Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is a worldwide health problem. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks white blood cells. About 20 million people throughout the world—heterosexuals and homosexuals alike—are infected with HIV. A massive research effort has produced better treatments, resulting in longer survival and improved quality of life for those with access to the treatments. But there is still no vaccine or cure. The only real defense against AIDS is prevention.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV and AIDS

- Fever
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Skin lesions or rashes
- Fungus infection in the mouth
- Shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain
- Diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Depression
- Confusion
- Herpes
- Kaposi’s sarcoma
- Malignancies

What Causes HIV and AIDS?

Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS. Seventy percent of HIV transmission occurs through sexual contact. Intravenous drug users transmit HIV by sharing needles. Blood transfusions and blood products caused many infections in the early years of the epidemic, but screening procedures have nearly eliminated this risk in the United States and other developed countries.

What to Expect at Your Provider’s Office for HIV and AIDS

If your health care provider suspects HIV infection, he or she will order a blood test to detect the presence of the HIV virus. A stool sample may be requested. You may be sent for a chest X-ray, since a common complication of AIDS is pneumonia. If you have any neurological symptoms, your provider may recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan or analysis of your spinal fluid.

Treatment Options for HIV and AIDS

Treatment Plan for HIV and AIDS

Strong drugs slow the progression of the HIV virus to full-blown AIDS. A combination of these drugs works more effectively. Antibiotics and other drugs treat specific complications you might have. Review alternative treatments to help support the immune system and avoid severe weight loss.

Drug Therapies for HIV and AIDS

Prescriptions for HIV and AIDS
- Antiretrovirals used in combination with protease inhibitors—help slow the infection; be sure to take as directed to avoid a stronger viral strain; significant serious side effects
- Antibiotics—for complication of pneumonia; various side effects
- Prednisone—for complication of pneumonia; various side effects
- Amphotericin B with flucytosine—for complication of meningitis; various side effects
- Clotrimazole— for complication of oral candidiasis; various side effects

Over the Counter for HIV and AIDS

N/A

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for HIV and AIDS

These may be effective at slowing the progression from HIV infection to AIDS, and to treat some related infections.

Nutrition for HIV and AIDS

Avoid megadoses of nutrients unless prescribed by your provider.
- Multivitamin: two to six capsules a day
- Vitamin C (1 to 6 g a day—to bowel tolerance), beta-carotene (150,000 to 300,000 IU a day), and zinc (30 mg a day)
- N-acetyl cysteine (1,500 to 2,000 mg a day): protects the lungs
- Selenium (100 to 400 mcg a day): important antioxidant
- Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU a day): antioxidant
- Vitamin B complex (50 to 100 mg a day): depleted during stress
- Vitamin B12 (1000 mcg via intramuscular injection): one injection a month to counter medication side effects
- Magnesium (500 to 750 mg a day): important in protein biosynthesis
- Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg a day): may improve cell ratios
- L-glutamine (30 to 40 g per day in five doses of 6 to 8 g each for at least 7 to 10 days): fuel for cells lining the gastrointestinal tract
- L-carnitine (2,000 mg a day): with wasting or high triglyceride levels

Herbal Remedy Treatments for HIV and AIDS

Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts).
- To stimulate immune function and provide antiviral support: Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra),1/4 to 1/2 solid extract twice a day, inhibits HIV reproduction in lab tests; helps regrow liver cells. Do not take licorice if you have high blood pressure. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), at 250 mg three times a day, inhibits binding and entry of HIV into host cells and elevates mood. However, using St. John’s wort with antiviral agents like indinavir and other protease inhibitors is not recommended. There is the possibility of an interaction between this herb and these medications that could undermine the effectiveness of the antiviral medications. Huang qi (Astragalus membranaceus), 250 to 500 mg powdered solid extract, inhibits HIV-1 replication and stimulates the appetite. Use one to two of these.
- To stimulate digestion and prevent diarrhea, take one to three of the following herbs, which stimulate the appetite (15 to 60 drops three times a day with meals): gentian (Gentiana lutea) tonic, historically used as an antiparasitic, to be avoided if you have ulcers; dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) cholagogue, historically used for liver problems; goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) as an anti-inflammatory, mild laxative, do not exceed recommended dose for long-term use
- Garlic (Allium sativum) is a strong antioxidant, enhances natural killer cell activity in people with AIDS
- Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus sentecosus) (30 to 60 drops three times a day or 1 cup tea three times a day) increases T-cell, NK cell, and cytotoxic killer cell function
- Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): supportive treatment for toxic liver damage, especially important with medications used in HIV/AIDS
- Acidophilus (two to five million organisms three times a day): beneficial gut bacteria that are depleted when you take a lot of antibiotics

Homeopathy for HIV and AIDS

Homeopathy may be useful as a supportive therapy.

Physical Medicine for HIV and AIDS

Weight training may be helpful in maintaining muscle mass.

Acupuncture for HIV and AIDS

May be very helpful to treat infections and stimulate immune system.

Massage for HIV and AIDS

Massage can enhance the immune system and decrease anxiety.

Following Up for HIV and AIDS

Complications are common but they can be treated. HIV has a long “dormant” period; the median time for progression to AIDS is 11 years from infection. Patients with AIDS itself generally survive one to two years. Those time spans are beginning to increase as treatments improve.

Special Considerations for HIV and AIDS

If you are HIV-positive and pregnant, taking AZT is the only way to reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to your baby. Depending on your own condition, you and your health care provider may decide to postpone treatment until after your first trimester to reduce the risk of birth defects.

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