Protect Your Body Against Other Infections

Protect Your Body Against Other Infections

www.patientedu.org/hiv

T The CDC estimates that more than 1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the United States today. While the annual number of new HIV infections has stabilized in recent years, new infections still persist. An estimated 56,300 Americans become infected with HIV each year. The good news is HIV is no longer an instant death sentence! People with HIV are now living longer and healthier lives—even for decades after their diagnosis. Treatments are helping to keep people alive. Anti-HIV drugs are continuing to help keep HIV from getting stronger. These medications can also protect people with HIV from getting other infections that threaten their health.

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his brochure explains how having HIV puts you at risk for other infections, which your doctor may call opportunistic infections (OIs).

Don’t worry, though. You can take steps to reduce your risk of getting an OI, such as seeing your doctor often and always taking your anti-HIV drugs. Other helpful tips can be found throughout this brochure.

Why Are People With HIV at Risk for Other Infections?

People with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk for getting other infections than other people because HIV attacks the body’s immune system. This system helps the body heal wounds and fight off bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause infections. With HIV, your immune system can get weak. A weak immune system lets infections hurt you more often. People with HIV should call their doctor any time that they begin feeling feverish or sick because it might be a sign of another infection.

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T The CDC estimates that more than 1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the United States today. While the annual number of new HIV infections has stabilized in recent years, new infections still persist. An estimated 56,300 Americans become infected with HIV each year. The good news is HIV is no longer an instant death sentence! People with HIV are now living longer and healthier lives—even for decades after their diagnosis. Treatments are helping to keep people alive. Anti-HIV drugs are continuing to help keep HIV from getting stronger. These medications can also protect people with HIV from getting other infections that threaten their health.

2

his brochure explains how having HIV puts you at risk for other infections, which your doctor may call opportunistic infections (OIs).

Don’t worry, though. You can take steps to reduce your risk of getting an OI, such as seeing your doctor often and always taking your anti-HIV drugs. Other helpful tips can be found throughout this brochure.

Why Are People With HIV at Risk for Other Infections?

People with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk for getting other infections than other people because HIV attacks the body’s immune system. This system helps the body heal wounds and fight off bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause infections. With HIV, your immune system can get weak. A weak immune system lets infections hurt you more often. People with HIV should call their doctor any time that they begin feeling feverish or sick because it might be a sign of another infection.

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What Are Opportunistic Infections?

Infections that attack you when your immune system is weak are called “opportunistic.” That’s because the infection attacks your body when it has the chance— at a time when your body will have the most trouble fighting off the illness. To protect yourself, keep your body as healthy as possible so that these infections are no match for your immune system. OIs can be harmful to your health if you do get them. It’s important to understand what infections might develop and where they may appear so that you can call your doctor if you have new symptoms.

See the Table on the opposite page for common locations for OIs and symptoms that may mean you have gotten one.

Table

Common Locations for OIs

• Brain.

• Eyes.

• Mouth and throat.

• Lungs.

• Gut.

• Skin.

• Genitals.

Symptoms That May Mean You Have an OI • Coughing and trouble breathing.

• Seizures and lack of coordination.

• Difficult or painful swallowing.

• Mental symptoms, such as confusion and forgetting things.

• Severe diarrhea that won’t go away.

• Fever.

• Trouble seeing.

• Nausea, stomach cramps, and throwing up.

• Weight loss and being really tired.

• Bad headaches.

• Coma.

Sources: AIDS Education Global Information System (ww2.aegis.org/ topics/oi) and the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease (www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/hivaids/Pages/Default.aspx).

Q: A:

What should I do if I have new symptoms?

Always call your doctor to make sure that your symptoms are not something more serious. Don’t wait until your next appointment, call right away.

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What Are Opportunistic Infections?

Infections that attack you when your immune system is weak are called “opportunistic.” That’s because the infection attacks your body when it has the chance— at a time when your body will have the most trouble fighting off the illness. To protect yourself, keep your body as healthy as possible so that these infections are no match for your immune system. OIs can be harmful to your health if you do get them. It’s important to understand what infections might develop and where they may appear so that you can call your doctor if you have new symptoms.

See the Table on the opposite page for common locations for OIs and symptoms that may mean you have gotten one.

Table

Common Locations for OIs

• Brain.

• Eyes.

• Mouth and throat.

• Lungs.

• Gut.

• Skin.

• Genitals.

Symptoms That May Mean You Have an OI • Coughing and trouble breathing.

• Seizures and lack of coordination.

• Difficult or painful swallowing.

• Mental symptoms, such as confusion and forgetting things.

• Severe diarrhea that won’t go away.

• Fever.

• Trouble seeing.

• Nausea, stomach cramps, and throwing up.

• Weight loss and being really tired.

• Bad headaches.

• Coma.

Sources: AIDS Education Global Information System (ww2.aegis.org/ topics/oi) and the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease (www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/hivaids/Pages/Default.aspx).

Q: A:

What should I do if I have new symptoms?

Always call your doctor to make sure that your symptoms are not something more serious. Don’t wait until your next appointment, call right away.

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PCP Infection in People With HIV An infection of the lungs called Pneumocystis pneumonia [NEW-mo-SIStis NEW-MO nee-ah], also known as PCP, is now considered a leading cause of death for people with HIV, according to AIDSinfo.nih.gov. There are steps you can take at home, school, and work to reduce your risk of a PCP infection. If your immune system is weak, your doctor may recommend a prophylactic medicine. These drugs are designed to prevent you from getting OIs in the first place.

Your doctor may give you a prophylactic drug if he or she thinks you might be at risk for getting PCP or other OIs, especially when your immune system is weak. Prophylactic medicines can help your immune system fight off the germs that might cause PCP in your lungs before they can harm you.

Know Your CD4 Counts Your doctor can take action to cut your risk of OIs by keeping track of your CD4 counts. CD4 counts help your doctor know how strong your immune system is. You should have your CD4 counts measured at least every 3 to 6 months. CD4 counts can also help show how well treatments are working to control the HIV. In general, if your CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm, then you are considered to be at high risk for PCP and other OIs.

First Signs of PCP If you develop any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away because it may be a sign of PCP or another OI. • Difficulty breathing.

• Fever.

• Dry cough.

If you have already had PCP once, your risk of getting it a second time is higher than for other people. So is your risk of getting other OIs. Your doctor may decide to give you a drug to help prevent the infection from coming back.

FACT:

By visiting your doctors often, you can help prevent PCP infections from happening. These visits give your physicians the chance to see if your body is at risk… and then take action to protect you!

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It’s important that you understand when your body’s immune system is weak so you can take action to keep from getting sick.

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PCP Infection in People With HIV An infection of the lungs called Pneumocystis pneumonia [NEW-mo-SIStis NEW-MO nee-ah], also known as PCP, is now considered a leading cause of death for people with HIV, according to AIDSinfo.nih.gov. There are steps you can take at home, school, and work to reduce your risk of a PCP infection. If your immune system is weak, your doctor may recommend a prophylactic medicine. These drugs are designed to prevent you from getting OIs in the first place.

Your doctor may give you a prophylactic drug if he or she thinks you might be at risk for getting PCP or other OIs, especially when your immune system is weak. Prophylactic medicines can help your immune system fight off the germs that might cause PCP in your lungs before they can harm you.

Know Your CD4 Counts Your doctor can take action to cut your risk of OIs by keeping track of your CD4 counts. CD4 counts help your doctor know how strong your immune system is. You should have your CD4 counts measured at least every 3 to 6 months. CD4 counts can also help show how well treatments are working to control the HIV. In general, if your CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm, then you are considered to be at high risk for PCP and other OIs.

First Signs of PCP If you develop any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away because it may be a sign of PCP or another OI. • Difficulty breathing.

• Fever.

• Dry cough.

If you have already had PCP once, your risk of getting it a second time is higher than for other people. So is your risk of getting other OIs. Your doctor may decide to give you a drug to help prevent the infection from coming back.

FACT:

By visiting your doctors often, you can help prevent PCP infections from happening. These visits give your physicians the chance to see if your body is at risk… and then take action to protect you!

6

It’s important that you understand when your body’s immune system is weak so you can take action to keep from getting sick.

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What Can You Do to Keep Healthy?

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers good advice on what to do to reduce your risk of getting an infection if you have HIV. Tips for Preventing Other Infections Take care of yourself! Eat a healthy diet, exercise, don’t smoke, and get plenty of rest.

Always use a condom. Condoms reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including a different strain of HIV that might not respond well to drugs (called a resistant strain). Also, avoid unprotected oral and anal contact. This might put you at risk for intestinal problems.

Wash your hands often, and try not to touch your nose or mouth. If you have kids who are in school, teach them to wash their hands often with warm water and soap, especially if they have HIV. This habit will help protect them and keep them from bringing infections from school into your home.

Talk to your doctor about where you work. Certain workplaces may put you at risk for an infection, but your doctor may be able to help you take steps to protect yourself.

Take care with what you eat and drink.

Foods. Wash foods well before eating them, and be sure to cook them thoroughly. Ask your doctor about what foods you might want to avoid. This might depend on how well your HIV is responding to treatment.

Drinks. Most bottled drinks will be okay for you to drink. Always try to drink juice or milk that is “pasteurized.” Drink lots of water, but don’t drink from rivers and streams. Also, think about boiling your tap water, especially if there is a “boil water” advisory in your neighborhood.

Talk to your doctor before you travel. Depending on the severity of your condition and where you’re headed, your doctor may recommend certain vaccinations and tips about drinking and eating in that part of the world.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians (http://familydoctor.org/248.xml).

If you keep a pet, know that there are risks and benefits. Having a pet at home can be good for your mind and mood.

However, your pet might also carry diseases that could hurt you. If your pet ever shows signs of feeling ill, take it to the vet right away.

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What Can You Do to Keep Healthy?

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers good advice on what to do to reduce your risk of getting an infection if you have HIV. Tips for Preventing Other Infections Take care of yourself! Eat a healthy diet, exercise, don’t smoke, and get plenty of rest.

Always use a condom. Condoms reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including a different strain of HIV that might not respond well to drugs (called a resistant strain). Also, avoid unprotected oral and anal contact. This might put you at risk for intestinal problems.

Wash your hands often, and try not to touch your nose or mouth. If you have kids who are in school, teach them to wash their hands often with warm water and soap, especially if they have HIV. This habit will help protect them and keep them from bringing infections from school into your home.

Talk to your doctor about where you work. Certain workplaces may put you at risk for an infection, but your doctor may be able to help you take steps to protect yourself.

Take care with what you eat and drink.

Foods. Wash foods well before eating them, and be sure to cook them thoroughly. Ask your doctor about what foods you might want to avoid. This might depend on how well your HIV is responding to treatment.

Drinks. Most bottled drinks will be okay for you to drink. Always try to drink juice or milk that is “pasteurized.” Drink lots of water, but don’t drink from rivers and streams. Also, think about boiling your tap water, especially if there is a “boil water” advisory in your neighborhood.

Talk to your doctor before you travel. Depending on the severity of your condition and where you’re headed, your doctor may recommend certain vaccinations and tips about drinking and eating in that part of the world.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians (http://familydoctor.org/248.xml).

If you keep a pet, know that there are risks and benefits. Having a pet at home can be good for your mind and mood.

However, your pet might also carry diseases that could hurt you. If your pet ever shows signs of feeling ill, take it to the vet right away.

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The Importance of Taking Your Meds Why should you take your anti-HIV drugs every single day as your doctor tells you?

Here’s the most important reason: You can live longer and healthier if you always take your anti-HIV medicines and see your doctor regularly. Taking your meds can also reduce your risk of having to go to the hospital. You’ll feel better and are more likely to return to a more normal life.

What Happens When I Skip a Dose?

When you skip a dose of your anti-HIV drugs, it gives the virus a chance to multiply. This can increase your viral load, meaning more HIV is in your body. It can also put you at risk for OIs and other problems.

Missing a dose of your drugs can also allow the virus to get stronger. It may become a resistant strain, which can affect your treatment in the future. Resistant strains of HIV are a real problem.

This type of HIV does not respond as well to anti-HIV drugs as other strains. They “resist” treatment. A resistant strain may cause you to have fewer options for treating your HIV. You should know that you can pass along your particular strain of HIV, resistant or not, to other people if you’re not careful. When you’re making good health decisions for yourself, remember that avoiding resistant strains of HIV is yet another reason to practice safe sex and avoid risky behaviors, like IV drug use.

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Strategies to Help You Take Your Meds According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the first anti-HIV treatment that you try has the best chance of helping your immune system stay healthier for a longer period of time.

Tips to Help You Remember to Take Your Medicine: Get into a routine. Take your medicine at the same time every day.

Use tools. Use a pill box to keep track of whether or not you’ve taken your medicine that day. Online reminders may be helpful if you work on a computer frequently.

Keep an eye on your drug supply. Call your doctor or clinic right away if your supply won’t last until your next office visit. Using a pill box or online reminders can help you keep track of your supply too.

Use reminders. Set up reminders for yourself using an alarm clock on your watch or phone. Email reminders can also be helpful if you set them up because you use the computer often.

Keep a diary. Log each time that you take your medi­ cine. Write the name of each drug and when you need to take it. Check it off after you’ve taken each dose.

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The Importance of Taking Your Meds Why should you take your anti-HIV drugs every single day as your doctor tells you?

Here’s the most important reason: You can live longer and healthier if you always take your anti-HIV medicines and see your doctor regularly. Taking your meds can also reduce your risk of having to go to the hospital. You’ll feel better and are more likely to return to a more normal life.

What Happens When I Skip a Dose?

When you skip a dose of your anti-HIV drugs, it gives the virus a chance to multiply. This can increase your viral load, meaning more HIV is in your body. It can also put you at risk for OIs and other problems.

Missing a dose of your drugs can also allow the virus to get stronger. It may become a resistant strain, which can affect your treatment in the future. Resistant strains of HIV are a real problem.

This type of HIV does not respond as well to anti-HIV drugs as other strains. They “resist” treatment. A resistant strain may cause you to have fewer options for treating your HIV. You should know that you can pass along your particular strain of HIV, resistant or not, to other people if you’re not careful. When you’re making good health decisions for yourself, remember that avoiding resistant strains of HIV is yet another reason to practice safe sex and avoid risky behaviors, like IV drug use.

10

Strategies to Help You Take Your Meds According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the first anti-HIV treatment that you try has the best chance of helping your immune system stay healthier for a longer period of time.

Tips to Help You Remember to Take Your Medicine: Get into a routine. Take your medicine at the same time every day.

Use tools. Use a pill box to keep track of whether or not you’ve taken your medicine that day. Online reminders may be helpful if you work on a computer frequently.

Keep an eye on your drug supply. Call your doctor or clinic right away if your supply won’t last until your next office visit. Using a pill box or online reminders can help you keep track of your supply too.

Use reminders. Set up reminders for yourself using an alarm clock on your watch or phone. Email reminders can also be helpful if you set them up because you use the computer often.

Keep a diary. Log each time that you take your medi­ cine. Write the name of each drug and when you need to take it. Check it off after you’ve taken each dose.

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Store your meds where you’ll see them. Place your medications in a location where you will see them every day. Keep backups at work and in your briefcase or purse.

For more information on HIV/AIDS:

Plan ahead. Be prepared with your meds for weekends, holidays, and changes to your normal routine. Pack more pills than you will need while you’re away, just in case you’re delayed getting home.

AIDSinfo.gov 800.HIV.0440 (800.448.0440) www.aidsinfo.nih.gov

Get additional help. Ask friends, family, and coworkers for help in remembering to take your anti-HIV drugs.

Support groups may be of help for people living with HIV to keep them on track with taking their drugs consistently.

AIDS Education Global Information System http://ww2.aegis.com/topics/oi

Source: AIDSinfo.gov. Adhering to My HIV Treatment Regimen (www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/Content Files/HIVandItsTreatment_cbrochure_en.pdf ).

American Academy of Family Doctors http://familydoctor.org/248.xml

Project Inform 415.558.8669 www.projectinform.org/ info/ois/index.shtml

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Store your meds where you’ll see them. Place your medications in a location where you will see them every day. Keep backups at work and in your briefcase or purse.

For more information on HIV/AIDS:

Plan ahead. Be prepared with your meds for weekends, holidays, and changes to your normal routine. Pack more pills than you will need while you’re away, just in case you’re delayed getting home.

AIDSinfo.gov 800.HIV.0440 (800.448.0440) www.aidsinfo.nih.gov

Get additional help. Ask friends, family, and coworkers for help in remembering to take your anti-HIV drugs.

Support groups may be of help for people living with HIV to keep them on track with taking their drugs consistently.

AIDS Education Global Information System http://ww2.aegis.com/topics/oi

Source: AIDSinfo.gov. Adhering to My HIV Treatment Regimen (www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/Content Files/HIVandItsTreatment_cbrochure_en.pdf ).

American Academy of Family Doctors http://familydoctor.org/248.xml

Project Inform 415.558.8669 www.projectinform.org/ info/ois/index.shtml

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To learn more about HIV and AIDS, visit Healthy Living With HIV at: www.patientedu.org/HIV.

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