labels and choose dairy products with low saturated fat (eg, skim or 1% milk, tub spreads, low-fat cheese, and ice cream). When buying meats, choose “loin” or “round” cuts, because they’re the leanest. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are considered “good” fats. These include oils, nuts, and avocados. When using oil in cooking, the best choices are canola and olive oil. Limit intake of sugary foods or soda, because they can raise triglyceride levels.

September is National Cholesterol Education Month, an awareness campaign that’s directed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Every September, the institute recommends that people get their blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it’s high. National Cholesterol Educa­tion Month is also a good time to learn about lipid pro­files, as well as food and lifestyle choices that help people reach personal cholesterol goals. For more informa­tion, go to http://hp2010.nhlbihin. net/cholmonth/.

Aerobic exercise may help lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL and help raise HDL. Aerobic exercises include fast walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, and stair climbing. Try to work out at least 3 times a week for 20 to 30 minutes. Quitting smoking can also help get cholesterol levels under control.

Getting Your

disease, diabetes, and stroke, but other problems can also occur, including painful inflammation of the pancreas and lipodystrophy.

Cholesterol Under Control

People living with HIV are at higher risk than others to develop high cholesterol.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your cholesterol in check and avoid the potential long-term health problems that have been linked to poorlycontrolled cholesterol.

C

holesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and other cells. It’s found in certain foods, such as food from animals, including dairy products, eggs, and meat. The body needs some cholesterol in order to function properly, but only in moderation. When too much cholesterol is present, serious health problems like heart disease may develop.

A simple blood test called a fasting lipid profile can check choles­ terol levels. This will measure total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Doctors will instruct you to not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the test is done. See the table for the ideal levels of cholesterol.

Table Recommended Cholesterol Levels Type of cholesterol Total cholesterol

Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol

Less than 100 mg/dL

HDL cholesterol

60 mg/dL or higher

Triglycerides

• LDL cholesterol: Also called “bad” cholesterol, LDL can cause buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries. The more LDL in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease.

• HDL cholesterol: Also called “good” cholesterol, HDL helps the body rid itself of bad cholesterol in the blood. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better.

• Triglycerides: This type of fat is converted from excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body and stored in fat cells throughout the body.

Connecting Cholesterol to HIV There are many possible causes for high cholesterol levels, including HIV and some HIV drugs. People with HIV are at particular risk for developing cholesterol problems, as it can cause serious long-term health problems. The biggest dangers are heart

Less than 150 mg/dL

Total Cholesterol

Category

Less than 200 mg/dL

Desirable

200 to 239 mg/dL Cholesterol travels through the blood and is attached to lipo­ proteins, which are cholesterol-protein packages. Lipoproteins are classified depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat. Triglycerides are another type of fat that is carried in the blood. Here are some brief descriptions of each type of cholesterol:

Recommended Target

240 mg/dL and above

Borderline High High

Sources: The Well Project (www.thewellproject.org/en_US/Diseases_and_ Conditions/Treatment_Related_Conditions/Hyperlipidemia.jsp) and WebMD (www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholesterol-basics).

Drug Considerations Sometimes, despite diet and exercise, cholesterol can’t be controlled well enough without the help of other drugs. There are a variety of medications avail­ able to help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, but some of these may interact with HIV drugs.

To reduce the chance of drug interactions, make sure your doctors are aware of all the medications you take. If cholesterol-lowering drugs are being taken, it’s still important to have a good diet and to exercise regularly to help the drug work best.

It’s also important to remember to take the drug consistently.

Although heart disease risks have been linked with some HIV drugs, experts agree that there are important benefits to the heart and immune system from HIV treatment. People living with HIV should work closely with their doctors to weigh the risks and benefits of the HIV medications that are chosen. Some HIV drugs have less of an impact on cholesterol and triglycerides than others. All people taking HIV drugs should be aware of the possible side effects and get monitored at regular medical check-ups for high lipid levels. Under no circumstance should people stop or make changes to their HIV drug regimens without speaking to a healthcare provider.

Sources: The Well Project (www.thewellproject.org/en_US/Diseases_and_ Conditions/Treatment_Related_Conditions/Hyperlipidemia.jsp) and WebMD (www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholesterol-basics).

Strategies to Improve Cholesterol Levels

National Cholesterol Education Month

Saturated fat raises cholesterol the most. It’s found in the fat of animal products like meats and dairy. To keep saturated fat low, check nutrition facts on food labels and choose dairy products with low saturated fat (eg, skim or 1% milk, tub spreads, low-fat cheese, and ice cream). When buying meats, choose “loin” or “round” cuts, because they’re the leanest. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are considered “good” fats. These include oils, nuts, and avocados. When using oil in cooking, the best choices are canola and olive oil. Limit intake of sugary foods or soda, because they can raise triglyceride levels.

September is National Cholesterol Education Month, an awareness campaign that’s directed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Every September, the institute recommends that people get their blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it’s high. National Cholesterol Educa­tion Month is also a good time to learn about lipid pro­files, as well as food and lifestyle choices that help people reach personal cholesterol goals. For more informa­tion, go to http://hp2010.nhlbihin. net/cholmonth/.

Aerobic exercise may help lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL and help raise HDL. Aerobic exercises include fast walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, and stair climbing. Try to work out at least 3 times a week for 20 to 30 minutes. Quitting smoking can also help get cholesterol levels under control.