Patient's Query
Hello, Doctor,
I am a 31-year-old woman who had unprotected sex about 6 weeks ago, and now I am experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash on my chest. My recent lab results showed a low CD4 count of 420 cells/μL and an elevated viral load, with my HIV antibody test coming back positive. I have been feeling extremely fatigued and have had a persistent sore throat for the past week. I am terrified about the progression to AIDS and worried about developing opportunistic infections like pneumonia or thrush.
When should I start treatment?
What are the risks of transmitting this to my partner or future children?
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have seen that you are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive by virtue of your note. Also, your CD4 (Cluster of Differentiation) count is low, which means that you are at high risk of acquiring an opportunistic infection. Also, if you are exposed to any other source of infection, then you may develop serious illness, including life-threatening illness.
You should start with anti-retroviral therapy as soon as possible. It should help in reducing your viral load. You should start highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), as part of anti-retroviral therapy throughout your life, because HIV infection cannot be eliminated from the body.
It is recommended that you have yourself thoroughly evaluated so that the cause of enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and rashes can be diagnosed and accordingly treated on time. Otherwise, the condition will worsen.
Also, the chances of transmission to your sexual partner are high. Thus, you should avoid sexual activities till your viral load is reduced to undetectable levels. Later, you should get your viral load and CD4 count checked from time to time. However, the chances of transmission to your children are high, but a little lower than the previous one.
I hope this information helps you.
Feel free to ask further queries.
Thank you.
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