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What is HIV, and is it completely curable?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 28-year-old male. I want to know a few things about HIV. What is HIV? How is it caused? How does it spread to other people? How can we diagnose this? How is it treated? I heard that HIV is not curable, is it true? What happens if kids get affected due to this HIV? Do we have any vaccination to protect kids from getting this HIV infection from elderly people? How does this HIV work inside the body and cause various symptoms? Kindly suggest.
Answered by Dr. Raveendran S R

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system, weakening it over time. It spreads through unprotected sex, sharing needles, transfusions with infected blood, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It is diagnosed through blood tests like ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or rapid tests. HIV is treatable with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses the virus, but it is not curable.

Children with HIV need early ART for better outcomes. There is no vaccine for HIV, but preventive measures like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and safe practices to reduce the risk. HIV damages immune cells, causing susceptibility to infections and symptoms like fatigue, fever, or weight loss if untreated. Regular monitoring is essential. I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At January 24, 2025
Reviewed At December 10, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Raveendran S R
Dr. Raveendran S R

Sexology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Raveendran S R is a dedicated diabetes specialist and sexual medicine expert committed to providing evidence-based, confidential, and patient-centered care. With strong clinical and academic experience, he specializes in managing diabetes, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, performance concerns, and other men’s health conditions through structured and scientifically guided treatment approaches. Dr. Raveendran focuses on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and long-term health improvement while ensuring patient comfort and privacy. Known for his compassionate and professional approach, he believes in clear communication and helping patients make informed decisions to improve their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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