Early symptomatic HIV infection

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Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)	Dermatitis, seborrheic - close-up	Dermatitis, seborrheic on the face	Herpes zoster (shingles), disseminated
Immune system structures	Molluscum contagiosum on the face	Molluscum on the chest	Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand
Oral thrush	Primary HIV infection

AIDS-related complex - ARC; Chronic symptomatic HIV infection

Many of the symptoms of early symptomatic HIV infection can be successfully treated with medications. More important, the treatment of the HIV infection can prevent the onset of many of these conditions.

Antiviral therapy suppresses the replication of the HIV infection in the body. A combination of several antiretroviral agents, termed Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) has been highly effective in reducing the number of HIV particles in the blood stream, and as a result, increasing the CD4 count.

Although people on HAART have suppressed levels of HIV, they can still transmit the virus to others through sex or needle sharing. HAART is not a cure for HIV, but the treatment slows disease progression and may strengthen the immune system (immune reconstitution).

For additional information and resources, see AIDS support group.

There is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS. However, anti-retroviral therapy and HAART can dramatically improve the length and quality of life for people infected with HIV, and can delay the onset of AIDS. The treatments for conditions associated with early symptomatic HIV disease are variably effective, with some infections and disease processes being more readily treatable with medications.

Advanced HIV disease (AIDS), characterized by the development of opportunistic infections and malignancies (cancers), may develop.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of chronic symptomatic HIV infection are present.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have chronic symptomatic HIV infection and develop new symptoms.

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.