HIV Infection

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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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. 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 (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) when your CD4 count is less than 200. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. AIDS means your immune system cannot fight off infections and disease. This can become life-threatening. Seek care immediately if you think you may have been exposed to HIV. Drug treatments are available after exposure to HIV.

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.

Medicines:

• Antiretroviral medicines slow the progression of HIV. They are given in different combinations called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Your healthcare provider will decide the kind of HAART you need. You may need to make HAART changes if you have severe side effects or develop resistance to a medicine.
• Antimicrobial medicines kill or prevent bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
• Antinausea medicine helps calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
• Preventative medicines may be given to protect you from opportunistic infections. Examples include toxoplasmosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), and tuberculosis.

Monitoring:

• Your vital signs will be closely monitored to follow your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
• Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in your blood.
• Telemetry is continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm. Sticky pads placed on your skin connect to an EKG machine that records your heart rhythm.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Blood tests measure your CD4 count and viral load. A normal CD4 count ranges from 550 to 1,000. If your CD4 count is lower than the normal range, your immune system has been affected by HIV. Viral load is the amount of HIV in your blood at any given time.
• Tests for other infections may be done to check for toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). These infections develop because your immune system cannot fight the bacteria or viruses that cause them.

Treatment:

• Extra oxygen may be given if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be.
• Reverse isolation is used to put you in a room to protect you from other people's germs. This may be done if your body is having a hard time fighting infections. Healthcare providers and visitors may wear gloves, a face mask, or a gown when they are in the room.

Treatment options

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

• Truvada
• Biktarvy
• Genvoya
• Descovy
• Norvir

View more treatment options

RISKS:

• HAART medicines used to treat HIV can cause many side effects. Common examples are liver failure, weakness, numbness in your arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some HAART medicines 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.
• Over time, a weak immune system makes it difficult for you to fight infections. This can also lead to certain cancers and heart disease. You are at risk for pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other infections. High blood pressure, blood clots, and broken bones are more common. Problems with memory, concentration, and judgment are common. You also have a higher risk for food poisoning. With or without treatment, you may develop AIDS.

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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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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