A disease such as HIV, the treatment of which with folk remedies does not completely cure a person, but strengthens the immune system and suppresses the viability of the virus, affects people more and more every day. Many people mistakenly believe that the disease can be overcome solely with the help of alternative medicine. This is a misconception. Full treatment should be carried out only under the strict supervision of doctors, and folk remedies can only complement the treatment of the disease, while cleansing the body as a whole and strengthening the immune system.

Most doctors have a positive attitude towards treating this virus with folk methods and remedies. But almost everyone has the same opinion: treat the virus only alternative medicine it is forbidden. If a person has HIV, treatment with folk remedies can be carried out, but it is necessary to visit a doctor and follow all his recommendations.

Strengthening the immune system with herbs, vegetables and fruits

A lot has accumulated folk remedies to strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body in case of HIV. You can support and strengthen the body with various herbs, fruits and vegetables, on which the recipes are based. Let's look at the most popular and effective ones.

Alcohol tincture of calendula. It must be taken internally, but according to a special scheme: in the morning - 2 drops, at lunch - 1, in the evening - again 2. According to this scheme, the tincture is consumed for 3 days, then take a one-day break, again follow the same scheme. Treatment with calendula tincture requires 5 months. Why calendula? The tincture prepared from it has a beneficial effect on the entire body and increases its resistance to harmful bacteria.

A potent natural remedy is kvass made from banana peels. This kvass perfectly strengthens the human immune system. It is prepared using a very simple technology.

• 1 tsp. sour cream;
• 3 liters of water;
• 3 cups crushed banana peel;
• 1 glass of sugar.

All ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The resulting mass is placed in a warm place for 14 days. The container in which the kvass is infused must be covered with gauze. After the required time has passed, the finished kvass can be consumed 4 times a day, half an hour before meals.

St. John's wort decoction. Prepare a decoction as follows: take 100 g of crushed St. John's wort and add 1 liter of water. Then the mixture is put on fire and boiled for 50-60 minutes. After this time, the broth is removed from the heat and filtered. Next, add 50 g of sea buckthorn oil and shake well. The decoction is left to infuse for 2 days; when prepared, it is taken 4 times a day, 1/2 cup.

Licorice root decoction. This decoction significantly reduces the level of infection particles in the blood and strengthens the patient’s immunity. Ingredients for preparing the decoction:

• 4 cups boiling water;
• 3 tbsp. l. crushed licorice root;
• 6 tbsp. l. honey

Place licorice root in boiling water and boil the mixture for an hour. Next, the broth is filtered and honey is added to it. The composition is thoroughly mixed. Drink 1 glass of the decoction in the morning on an empty stomach.

Many patients recommend strengthening the immune system for HIV with a vitamin cocktail. This cocktail tastes very good. To prepare it you will need: 0.5 kg of lingonberries and viburnum, 1 kg of apples, 2 kg of sugar and 2 cups of chopped walnuts. The first thing you need to do is prepare sugar syrup. To do this, sugar is mixed with water and boiled over low heat. While the syrup is boiling, you need to mix the viburnum, lingonberries and sliced ​​apples. As soon as the syrup is ready, pour it into the mixture and mix thoroughly. The vitamin cocktail can be poured into separate jars. You need to take the cocktail once a day, 1 tbsp. l. immediately after waking up.

A mixture based on bee products and prepared at home is considered effective in treating HIV. Take 1 tsp. propolis, 2 tsp. dead bees and 0.5 liters of water. Podmor is filled with water and cooked for 2 hours over very low heat. After this time, the finished mixture must be filtered and propolis added. Take the mixture once a day before any meal in the amount of 1 tbsp. l.

Chinese cucumber is considered effective auxiliary in the treatment of an illness.

The fruits of this plant contain a huge amount of water, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. In other words, the fruit of the Chinese cucumber contains almost all the substances necessary to strengthen the immune system and maintain vital functions.

A decoction is prepared from Chinese cucumber. In order to prepare a decoction, the fruit must be finely chopped and filled with water. The composition is placed on low heat and brought to a boil. As soon as the water boils, you need to add nettle leaves, which must be fresh, into it. Next, the mixture is boiled for another 5 minutes, and then removed from the heat and chamomile flowers are added. The broth must be closed with a tight lid and placed in a dark place for 2 days. After this time, you can take 1/2 cup of the decoction once a day after meals. During treatment with the decoction, drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.

How to treat HIV

Health is the most important thing in the life of any person. Therefore, the question of whether HIV can be cured with early stages fully. After all, it is this disease that is currently claiming the lives of millions of people, spreading at an unimaginable speed. Terrible diagnosis delivered to more than 30 million people. So HIV received the “title” of the plague of the 20th century. Despite the constant emphasis on this problem, many still do not know the details about this disease.

What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus. In other words, the body infected person becomes defenseless against any infection that a healthy person can cope with without special effort. This is why the disease is so dangerous.

Why are the concepts of HIV and AIDS inextricably linked? The fact is that acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the latest, and, accordingly, the most severe stage of HIV. But AIDS can develop in a person for other reasons. Treatment for late-stage brain cancer and AIDS is complex and expensive and is always fatal.

Routes of HIV infection:

1. Sexually (the probability of infection with a single vaginal contact is 0.1%, anal contact is 1%)
2. Through blood: through transfusion or use of non-sterile instruments (90% chance of infection)
3. Mother to child (30% chance of infection)

Diagnosis of HIV disease

Particular difficulty represents the diagnosis of the disease. It turns out that it is not so easy to detect a destructive virus in the human body. Therefore, a huge number of patients do not even realize that they are infected.

In addition to a blood test, HIV can be detected by other signs, but it is worth understanding that they often indicate the duration of the disease:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Sweating during sleep
• Increased body temperature
• Constant fatigue
• Unreasonable weight loss
• Soreness
• Dark red skin lesions

Treatment of a dangerous virus in a clinic setting

Scientists have not yet invented drugs that would destroy scary virus. Treatment of HIV infection consists only of temporary suppression of the virus. This allows you to significantly extend life HIV positive people. Their age at proper treatment reaches 35-40 years.

Stages of treatment for the virus:

1. Reducing the amount of virus in the body - etiotropic therapy
2. Reducing to a minimum its ability to reproduce.
3. Increasing human immunity - pathogenetic therapy
4. Treatment of diseases that appear against the background of a weakened body; symptomatic therapy

Treatment is based on the use medicines according to a special scheme. They are divided into several groups:

1. Reduce the activity of viral enzymes: timazide, retrovir “Glaxo Wellcome”, didanosine, hivid, zerit, epivir, combivir.
2. Antiretroviral drugs: delaverdine, nevirapine, loveride.
3. Drugs that block the ability of the virus to infect new cells: indinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir.

A new drug is Ziagen. Ribavirin and foscarnet are being tested. According to statistics, azidothymidine, suramin, and combivir are popular.

To restore immunity, practice:

• bone marrow transplant;
• lymphocyte infusion;
• Various immunomodulators are used.

Infections that develop against the background of a progressive disease are difficult to treat with antibiotics and antifungal agents. Very often they return in a more severe form. Some of them are treated only with radiation therapy.

Practice has shown that the simultaneous use of three types of drugs gives good results. Compared with treatment with one drug, such therapy halved mortality and the number of concomitant diseases. This is due to the fact that after using the drug the virus becomes resistant to it and continues to develop.

It is worth noting that all people respond differently to treatment. It helps some people well, and they practically forget about their illness and live a full life. Others feel virtually no change.

The following are used in the treatment of HIV:

1. Medicines
2. Herbs
3. Acupuncture
4. Massage
5. Homeopathy
6. Ayurveda

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor who carefully studies the patient’s medical history, his tests, past illnesses and many other features. Treatment will depend on these factors: the combination of drugs and the scheme of their use.

Tri-therapy is a rather expensive “pleasure”, it costs more than ten thousand dollars a year. Therefore, it is not available to many HIV-infected people. In such a situation, people use folk remedies to treat HIV.

Doctors say that folk remedies will not produce results as the main treatment. Therefore, it is recommended to use them only as auxiliary ones. Herbs have a beneficial effect on the immune system, strengthening and maintaining it.

How to treat HIV at home with herbs:

St. John's wort. Pour dry herb (100 g) into a liter of water, boil and keep on low heat for an hour. Strain the liquid, add 50 g of sea buckthorn oil and shake well. Let it brew for two days. Apply 4 times a day? glasses.

Sprunela. Pour the chopped herb into 1.5 liters of boiling water. After 3 hours, strain and add 50 g of nettle leaves. Boil over low heat for an hour, strain. Drink a glass a day gradually.

Licorice root. Pour 50 g of root into 0.5 liters of water and simmer over low heat for about an hour. Then strain and add honey (3 tablespoons). Drink 200 ml on an empty stomach for three months. The tincture is also easy to prepare. You need to soak 100 g of licorice root in water, after 24 hours rub it and pour in 0.5 liters of vodka. Leave in a dark place for 10 days. Then take 5 drops dissolved in a small amount of water.

Chinese cucumber, nettle, chamomile. Finely chopped Chinese cucumber, pour water, boil, then add nettle leaves. After 7 minutes, strain and add chamomile. Leave the broth in a warm place for several days. Drink once a day after meals.

Calendula. Ready-made tincture can be purchased at a pharmacy. Take this way: in the morning on an empty stomach - 2 drops, every hour - 1 drop, before bedtime - 2 drops. After 3 days, do not drink the tincture. Then take it again for 3 days. Drink for five months.

HIV prevention

It is a well-known truth that best treatment Disease is its prevention, which is the best fit in this case. Following simple measures will help you avoid HIV infection, which will allow you to live fully and enjoy every day you live.

Disease prevention includes several key points:

• Regular sexual partner
• Using condoms during sexual intercourse
• Avoid intimate relationships with strangers and people at risk (girls of easy virtue, drug addicts)
• Use disposable syringes and other instruments (dental, for tattooing).
• Maintain personal hygiene (use only personal toothbrushes and razors).
• During planned operations, use your own blood (if a transfusion is needed).

If the disease is not treated, then specialists predict death within 9-11 years.

How to cure HIV? Unfortunately, it is incurable, so the only way staying away from this disease means not getting infected. The immunodeficiency virus does not spread by airborne droplets, through household items and is not spread by insects. Therefore, strict adherence to simple rules will protect you from a dangerous disease.

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Is it possible to treat AIDS at home and how to do it?

• Manifestations of HIV infection
• Products to strengthen the immune system
• Lifestyle as a method of combating HIV

Before treating AIDS at home, it is necessary to clearly understand that at the moment effective medicine there is no cure for HIV infection. But this is not a reason to give up, because using traditional medicine recipes, you can reduce the number of viruses in the blood, support the immune system, and partially restore impaired organ functions. At the same time, at home, you can help your body every day using certain methods.

Manifestations of HIV infection

The first mention of the human immunodeficiency virus appeared in the 80s of the last century. HIV infection is a disease characterized by a sluggish course and manifested in weakening immune system. The last stage of the pathology, in which secondary diseases and tumor processes occur due to decreased immunity, is commonly called “AIDS” (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

This terrible pathology cannot be treated and, as a rule, leads to death. At this time, the human body is so weakened that the cause of death can be a simple cold.

Aware of the dangers of HIV infection, many people are interested in information on how to detect AIDS at home. The main thing here is to know that the infection can long time hide in the human body. In some cases, even special tests are not able to detect the virus. Symptoms of the disease begin to appear only during the destruction of the body.

Often signs of AIDS include:

• fungal infections of the mucous membranes and lungs;
• prolonged fever with increased body temperature;
• rashes on the skin;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• general deterioration health;
• lack of appetite;
• development of Kaposi's sarcoma and much more.

If one or more symptoms occur, each person can be tested for HIV infection by taking a test and undergoing a series of necessary procedures.

It is impossible to get rid of the infection, but it is possible to cure secondary pathologies that develop against the background of HIV infection. Here it will be necessary to use complex methods, which will include the use of drugs that affect the ability of viruses to reproduce, strengthen the immune system and ensure the body’s protection from possible infection other infection.

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You can prepare medications at home that are highly effective in influencing the immune system. Thus, kvass made from banana peels is considered one of the most potent remedies. To prepare it you will need:

• 3 cups finely chopped banana peel;
• 1 cup granulated sugar;
• 1 tsp. sour cream;
• 3 liters of boiled cool water.

The peel is placed in a glass container and filled with water, sugar and sour cream are added there. The container is covered with gauze and left in a warm place for 14 days. Active release of gases will be a sign that the kvass is ready. It is consumed 4 times a day, 125 ml 30 minutes before meals.

To prepare a new portion of kvass, you can use the old starter: when the container is half empty, add water to it and leave until ready. It is necessary to change the starter when the drink loses its characteristic specific taste.

Calendula is often used to strengthen the immune system. At the pharmacy you need to purchase an alcohol tincture of calendula, which is taken according to the following scheme:

• in the morning – 2 drops;
• during the day – 1 drop;
• in the evening – 2 drops.

The tincture is consumed for 3 days, then take a break for 1 day. The course of admission is 5 months.

Bee products have a good healing effect, but when using them, you must completely avoid drinking alcohol. To make a decoction of dead meat and propolis you should take:

• 2 tsp. death;
• 1 tsp. propolis;
• 500 ml water.

The dead meat is placed in a container, filled with liquid and boiled for 120 minutes. Then the broth is filtered, propolis is added to it. Use the drug 1 tbsp. l. per day after meals.

Licorice-based products have good anti-inflammatory, antitoxic and wound-healing properties. The substances that make up the plant have versatile biological activity and are widely used in both traditional and folk medicine.

In addition, you can prepare a berry-fruit mixture rich in vitamins and microelements. You will need:

• 500 g each of lingonberries and viburnum;
• 1 kg of green apples;
• 2 cups walnut kernels;
• 2 kg granulated sugar.

First of all, you need to add a little water to the granulated sugar and cook the syrup. Then all the prepared ingredients are poured into syrup and placed in jars. The medicine is taken 1 tbsp. l. a day before breakfast.

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Important medical complex The fight against HIV infection in general and AIDS in particular is a change in lifestyle.

A person must completely stop drinking alcohol and smoking. This will increase the concentration of vitamins and microelements in the blood, as a result of which the ability of the immune system to resist infection will also increase.

In the diet you only need to use natural products that do not irritate organs gastrointestinal tract. It is necessary to exclude the intake of fatty, spicy, heavy foods, smoked and canned foods, baked goods and sweets.

Huge value should be given a daily routine. So, you should create a schedule according to which the patient will eat at the same time. Eating after 19:00 is strictly prohibited. Every day after meals and before bed you need to chew 9 g of honey in a honeycomb.

Doctors believe that visiting a bathhouse and fasting have a good effect on strengthening the immune system. The Russian steam room has always helped to cure colds and infectious diseases, and eliminated the symptoms of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. It will also provide effective assistance for AIDS.

The use of active fasting is designed to increase the protective properties of the immune system. In this way, the body redirects resources from the process of digesting food to fighting infectious agents. Active fasting involves completely refusing to eat for a day or more. To eliminate the feeling of hunger, you can drink an unlimited amount of liquid with the addition of apple cider vinegar and honey.

After consulting a doctor, you can conduct a course of wet wraps to strengthen the body's defenses. The procedure will require a large piece of linen cloth, which is wetted in warm water and wraps around the body. Then you need to put the patient to bed and carefully wrap him in a blanket. After 2 hours, you need to unwrap the fabric and take a lukewarm shower. After a shower, it is important to put your body warm again.

And the main recommendation for HIV infection is to remember that a full life is possible even in case of illness. Every day must be met with good mood and the desire to get well. Scientists are actively working, and cures for AIDS will soon appear.

Treatment of HIV with folk remedies

In the manifest period (the period at the height of the disease), clinical manifestations of an opportunistic infection predominate. The most common symptoms are pneumonia caused by pneumocystis, gastrointestinal and pulmonary forms of cryptosporoidosis, generalized toxoplasmosis infection, which often occurs in the form of encephalitis, generalized manifestations of herpetic and cytomegalovirus infections, mycoses, and bacterial infections.

Dermatological indicators of HIV

Various lesions of the skin and mucous membranes are a very common manifestation of HIV infection. They appear in virtually everyone clinical forms diseases, and not only in the stage of developed AIDS, and have diagnostic and prognostic significance.

Almost half of the patients in the acute period develop an asymptomatic, widespread, symmetrical rash. measles-like rash or syphilitic roseola. Localized mostly on the torso. Lasts from 3 days to 2–3 weeks. Histologically, such exanthema is characterized by perivascular infiltrates of lymphocytes and histiocytes.

With symptoms of HIV infection, hemorrhagic spots may also appear. up to 3 mm in diameter, similar to hemorrhagic allergic vasculitis. Such rashes can be combined with ulcerations of the mucous membranes of the mouth and esophagus and severe dysphonia. Possible accession viral lesions skin ( molluscum contagiosum).

During the period of HIV infection, seborrheic eczema is detected, in acute stage The disease is observed less frequently, and in the stage of developed AIDS - in 46–83%. A number of patients have the first clinical symptom of HIV infection, appearing from time to time 1–2 years before the appearance of other clinical signs. The difference from eczema is that the patchy elements are located on the scalp, neck, and face.

Common fungal infections of the skin and nail plates appear relatively often during HIV infection. The disease can occur in the form of lesions common for dermatomycosis. Atypical manifestations are noted on the face and neck; the clinical picture may resemble exudative erythema, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis. Rubrophytosis of the palms and soles receives indicators of palmoplantar keratoderma. Pityriasis versicolor is characterized by dissemination of lesions with a tendency to infiltrate and lichenify the skin.

All dermatological manifestations that are atypical in age, localization, course, usual location, or resistance to therapy should alarm the doctor.

Kaposi's sarcoma as one of the signs of the HIV virus

Kaposi's sarcoma is the most characteristic dermatological tumor symptom of HIV infection. The disease most often begins with the appearance on the skin lower limbs reddish-bluish spots, they grow to 5 cm or more in diameter. After some time, symptoms of HIV infection appear, such as dense elastic nodules the size of a pea; they can merge into infiltrative plaques and tumor-like formations. The process is accompanied by swelling. Along with rashes, there are hemorrhages with secondary deposition of hemosiderin into the skin.

Foci of sarcoma in HIV infection are localized in the middle and upper third of the dermis, less often in the lower part of the dermis, spreading into the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Histologically, it is a disordered neovascularization, proliferation of spindle cells resembling sarcoma cells.

Clinical indicators that distinguish Kaposi's sarcoma associated with HIV infection from the classical form (in elderly people):

young age (up to 35 years);

more severe, progressive course;

widespread temperamental skin lesions with rapid generalization of the process and involvement of the mucous membranes of the mouth, lymph nodes, internal organs.

In addition, Kaposi's sarcoma associated with HIV infection is characterized by a lack of therapeutic results from the treatment and high mortality in the first 1–2 years after its origin. Damage to peripheral lymph nodes in patients may precede the appearance of clinical signs of HIV infection on the skin and mucous membranes. This is the highlight of Kaposi's sarcoma. Other tumor processes include squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa and anorectal region.

Herpes simplex is severe chronic course with the formation of an ulcerative lesion, the spread of herpetic eruptions to different areas skin and mucous membranes. Ulcerative herpetic lesions are very painful. The only therapeutic agent that can reduce the condition in such patients and also lead to temporary remission is acyclovir administered intravenously.

Shingles can appear at any time and vary in severity. Relapses of the disease are likely.

Hairy leukoplakia of the oral mucosa has so far been described only in patients with symptoms of HIV infection. We are confident that the causative agent is the Epstein-Barr virus or human papillomaviruses. In most cases, it is localized in the posterior and middle third of the lateral surface of the tongue in contact with the teeth; there are no subjective sensations. Histologically, it corresponds to the elements of simple warts.

Candidiasis on the mucous membrane begins with thrush, but unlike simple candidiasis in patients with symptoms of HIV infection, the white plaque that appears quickly fuses with the underlying mucous membrane and is not removed by scraping. Upon completion of forced removal, bleeding erosions appear. Candida rashes are virtually untreatable. It is possible to try to improve the condition of patients through the use of nizoral.

Based on clinical picture it is possible to suspect HIV infection. To confirm the diagnosis, tests for antibodies to HIV are needed. Many cases of the asymptomatic phase of HIV infection are detected during mass examinations. To determine the concentration of viral RNA, the reverse PCR method is used. The dynamics of viral RNA concentration allows us to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of treatment, the degree of infectivity of the patient and the prognosis of AIDS.

Methods for detecting proviral DNA by PCR are used mainly for scientific purposes. HIV genotyping and phenotyping are used to detect pathogen resistance to antiretroviral drugs.

Full indications to be screened for symptoms of HIV infection are:

acute febrile stage;

Kaposi's sarcoma in guys and in an unusual place;

molluscum contagiosum in an adult.

How to treat HIV infection?

After the HIV virus has entered the body, it will be in a state of hibernation. This condition can last from one month to several years. There have been cases where people were carriers for 20 years. The incubation period depends on your health status, lifestyle and medications taken. Treatment consists of maintaining immune defense body. It is necessary to avoid diseases, because with a weakened immune system, in addition to that's easy A cold without treatment can be fatal.

Antiretroviral drugs include HIV protease inhibitors (Indinavir, Ritonavir, Nelfinavir), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (Zidovudine, Didanosine, Zalcitabine, Stavudine, Lamivudine) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (Nevirapine, Delavirdine). Combined treatment reduces the concentration of viral RNA, slows the progression of immunodeficiency, increases the life expectancy of patients, and prevents the development of infection when prescribed after sexual intercourse.

The prognosis for life is unfavorable.

Folk remedies for HIV

The infection is the plague of the 21st century. At this stage of development, there is no completely effective cure for this problem. A remedy has not yet been discovered that could completely wipe out deadly microbes from the face of the earth. Many, having lost faith in classical methods of treatment, choose to treat AIDS with folk remedies. Based on the interpretation of this problem, the disease leads to a decline in human immunity, and at the same time, immune bodies in the blood are actively destroyed. The main drugs for treating HIV using folk remedies include:

• St. John's wort decoctions help keep the infection at bay. To make a decoction, you need to dry it and grind it into powder, mix it with sea buckthorn oil and water. The proportions are respectively 2:1:10. The herb is boiled in boiling water for about 60 minutes. Then the liquid is filtered and oil is added to it. The composition is vigorously mixed and left for 48 hours. You need to use this folk remedy 100 ml 4 times a day.
• Treatment with sprunella decoction. Such a plant is very difficult to purchase, since it very rarely appears in pharmacies. 100 grams of the plant are brewed in 3 liters of boiling water, then infused for 180 minutes, filtered. 100 grams of crushed dry nettle is poured into the liquid. Everything is boiled over low heat for about 60 minutes. and filtered again. You need to take 200 ml per day.
• Decoctions from licorice root. It will excellently reduce infection particles in the blood, along with this, immunity increases. A decoction for treating HIV is very simple to prepare. 100 grams of roots are boiled for about 60 minutes, after which 6 huge spoons of honey are filtered and dissolved. On an empty stomach you need to drink a glass of decoction. It is best to do this in the morning.
• Calendula infusion. This folk remedy is drunk on an empty stomach, 2 drops every day. Later during the day, drink another drop at any hour, then 2 more drops at night. Take it with the following schedule: drink it for 3 days, pause for 3 days.

Circumstances of development and prevention of HIV

The causative agent of AIDS is a human T-lymphotropic virus belonging to the retrovirus family. Since 1986, the designation human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or AIDS (AIDS), was introduced. Retroviruses contain an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The pathogen enters through microtraumas of the skin (contact with blood) and mucous membranes of the genital tract or rectum. From the moment of infection until the first signs of infection appear incubation period– from 1 month to 4–6 years.

The basis of the pathogenesis of HIV infection is the T-lymphotropy of the virus. Persistence and accumulation of the virus occurs in lymphoid tissue. By multiplying in T4 cells (happers), AIDS viruses destroy them. But sometimes AIDS gets into the blood and can be found in the discharge. With the onset of clinical symptoms, viremia becomes more intense.

Lack of immunity leads to the activation of a latent infection or the addition of an opportunistic infection caused by opportunistic microbes. These diseases lead in most cases to the death of patients in the next 1–2 years after the appearance of the first clinical signs of HIV infection. The higher the concentration of viral RNA in the plasma, the higher the risk of infection. The concentration of viral RNA in plasma is enormous during the acute febrile stage of HIV infection and severe immunodeficiency.

Routes of transmission of AIDS

Laboratory and epidemiological studies indicate that STIs that manifest as genital ulcers (syphilis, genital herpes), causing inflammatory transformations (gonorrhea, trichomoniasis), and, perhaps, a number of non-inflammatory diseases of the genital organs (bacterial vaginosis), increase the risk transmission and infection of HIV infection through sexual contact.

Perhaps it is the different incidence and prevalence of STIs that determine the different proportion of HIV infection during heterosexual sexual intercourse in different countries of the world. HIV is transmitted sexually (through homosexual and heterosexual contacts), through transfusion of blood and its preparations, from an infected mother to a newborn in the prenatal period, during childbirth or during breastfeeding.

The most popular route of transmission of HIV infection worldwide is sexual. Transmission through kissing is unlikely. HIV transmission through sexual contact contributes to

For those at risk, it is important to know whether HIV is being treated. Of course, such an infection is not considered fatal, but it still causes the patient a lot of trouble. In addition, AIDS often develops against the background of HIV, which only aggravates a person’s general health.

The number of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing every year, but the number of people who have recovered, unfortunately, is not increasing. If we don’t start fighting such a dangerous disease now, in 2-3 decades it could become an epidemic. Is it possible to cure HIV infection or is it impossible?

With this disease, the virus suppresses its own immunity, destroying leukocytes in the blood - cells that recognize any infection and participate in the fight against it. Losing the natural volume of such blood cells, the body can no longer independently fight even the most primitive viruses, fungi, bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms. If earlier, before contracting an infection, the human body easily defeated a cold, then during the development of HIV such a disease can cause death.

Whether the early stages of immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be treated is a question asked both by those infected themselves and by many researchers. You can answer it in two ways: no, and yes. First of all, patients undergo a blood test taken from a vein to determine the presence of antibodies to HIV1 and HIV2 antigens. If the diagnosis is confirmed, appropriate therapy is prescribed.

Treatment of infection is the adoption by people of measures that contribute to the restoration of the body during the development of a specific disease (in our case, HIV infection). Curing a disease is a complete elimination of pathology. Considering these two terms, we can say with certainty: HIV can be treated. The infection is treated with strong drugs (antiretroviral) that can suppress the activity of the pathogenic microorganism.

What is HIV: it is like a chronic disease that will accompany a person throughout his life. Of course, today various studies are being conducted that are aimed at finding ways to stop global epidemic, but now the disease is still considered incurable. Unfortunately, a patient with AIDS, like HIV, cannot be completely cured. It is possible for a person to carry out only maintenance therapy, which will help smooth out the clinical manifestations.

Since HIV can be treated well only at the initial stage of its development, you need to be careful about your health and consult a doctor at the first warning symptoms. The first signs and symptoms of AIDS and HIV infection are mostly similar:

1. Increased general temperature, reaching 38 degrees for several days.
2. A general malaise that can be either short-term or long-term.
3. Lymphadenitis is an increase in the size of the lymph nodes. This symptom of the disease is the main one that is taken into account during diagnosis.

This disease (HIV) can begin to develop without any symptoms at all, which is typical for the initial stage. However, there is a slow attack on the immune system, which can subsequently cause dangerous consequences(in our case – the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

1. The incubation stage is the time from the moment the virus enters the body until the appearance of the first symptoms and (or) antigens in the blood to the virus cells. HIV at an early stage lasts from 3 weeks to 3 months, and sometimes drags on for up to 12 months. It is important to identify the disease at this stage, because the prognosis in this case is the most favorable. In case positive analysis a person needs to contact an AIDS center and begin appropriate therapy.
2. The second stage is divided into 2a, 2b and 2c. The first of these (2a) is considered asymptomatic. The second (2b) occurs with pronounced symptoms: febrile syndrome, rash on the dermis and mucous membranes, lymphadenitis, pharyngitis, etc. The third (2c) is characterized by the addition of secondary diseases: tonsillitis, bacterial and Pneumocystis pneumonia, candidiasis, herpes, etc.
3. The third stage is called “latent” and occurs with a slow progression of immunodeficiency. The only symptom– lymphadenitis, which covers 2 or more nodes in the lesion different groups(except groin). The duration of this period is from 2-20 or more years, and being completely asymptomatic.
4. The fourth stage is characterized by the addition of secondary pathologies. Healing and the transition of the disease to a latent course at this stage are no longer possible. These can be either secondary infectious or oncological diseases with corresponding symptoms.
5. At the fifth (terminal) stage, secondary pathologies have an irreversible course, and antiviral drugs are no longer effective. Death occurs within 2-3 months.

In any case, each body is individual and reacts differently to the development of a viral infection. Even if a blood test confirms the presence of antibodies in the body, but no obvious symptoms are observed, do not despair, because perhaps this result is a false positive. This can happen for many reasons: if at the time of donating blood an acute respiratory infection, allergies, or others develops. The doctor may make an incorrect diagnosis, which can only be confirmed or refuted with a repeat test.

Routes of transmission of HIV infection

There are many ways to transmit HIV infection, the main ones being:

1. Having sexual intercourse with an infected person without using contraception.
2. Drawing blood or injecting it with a syringe that has previously been used on an infected person.
3. Immunodeficiency, that is, HIV infection, can be transmitted from a sick mother to a child during childbirth or breastfeeding (initial symptoms after infection with the virus can occur many years later).

Other methods of transmission of infection are rare. These include transfusion of contaminated blood to a healthy person, which was not tested for HIV infection before use. Even less common is the transmission of infected material to open wounds or mucous membranes. The disease is not transmitted through household means.

The risk of transmission is reduced for people who have sex with people receiving antiretroviral treatment.

To avoid dangerous consequences, after unprotected sexual intercourse it is worth conducting a blood test using ELISA if there is a suspicion of HIV infection in your partner. It is better to detect HIV in the early stages than to deal with its negative consequences later.

HIV is curable: myth or reality

Scientists around the world are fighting in the hope that one day the virus can be cured forever, but this is just speculation. It is impossible to say yet which methods actually work. Some try to treat the disease with folk remedies, but they are completely ineffective. The most common way to suppress the activity of the virus is only with special drugs that are prescribed to infected people by a doctor.

In the 90s, when antiretroviral therapy was invented, researchers assumed that HIV was still curable. Today there are many refutations of this, because viral infection, just like AIDS, there is no cure. Even the timely start of therapy does not guarantee that the disease can be completely cured and get rid of the terrible diagnosis.

Leading researchers carried out appropriate analyzes with the help of which they wanted to find out why the virus continues to be present in the body and does not respond to any therapy. And so, in 1996, suggestions arose that a cure for AIDS and HIV was possible. For this purpose, they began to develop even stronger drugs. It was believed that someday the virus cells would end up in the body, die completely, or become sensitive to drugs with antiviral effects. According to mathematical models of researchers, this will take more than 60 years.

Each person's body reacts differently to similar drugs. Some people treat HIV infection and see positive dynamics, but for others it does not bring positive results and soon becomes fatal.

Treatment of HIV infection

Whether HIV (type 1 and type 2) can be cured or not is a relative question. For many years, only therapy has been used that is aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life, preventing and slowing the progression of the disease. The newest antiviral treatment is presented in the form of drugs that can extend a person’s life expectancy (for example, this may be Loverid and Deloverdin). Also prescribed are drugs that help prevent the blocking of healthy cells by the virus (for example, Indinavir, etc.) and reduce the viability of the pathogen (for example, Epevir, Zerit, etc.). Timely and complete therapy is based on the fact that the patient can live to a ripe old age.

Additional treatment for AIDS and HIV involves the use of:

When using each method of treating a disease, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules, by following which you can improve the effectiveness of therapy:

1. Continuous treatment.
2. If possible, start using medications as early as possible, at the initial stage of the disease.
3. Several drugs with antiretroviral effects are used in combination.

How to cure HIV if unsatisfactory results are observed after completing a course of therapy? In this case, chemotherapy is adjusted.

HIV prevention

Of course, it is easier to prevent the disease than to get rid of it, because even in the early stages it is completely impossible to cure HIV, including by using powerful antiretroviral therapy. By following these simple recommendations, you can significantly reduce the risk of contracting an infection:

1. It is recommended to conduct sexual life with a regular partner, avoiding casual relationships. It is necessary to protect yourself by using contraception - condoms.
2. Drugs should be eliminated from life. Under their influence, a person often loses control, including sharing a syringe with other drug addicts. After contact with someone else's infected blood, there is a 100% guarantee that the person will become infected with the immunodeficiency virus.
3. Prevention of acquired HIV in a child is more concerned with his mother, who during pregnancy must follow all the recommendations of the leading doctor. Breastfeeding is not carried out in this case.

AIDS prevention

The answer to the question: can AIDS be cured is the same as for HIV infection. Both pathologies are considered incurable, and there is no specific cure for them. Prevention of AIDS comes down to the following:

1. Prohibition on promiscuous sex life.
2. Using condoms during sexual intercourse.
3. Personal hygiene: toothbrush, injection syringes, razors must be strictly individual.
4. Bad habits must be eliminated, especially drugs.
5. Dental and surgical instruments must be properly cleaned before use.

AIDS against the background of HIV is an even more dangerous disease, which after a short amount of time leads to death.

Healing from HIV

Even though complete cure from HIV is impossible, there are examples that suggest the opposite. The first case is a Berlin patient who contracted the pathology at the age of 30. For 10 years he was treated with special drugs, after which he was given another diagnosis - acute leukemia. Traditional medicine did not bring the desired recovery, which became the reason for a bone marrow transplant. Only 2 operations were needed so that the cured person could live for many years without relapse.

Other cases of recovery from an infectious disease were recorded in Africa: children were infected from a mother who did not undergo the necessary treatment. For 30 days, the kids took medicines, and after given period There was a noticeable decrease in virus activity.

Each person’s immunity is individual and no one knows what the reaction and sensitivity to the antiviral drugs taken will be. If a person is not treated at all, his average life expectancy does not exceed 11 years. In most cases, the cause of death is associated secondary diseases (this could be tuberculosis, cancer, pneumonia, etc.). If treatment for AIDS and HIV is started in a timely manner, one can hope for a fairly favorable prognosis. The average life expectancy in this case is up to 70 years.

HIV is the most terrible modern disease of humanity. There are a small number of methods for treating this disease. All of them are expensive and require a lot of time. This leads to people turning to traditional medicine.

Modern science has still not been able to find a cure for HIV. All techniques developed against this infection are aimed at suppressing the symptoms of the disease, and not at its complete destruction. Traditional medicine can help support the body, but not cure the disease. This treatment can be used when other diseases appear against the background of HIV, for which there are proven traditional methods.

What is HIV infection

Important! The human immunodeficiency virus does not kill a person, but only reduces his immunity. Any disease that has entered an unprotected body can be fatal.

How the disease is transmitted

HIV infection can only be contracted through direct contact with a patient’s biological fluid: saliva, blood, semen. This slows down the rate of spread of the disease.

Routes of transmission

There are several main routes of transmission of HIV infection:

• Exchanges may occur during sexual intercourse biological fluids with the virus. Both partners can be sources of infection;
• You can become infected by using a needle after someone is sick ( characteristic way disease transmission for drug addicts);
• In a tattoo parlor, if the needle is handled incorrectly;
• In the hospital, if measures to prevent HIV infection are violated.

HIV test at home

HIV is a disease that many people do not want to advertise. If you suspect infection, you can do a test at home. For this purpose, the pharmacy sells testers with varying levels of accuracy.

Important! Even with the high declared accuracy of the device, it is worth understanding that home testers cannot adequately reflect infection. Markers that react only to the virus are expensive and are not sold freely. The rest can appear in the presence of any other disease.

If the result is positive at home, the patient must undergo an official examination and register. Concealing such a diagnosis from medical doctors is a crime.

The effectiveness of traditional medicine against HIV infection

Therapy for HIV infection helps to deactivate the activity of the virus. A person can use various methods at home, but this will not affect the virus itself. Although, traditional medicine can help with this disease.
Once infected with HIV, a person is exposed to many pathogens. If the development of the disease is slow, then immunity can be maintained at home without wasting time and money in the hospital (with the exception of basic medications).

With the right approach, treating HIV infection with folk remedies can yield positive results. A number of folk remedies are aimed at maintaining the human immune system, which is necessary for HIV. HIV medicine recommends the following substances:

• St. John's wort decoction. Strengthens the immune system, promotes the formation of new immune cells;
• Tea with licorice. Has a general strengthening effect;
• Propolis. Kills pathogenic bacteria that contribute to the development of colds;
• Eucalyptus. Improves condition respiratory tract;
• Calendula tincture. Has a general strengthening effect.

Important! Traditional medicine helps with concomitant diseases, not with HIV itself. The main virus must be blocked with specialized drugs.

Strengthening the immune system

There are many methods for treating immunodeficiency, both folk and scientific. All of them are aimed at maintaining satisfactory condition and treatment of other diseases that have entered the body. When using folk remedies it is necessary to study contraindications and features of the course of treatment, since any improper exposure will activate the virus. The patient’s immune status directly depends on the main treatment, which means that the course must be taken continuously.

Disadvantages of treatment with folk remedies

Traditional medicine has many disadvantages. Unlike traditional therapy, treatment of AIDS with traditional methods often leads to a worsening of the patient's condition.

Traditional medicine is based on herbal treatment. HIV can only be treated with certain medical immune drugs. The effect of herbs in this case has not been established.

Traditional medicine is aimed at treating symptoms - relieving fever, headaches, and easing breathing. At the same time, a person’s actual condition can deteriorate significantly. Since even common cold against the background of HIV can lead to HIV, you cannot completely rely on traditional methods.

Folk remedies for treating HIV and several methods for preparing infusions and decoctions

Treating HIV with folk remedies is impossible, but treating concomitant diseases is possible. The main thing in using traditional medicine is to strictly follow the rules, concentrations, doses and constantly check your condition with a specialist.

Herbal treatment

Folk remedies are most often used in the form of decoctions and infusions. To prepare infusions and decoctions, pure spring or boiled water is used. Crushed leaves, roots or flowers of the plant are poured with hot (not boiling) water for several hours and used warm. Each plant has certain specific cooking features.

St. John's wort

St. John's wort can be consumed 4 times a day. To prepare a decoction of St. John's wort, you need:

• 1 liter of water;
• 6 tablespoons of dry chopped herbs;
• 3 spoons sea ​​buckthorn oil.

You need to boil the water, then add St. John's wort to it and simmer for another hour. After cooling, you need to drain the water without grass and add sea buckthorn oil to it. This decoction should steep for two days. St. John's wort decoctions are used against bacterial infections. If there is no need to prepare a large portion, you can prepare less - one spoon of dry St. John's wort for one cup. The boiling time must be maintained.

Licorice root decoction

To prepare a decoction or infusion of licorice, you need:

• A tablespoon of crushed licorice root;
• Liter of water;
• Three tablespoons of honey.

can be used fresh or dried.

IN boiled water you need to add the roots of the plant (about 20 grams of roots). Simmer over low heat for about an hour. After cooling, strain and add honey. Drink a glass before each meal.

Licorice-based infusion

From licorice you can prepare not only a decoction, but also an infusion. To do this, you need to purchase licorice root extract (at the pharmacy), add a small amount of alcohol (49 teaspoons) to it. Take a few drops per day.

Alcohol tincture of calendula

Calendula tincture is prepared in a ratio of 1:10 using 70% alcohol. When preparing it yourself, the flowers of the plant need to be filled with alcohol in the specified ratio, after a few hours, pass the tincture through cheesecloth and take 1 - 2 drops before each meal and at night. To soften the taste, you can add a few grams of honey after straining.

Decoction of Chinese cucumber, chamomile and nettle flowers

To prepare a decoction of Chinese cucumber you will need:

• Cucumber;
• 1 liter of water;
• Nettle;
• Medicinal chamomile flowers.

Place chopped cucumber in hot water over low heat, after a few minutes add nettle leaves and chamomile flowers. Simmer for an hour on low heat. After this, strain through cheesecloth. The mixture is left to cool completely. You can take a glass after meals.

Sprunella herb decoction

To prepare the decoction you will need:

• 1.5 liters of water;
• 50 grams of nettle leaves;
• Dried sprunel.

Sprunella is added to hot water and boiled for about an hour. After this, strain and add a glass of crushed nettle leaves. After cooling, strain again. Drink one glass throughout the day.

Treatment with bee products

Royal jelly and honey are used to treat HIV. There is also a treatment method bee venom. It is believed that bee venom kills infected cells without damaging healthy ones. This technique is considered allergenic and untested. Before using it, you should check your body for an allergic reaction. It's worth starting with small doses.

Apple cider vinegar with honey

There is a complex technique traditional treatment HIV using honey, vinegar, bath and wraps. The technique is not popular, because there is no reliable results her actions. The authors of the method claim that it can be used to increase protective forces body, normalize the vitamin and mineral balance of the body.

Propolis alcohol solution

To prepare a propolis solution you will need:

• 96% alcohol;
• 100 grams of propolis;

The mixture must be shaken for 30 minutes, then left for 5 days. Before use, mix with water in a ratio of 20 drops of solution per 100 grams of water. Drink one hour before meals.

Aqueous extract of propolis

Another option for preparing propolis is aqueous extract. To prepare it, you need to pour crushed propolis with hot water and leave in a water bath for 3 hours. Take a teaspoon before meals, and the period before meals should not exceed 4 hours.

Honey and propolis

Benefit joint reception propolis and honey is that honey softens the mucous membrane of the throat, improving therapeutic effect propolis. Honey can be added to both alcoholic and aqueous extracts while the solution is cooling.

Dead bees

Bee dead is a product consisting of bees ground into powder. Since during their lifetime they collect nectar from many medicinal plants, feed on it and build a house from it, a large amount is concentrated in their body useful components in an easily digestible form. This drug is sold in pharmacies in powder or tincture form. It is better to take it 2 times a day, a teaspoon before meals. It removes toxins that accumulate in the body.

Alcohol based on corn or sea buckthorn oil

To prepare this product you will need:

• 50 grams of corn oil;
• 50 grams of sea buckthorn oil;
• 400 grams of honey.

All components must be mixed and allowed to brew for several hours. Take 4 drops an hour after meals in the morning and evening. This remedy improves metabolism.

Other folk remedies for HIV infection

There are a number of more exotic folk remedies designed to increase the body's defenses:

• Banana peel kvass;
• Lingonberry cocktail;
• Oat decoction;

Advice! Before using a particular treatment method, it is necessary to study popular opinion regarding its effectiveness, and also consult with your doctor. Indiscriminate treatment can lead to serious deterioration in well-being.

• Another popular method is the waste product of the wax moth (WWM). This extract helps with the development of tuberculosis, heart failure and decreased immunity.

To maintain normal hormonal levels Doctors recommend the use of iodine-containing drugs. Traditional medicine offers its analogue: milk with two drops of iodine in the first week of therapy, during next week add iodine twice to salads or use iodized salt.

Banana peel kvass

To prepare the drink you will need:

• Three spoons of boiled water;
• 200 grams of sugar;
• 15 grams of sour cream;
• Banana peel (3 cups).

The mixture is infused for two weeks, after which it can be consumed half a glass after meals.

You should be extremely careful with this product, as there is a risk of food poisoning due to incorrect technique.

The cocktail is a storehouse of vitamins

To prepare this drink you use:

• A kilogram of apples (preferably green);
• 500 grams of lingonberries;
• 500 grams of viburnum;
• 2 cups walnuts;
• 2 kilograms of sugar.

The components must be mixed with water and heated over low heat. The finished syrup can be sealed in jars and stored in a cool place. It is recommended to use one tablespoon before meals. This syrup is not recommended for children; adults may experience allergies due to the large number of components, so you should check the body’s reaction to a small amount of the product.

Calendula tincture

Calendula is considered effective medicinal plant. IN medicinal purposes Dried flowers of the plant are used. This plant can be brewed as tea in a regular teapot. This drink is good for preventing colds.

Oat decoction

A glass of oats must be chewed or kneaded. The resulting slurry should be poured with water and cooked until the mixture thickens. At the end of cooking, you can add milk to the container for greater softness. Take 3 tablespoons before meals.

Green tea

Green tea is considered a good way to normalize digestion and maintain activity. In case of loss of strength, it can be a good remedy for fatigue.

It is recommended to use folk remedies when treating sick children with extreme caution. The child’s body is more responsive to the action of certain components, so the reaction may be unpredictable. The most harmless remedies for children are a decoction of calendula, nettle and St. John's wort. No alcohol tinctures can be used in the treatment of children.

HIV treatment

When treating HIV, doctors use antiretroviral therapy - this is a set of chemical components that destroy RNA viruses in the human body. This technique kills the virus as soon as it leaves the cell, which inhibits its reproduction.

In medicine, the symptoms are always determined first and treatment is prescribed individually in each case. Therefore, you cannot refuse the methods offered by the medical institution.

Sometimes during treatment, doctors themselves offer one or another method of folk maintenance of the body’s condition, since folk decoctions contain natural ingredients and when properly monitored and used can improve the patient's condition.

An HIV-positive person should always be checked by their doctor, because a certain stage can give a false impression full recovery and if you stop using special medications and rely only on decoctions, you can seriously harm your body.

Treatment procedures for HIV infection

HIV disease is not infectious. Medicines against it are aimed at preventing the development of the virus, and not at destroying the causative agent of the disease. Therefore, with such therapy, an antiviral drug is prescribed. HIV attacks the immune system, causing it to become significantly weaker. To maintain the protective properties of the body, a set of procedures is prescribed to stimulate the development and preservation of the immune system.

Advice! When prescribing a doctor, make sure that he checks the individual reaction to this remedy. When infected with HIV, the body cannot cope stressful situations, therefore each case is considered separately.

Prevention

If there is a risk of HIV infection, a number of measures must be taken to prevent HIV infection. Such measures include constant testing and the use of preventive medications. Provide life support balanced diet, physical exercise and walks in the fresh air.
It must be remembered that diseases most easily attack a weakened, exhausted and tired body. If all body systems are functioning normally, it is more difficult for the virus to gain a foothold in it.

The proposed treatment methods are non-traditional. We recommend that you undergo examination by doctors and adhere to the chosen treatment.

Please do not self-medicate! Be sure to consult a doctor! Examples given treatment options is purely individual and depends on your tests, type of disease, stage, etc. Trying on information on yourself is strictly prohibited! Contact your doctor first at the slightest suspicion of HIV and get tested!

HIV infection is viral disease. It should not be confused with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). However, although these are different concepts, they are inextricably linked, since AIDS is the final and most severe stage of infection.

It got its name in honor of the pathogen - a virus. The action of this retrovirus is aimed at the human immune system, due to which characteristic symptoms and conditions appear. The disease is anthroponotic, that is, it is transmitted only from person to person, and not every contact with an infected person is dangerous. It is impossible to transmit HIV through tactile interactions or kisses. It is difficult to say whether this disease can be treated. Scientists have been working on solving this problem for many years, but a way to completely get rid of the virus has not yet been invented. It is possible to carry out maintenance therapy, which will stop the development of the disease and prevent it from developing into AIDS for many years. This significantly prolongs the patient's life, but he still remains

Etiology

It is transmitted directly from person to person, and the routes of its spread are different. First of all, it is worth mentioning sexual contact. Maximum quantity The virus is contained not only in the blood, but also in semen and vaginal secretions. Unprotected sexual intercourse makes the risk of infection quite high, although there is evidence that single intercourse leads to the introduction of the virus into the body only in rare cases. The likelihood of infection increases significantly in the presence of microdamages on the skin and mucous membranes. It is these small injuries that become entry points for infection. Both men and women are susceptible to the virus, and the sexual orientation of the partners does not play a role, since HIV is also transmitted through homosexual contacts.

In second place is contact with the blood of an infected person. Most often, drug addicts become infected in this way by sharing the same syringe with an infected person. Infection can also be introduced into the body through careless handling of medical instruments. Thus, a health care worker can become infected with HIV from a patient. Previously, cases of transfusion of contaminated blood to patients were quite common. At the moment, strict measures have been introduced to check donors and keep donated blood for 5 months, followed by re-testing it for the presence of the virus. This has significantly reduced the likelihood of transmission of infection through transfusion, but such cases, unfortunately, do occur occasionally.

Another way is to infect the child from the mother. Transmission of the virus is possible both during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, if the mother knows she has HIV, special treatment and refusal to breastfeed help avoid infecting the child.

What to do if contact with the virus does occur? Next we will look at whether HIV can be treated in its early stages.

What happens when a virus enters the body?

A thorough study of pathogenesis has made it possible to answer the main question regarding HIV: is the infection curable? The harmful effect of the causative virus is associated with its effect on T-helper cells - cells directly involved in the formation of the immune response. HIV causes the programmed death of these cells, which is called apoptosis. The rapid reproduction of the virus accelerates this process, as a result, the number of T-helper cells decreases to such a level that the immune system becomes unable to perform its main function - protecting the body.

Is there a cure for HIV infection?

Therapy carried out in HIV-infected people is aimed only at reducing the reproduction of the virus and prolonging life. Patients can lead full life due to the influence of special drugs on the process of HIV reproduction. Is the pathology treated at any stage? Unfortunately no.

Infected people are forced to take the strongest drugs throughout their lives. This is the only way to avoid a rapid transition to the terminal stage - AIDS. In this case, the treatment plan must be changed periodically, since long-term use Some drugs lead to mutation of the virus, as a result of which it becomes resistant to them. The solution to the problem is periodic replacement of medications.

Addition to drug treatment - healthy image life. Patients are advised to avoid bad habits, exercise and eat right.

Forecast

Overall it is unfavorable. We should not forget the answer to the question: “Is HIV completely curable?” This is a currently incurable disease that requires constant maintenance therapy. However, the development of pharmacology and medical technologies allows to prolong the life of such patients and even gives them the opportunity to have children.

Emergency prevention

The actual question is: can HIV be treated in the early stages? All people, especially health care workers, should be informed that infection can be prevented at an early stage. Any contact with a suspicious biological fluid (blood, semen and vaginal secretions) requires immediate attention. emergency prevention, which means short-term use antiviral drugs to prevent infection. It is carried out in specialized medical centers, but no more than 24 hours should pass from the moment HIV enters the blood.

How not to get infected?

In order to answer this question, we should recall the main routes of transmission. First of all, promiscuous unprotected sexual intercourse is dangerous. You should be careful when choosing a partner, which will reduce the risk of infection to a minimum. Medical workers To prevent infection, they must follow the rules for handling instruments and biological fluids. And another measure to reduce the risk of HIV transmission is drug addiction prevention. People need to know whether HIV infection can be treated. It will make them accept everything necessary measures to avoid contracting this terrible disease.

Pregnancy and HIV

The infection can be transmitted from mother to child, but this can be avoided if the woman is informed about her condition - HIV infection. Is there a cure for the child’s illness? Carrying out antiretroviral therapy at certain stages of pregnancy helps to avoid infection of the baby. In addition, after birth, these drugs are prescribed to the child for a certain period of time. However, we should not forget that the infection can be transmitted through breast milk. The child should be fed only artificial milk formulas.

HIV infection is a dangerous disease because, despite the treatment, the patient remains a source of HIV throughout his life. However, you should not completely avoid contact with such a person, making him an outcast, because he is a full-fledged member of society. The virus is not transmitted through touching, kissing, or clothing; the airborne route is also excluded. You just need to avoid sexual intercourse and contact with blood.

Good day, dear readers!

In today's article we will look at such a serious disease as HIV infection, and everything connected with it - causes, how it is transmitted, first signs, symptoms, stages of development, types, tests, diagnostics, treatment, medications, prevention and other useful information. So…

What does HIV mean?

HIV infection in children

HIV infection in children is in many cases accompanied by developmental delays (physical and psychomotor), frequent infectious diseases, pneumonitis, encephalopathy, hyperplasia of the pulmonary lymphatics, hemorrhagic syndrome. Moreover, HIV infection in children acquired from infected mothers is characterized by a more rapid course and progression.

The main cause of HIV infection is infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. The cause of AIDS is also the same virus, because AIDS is the last stage of development of HIV infection.

is a slowly developing virus belonging to the family of retroviruses (Retroviridae) and the genus of lentiviruses (Lentivirus). It is the word “lente” translated from Latin that means “slow”, which partially characterizes this infection, which develops quite slowly from the moment it enters the body until the last stage.

The size of the human immunodeficiency virus is only about 100-120 nanometers, which is almost 60 times smaller than the diameter of a blood particle - an erythrocyte.

The complexity of HIV lies in its frequent genetic changes during the process of self-reproduction - almost every virus differs from its predecessor by at least 1 nucleotide.

In nature, as of 2017, 4 types of virus are known - HIV-1 (HIV-1), HIV-2 (HIV-2), HIV-3 (HIV-3) and HIV-4 (HIV-4), each of which differs in genome structure and other properties.

It is HIV-1 infection that plays a role in the illness of most HIV-infected people, therefore, when the subtype number is not indicated, the default is 1.

The source of HIV is people infected with the virus.

The main routes of infection are: injections (especially injection drugs), transfusions (blood, plasma, red blood cells) or organ transplantation, unprotected sexual contact with a stranger, unnatural sex (anal, oral), trauma during childbirth, feeding a baby with breast milk (if the mother is infected), trauma during childbirth, the use of undisinfected medical or cosmetic items (scalpel, needles, scissors, tattoo machines, dental and other instruments).

For HIV infection and its further spread throughout the body and development, it is necessary that the infected blood, mucus, sperm and other biomaterials of the patient enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system person.

An interesting fact is that some people have an innate defense against the human immunodeficiency virus in their bodies, so they are resistant to HIV. The following elements have such protective properties: the CCR5 protein, the TRIM5a protein, the CAML protein (calcium-modulated cyclophilin ligand), as well as the interferon-inducible transmembrane protein CD317/BST-2 (“tetherin”).

By the way, the CD317 protein, in addition to retroviruses, also actively counteracts arenaviruses, filoviruses and herpesviruses. The cofactor for CD317 is the cellular protein BCA2.

HIV Risk Groups

• Drug addicts, mainly injecting drug users;
• Sexual partners of drug addicts;
• Persons who are promiscuous, as well as those who engage in unnatural sex;
• Prostitutes and their clients;
• Donors and people in need of blood transfusion or organ transplantation;
• People suffering from sexually transmitted diseases;
• Doctors.

The classification of HIV infection is as follows:

Classification by clinical manifestations (in the Russian Federation and some CIS countries):

1. Incubation stage.

2. Stage primary manifestations, which according to flow options can be:

• without clinical manifestations (asymptomatic);
• acute course without secondary diseases;
• acute course with secondary diseases;

3. Subclinical stage.

4. The stage of secondary diseases caused by damage to the body by viruses, bacteria, fungi and other types of infection that develop against the background of weakened immunity. Downstream it is divided into:

A) body weight decreases by less than 10%, as well as frequently recurring infectious diseases of the skin and mucous membranes - pharyngitis, otitis media, herpes zoster, angular cheilitis ();

B) body weight decreases by more than 10%, as well as persistent and often recurring infectious diseases of the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs - sinusitis, pharyngitis, herpes zoster, fever or diarrhea (diarrhea) for a month, localized Kaposi's sarcoma;

C) body weight is significantly reduced (cachexia), as well as persistent generalized infectious diseases of the respiratory, digestive, nervous and other systems - candidiasis (trachea, bronchi, lungs, esophagus), Pneumocystis pneumonia, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, herpes, encephalopathy, meningitis, cancer tumors (disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma).

All options for the course of the 4th stage have the following phases:

• progression of pathology in the absence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART);
• progression of pathology against the background of HAART;
• remission during or after HAART.

5. Terminal stage (AIDS).

The above classification largely coincides with the classification approved World Organization Health (WHO).

Classification by clinical manifestations (CDC - US Center for Disease Control and Prevention):

The CDC classification includes not only the clinical manifestations of the disease, but also the number of CD4 + T-lymphocytes in 1 μl of blood. It is based on the division of HIV infection into only 2 categories: the disease itself and AIDS. If the following parameters meet criteria A3, B3, C1, C2 and C3, the patient is considered as having AIDS.

Symptoms according to CDC category:

A (acute retroviral syndrome) – characterized by asymptomatic or generalized lymphadenopathy (GLAP).

B (AIDS-associated complex syndromes) - may be accompanied by oral candidiasis, herpes zoster, cervical dysplasia, peripheral neuropathy, organic lesions, idiopathic thrombocytopenia, leukoplakia or listeriosis.

C (AIDS) – may be accompanied by candidiasis of the respiratory tract (from the oropharynx to the lungs) and/or esophagus, pneumocystosis, pneumonia, herpetic esophagitis, HIV encephalopathy, isosporosis, histoplasmosis, mycobacteriosis, cytomegalovirus infection, cryptosporidiosis, coccidioidosis, cervical cancer, sarcoma Kaposi, lymphoma, salmonellosis and other diseases.

Diagnosis of HIV infection

Diagnosis of HIV infection includes the following examination methods:

• Anamnesis;
• Visual examination of the patient;
• Screening test (detection of blood antibodies to infection using enzyme immunoassay– ELISA);
• A test confirming the presence of antibodies in the blood (blood testing using the immune blotting method (blot)), which is carried out only when positive result screening test;
• Polymerase chain reaction(PCR);
• Analyzes for immune status(counting CD4 + lymphocytes is done using automatic analyzers (flow cytometry method) or manually using microscopes);
• Viral load analysis (counting the number of HIV RNA copies per milliliter of blood plasma);
• Rapid tests for HIV - diagnosis is made using ELISA on test strips, agglutination reaction, immunochromatography or immunological filtration analysis.

Tests alone are not enough to diagnose AIDS. Confirmation occurs only with the additional presence of 2 or more opportunistic diseases associated with this syndrome.

HIV infection - treatment

Treatment of HIV infection is possible only after a thorough diagnosis. However, unfortunately, as of 2017, officially, adequate therapy and medications that would completely eliminate the human immunodeficiency virus and cure the patient have not been established.

The only one modern method Treatment for HIV infection today is highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which is aimed at slowing the progression of the disease and stopping its transition to the AIDS stage. Thanks to HAART, a person's life can be extended for several decades; the only condition is lifelong use of appropriate medications.

The insidiousness of the human immunodeficiency virus is also its mutation. So, if anti-HIV medications are not changed after some time, which is determined based on constant monitoring of the disease, the virus adapts and the prescribed treatment regimen becomes ineffective. Therefore, at different intervals, the doctor changes the treatment regimen, and with it the medications. The reason for changing the drug may also be the patient’s individual intolerance to it.

Modern drug development is aimed not only at achieving the goal of effectiveness against HIV, but also at reducing side effects from them.

The effectiveness of treatment also increases with changes in a person’s lifestyle, improving its quality - healthy sleep, proper nutrition, avoiding stress, active lifestyle, positive emotions, etc.

Thus, the following points can be highlighted in the treatment of HIV infection:

• Drug treatment HIV infections;
• Diet;
• Preventive measures.

Important! Before using medications, be sure to consult your doctor for advice!

1. Drug treatment of HIV infection

At the beginning, we must immediately remind you once again that AIDS is the last stage of the development of HIV infection, and it is at this stage that a person usually has very little time left to live. Therefore, it is very important to prevent the development of AIDS, and this largely depends on timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of HIV infection. We also noted that the only method of treating HIV today is considered to be highly active antiretroviral therapy, which, according to statistics, reduces the risk of developing AIDS to almost 1-2%.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)– a method of treating HIV infection based on the simultaneous use of three or four drugs (tritherapy). The number of drugs is related to the mutagenicity of the virus, and in order to bind it at this stage for as long as possible, the doctor selects a complex of drugs. Each of the drugs, depending on the principle of action, is included in separate group– reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nucleoside and non-nucleoside), integrase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, receptor inhibitors and fusion inhibitors (fusion inhibitors).

HAART has the following goals:

• Virological – aimed at stopping the reproduction and spread of HIV, which is indicated by reducing the viral load by 10 times or more in just 30 days, to 20-50 copies/ml or less in 16-24 weeks, as well as maintaining these indicators for as long as possible;
• Immunological – aimed at restoring the normal functioning and health of the immune system, which is due to the restoration of the number of CD4 lymphocytes and an adequate immune response to infection;
• Clinical – aimed at preventing the formation of secondary infectious diseases and AIDS, which makes it possible to conceive a child.

Medicines for HIV infection

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors– the mechanism of action is based on the competitive suppression of the HIV enzyme, which ensures the creation of DNA, which is based on the RNA of the virus. It is the first group of drugs against retroviruses. Well tolerated. Side effects include: lactic acidosis, bone marrow suppression, polyneuropathy and lipoatrophy. The substance is excreted from the body through the kidneys.

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors include abacavir (Ziagen), zidovudine (Azidothymidine, Zidovirine, Retrovir, Timazid), lamivudine (Virolam, Heptavir-150, Lamivudine-3TS ", "Epivir"), stavudine ("Aktastav", "Zerit", "Stavudin"), tenofovir ("Viread", "Tenvir"), phosphazide ("Nikavir"), emtricitabine ("Emtriva"), as well as complexes abacavir + lamivudine (Kivexa, Epzicom), zidovudine + lamivudine (Combivir), tenofovir + emtricitabine (Truvada) and zidovudine + lamivudine + abacavir (Trizivir).

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors– delavirdine (Rescriptor), nevirapine (Viramune), rilpivirine (Edurant), efavirenz (Regast, Sustiva), etravirine (Intelence).

Integrase inhibitors— the mechanism of action is based on blocking the viral enzyme, which is involved in the integration of viral DNA into the genome of the target cell, after which a provirus is formed.

Integrase inhibitors include dolutegravir (Tivicay), raltegravir (Isentress), and elvitegravir (Vitecta).

Protease inhibitors— the mechanism of action is based on blocking the viral protease enzyme (retropepsin), which is directly involved in the breakdown of Gag-Pol polyproteins into individual proteins, after which the mature proteins of the human immunodeficiency virus virion are actually formed.

Protease inhibitors include amprenavir (“Agenerase”), darunavir (“Prezista”), indinavir (“Crixivan”), nelfinavir (“Viracept”), ritonavir (“Norvir”, “Ritonavir”), saquinavir-INV (“ Invirase"), tipranavir ("Aptivus"), fosamprenavir ("Lexiva", "Telzir"), as well as the combination drug lopinavir + ritonavir ("Kaletra").

Receptor inhibitors— the mechanism of action is based on blocking the penetration of HIV into the target cell, which is due to the effect of the substance on the CXCR4 and CCR5 coreceptors.

Receptor inhibitors include maraviroc (Celsentri).

Fusion inhibitors (fusion inhibitors)— the mechanism of action is based on blocking the last stage of the introduction of the virus into the target cell.

Among the fusion inhibitors, one can highlight enfuvirtide (Fuzeon).

The use of HAART during pregnancy reduces the risk of transmission of infection from an infected mother to a child to 1%, although without this therapy the percentage of infection of the child is about 20%.

Side effects from the use of HAART medications include pancreatitis, anemia, skin rashes, kidney stones, peripheral neuropathy, lactic acidosis, hyperlipidemia, lipodystrophy, as well as Fanconi syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and others.

The diet for HIV infection is aimed at preventing the patient from losing weight, as well as providing the body’s cells with the necessary energy and, of course, stimulating and maintaining the normal functioning of not only the immune system, but also other systems.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the certain vulnerability of an immune system weakened by infection, so protect yourself from infection with other types of infection - be sure to follow the rules of personal hygiene and cooking rules.

Nutrition for HIV/AIDS should:

2. Be high in calories, which is why it is recommended to add butter, mayonnaise, cheese, and sour cream to food.

3. Drink plenty of fluids, it is especially useful to drink decoctions and freshly squeezed juices with plenty of vitamin C, which stimulates the immune system - decoction, juices (apple, grape, cherry).

4. Be frequent, 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.

5. Water for drinking and cooking must be purified. Avoid eating expired foods, undercooked meat, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk.

What can you eat if you have HIV infection:

• Soups – vegetable, with cereals, with noodles, with meat broth, can be added with butter;
• Meat - beef, turkey, chicken, lungs, liver, lean fish (preferably sea);
• Cereals – buckwheat, pearl barley, rice, millet and oatmeal;
• Porridge - with the addition of dried fruits, honey, jam;
, and zinc, therefore, special attention should be paid to them when consuming food. In addition, we would like to remind you once again that it stimulates the immune system, which is very important in the fight against infection.

What not to eat if you have HIV infection

If you have the human immunodeficiency virus, you must completely abstain from alcoholic beverages, smoking, weight loss diets, highly allergenic foods, and sweet carbonated drinks.

3. Preventive measures

Preventive measures for HIV infection that must be followed during treatment include:

• Avoiding repeated contact with infection;
• Healthy sleep;
• Compliance with personal hygiene rules;
• Avoiding the possibility of infection with other types of infection -, and others;
• Avoiding stress;
• Timely wet cleaning in the place of residence;
• Avoidance of prolonged exposure to sunlight;
• Complete refusal alcoholic products, smoking;
• Good nutrition;
• Active lifestyle;
• Holidays at sea, in the mountains, i.e. in the most environmentally friendly places.

We will look at additional HIV prevention measures at the end of the article.

Important! Before using folk remedies against HIV infection, be sure to consult your doctor!

St. John's wort. Pour well-dried chopped herbs into an enamel pan and fill it with 1 liter of soft purified water, then put the container on the fire. After the product boils, cook the product for another 1 hour over low heat, then remove, cool, strain and pour the broth into a jar. Add 50 g of sea buckthorn oil to the broth, mix thoroughly and set aside in a cool place to infuse for 2 days. You need to take the product 50 g 3-4 times a day.

Licorice. Pour 50 g of chopped into an enamel pan, fill it with 1 liter of purified water and place on the stove over high heat. After bringing to a boil, reduce the heat to minimum and simmer for about 1 hour. Then remove the broth from the stove, cool it, strain, pour into a glass container, add 3 tbsp. spoons of natural, mix. You need to drink 1 glass of the decoction in the morning, on an empty stomach.