AIDS

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.

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AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that slowly weakens your immune system. The virus kills a type of white blood cell called CD4. The loss of CD4 cells weakens your immune system. Over time, a weak immune system makes it difficult for you to fight infections. This can also lead to certain cancers and heart disease. A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 2,000. You have HIV when your CD4 count ranges from 200 to 500. You have AIDS when your CD4 count is less than 200 or you have one of the infections or cancers caused by AIDS. AIDS means your immune system cannot fight off infections and disease. This can become life-threatening.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

An IV

is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Reverse isolation

is a safety measure used to protect you from outside germs. You may have a weak immune system or trouble fighting infection. With reverse isolation, you are given a private room. Everyone should wash their hands when entering and leaving your room. Healthcare providers and visitors wear gloves, a mask, and a gown when they enter your room.

You may need extra oxygen

if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Truvada
• Biktarvy
• Descovy
• Norvir
• Dovato

Medicines:

• Antiretroviral medications slow the progression of HIV. They are given in different combinations called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Your healthcare provider will decide what kind of HAART you need. You may need to make HAART changes if you have severe side effects, or if you develop resistance to a medicine.
• Antimicrobial medicines are given to kill infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus.
• Medicines may be given to help calm your stomach and prevent vomiting. You may receive a different medicine to help relieve diarrhea.

Monitoring:

• A pulse oximeter is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your finger, ear, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine. Never turn the pulse oximeter or alarm off. An alarm will sound if your oxygen level is low or cannot be read.
• A heart monitor is also called an EKG. Sticky pads placed on your skin record your heart's electrical activity.

Tests:

• Blood tests are used to find the CD4 cell count in your blood. A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 2,000. If your CD4 count is lower than 200, you have AIDS. Blood tests are also used to find your viral load. This is the amount of HIV in your blood at any given time. Your healthcare provider will also test your blood for cancer.
• Tests for infections are used to find common active or opportunistic infections. These are illnesses that develop because your immune system cannot fight them. They include toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis. You may be tested for other infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) if you show signs. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these illnesses.

RISKS:

• HAART medicines can cause many side effects, including liver failure, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some may raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. HAART medicines may not work, especially if you do not take them as directed. They may interact with other medicines you take and cause those medicines to fail.
• You may have active infections such as tuberculosis or hepatitis. Loss of bone density can lead to broken bones. You may develop numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your legs and feet. You may lose the ability to walk and to control when you urinate. You have a higher risk for food poisoning. Even with treatment, your CD4 count may continue to drop. This means your immune system cannot fight off infections and disease, and this will lead to death.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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