Our site here at About.com is full of informative articles about HIV and AIDS. HIV is a disease that seems to change day to day...or at least how we treat the disease seems to change. Here is the second volume of some of my best features over the last 10 years. Because HIV changes so often, these articles have been updated; offering you the most current information around.
HIV Diagnosis - Day 1
- Understanding the Basics of HIV - The best place to start is at the beginning. Understanding basic HIV information makes a great foundation on which yo can build a healthy life.
- The First Step - Finding the Right Doctor - The most important part of staying healthy is quality HIV care. This will help you find the right doctor to manage your HIV.
- Don't Be Fooled by HIV Myths - There are many misconceptions surrounding HIV. In fact, there are also some lies and intentional deceptions. Don't be fooled by any of these.
- Is it the Flu of a New HIV Infection - A new HIV infection can sometimes mimic the signs and symptoms of the flu; meaning at times new infections are missed. Can you recognize the signs of a new HIV infection.
- HIV and Senior Citizens - HIV is not just a disease of the young. Senior citizens are also at risk. Here is some information about HIV and the senior citizen.
- Opportunistic Infections - It's What Makes You Sick - HIV weakens the immune system and in doing so it places you at risk for those infections that take advantage of weak defenses. This feature details some of the most common opportunistic infections.
HIV and Associated Illnesses
- The Basics of Food Safety - With an immune system weakened by HIV, one must be aware that opportunistic infections can occur from most anywhere. One important source of illness is food borne illness. This feature shows you how to make certain you are feeding your family and yourself safe, disease free food.
- What You Need to KNow About HPV - HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause more severe illnesses if left unattended; illnesses that can be fatal like cervical cancer and rectal cancer. This feature is your guide to HPV.
- Lipodystrophy - A Change in Body Image - The same medications that help people living longer, healthier lives can also cause untoward side effects; specifically fat redistribution or lipodystrophy. This article details the problem of lipodystrophy.
- The Facts About Kaposi's Sarcoma - Once the face of HIV and AIDS, KS is less common than it once was. But, unfortunately it is still out there and some people are having to deal with its effects. Here is a guide to Kaposi's Sarcoma.
- A Look at HIV Rebound and Resistance - You're on medications and you HIV viral load begins to rise after being controlled for for months and months. This HIV rebound may be from HIV resistance. This feature will explain what is going on with your virus.
- Lactic Acidosis - A Problem with Our Cells - Once again, the very medicines that help us live a longer and healthier life can also cause a lot of trouble. Lactic acidosis is a severe problem that can be caused by many HIV medications. Here is an explanation.
- Is HIV a Disability? - So what do you consider to be a disability. For some, HIV is a disabling disease; in the opinion of others it is not a disbility at all. What do you think?
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Update - Sexually transmitted diseases or infections are some of the most common diseases in the world. Some of these diseases are in epidemic proportions. This feature explains STDs and ways to slow their spread.
- Breastfeeding and HIV - What are the Risks? - There is not disputting the fact that breastfeeding is very healthly for a newborn. But unfortunately it may not be the safest option if mom has HIV. This feature explains the risks.
Living with HIV - The Issues
- Walk in My Shoes - Living with HIV - This is a personal account of what life is like with HIV and how the disease changed the life of one woman.
- Living with HIV - A Patient's Guide - This book, written by your HIV guide offers a wealth of important information from testing and prevention to end of life issues.
- HIV and AIDS in Africa - The hardest hit by the HIV and AIDS epidemic is certainly the people of Africa. This sobering feature illustrates the devastating impact HIV has had on that beautiful part of the world.
- Is HIV a Risk to National Security? - President Bill Clinton called HIV a risk to our national security. What do you think?
