The landscape of HIV treatment has changed dramatically in recent years. In the early days of the epidemic, there was no effective treatment for HIV, and people with the virus were quickly dying. However, with the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the mid-1990s, the outlook for people with HIV…

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is a life-threatening condition. There is still much that we don’t know about HIV, but doctors have made great strides in understanding the virus and…

HIV/AIDS has been a significant global health challenge for several decades. However, thanks to extensive research efforts and advancements in medical science, significant progress has been made in understanding, preventing, and treating this condition. In this blog post, we will explore the latest breakthroughs and developments in HIV/AIDS research, shedding…

IMPORTANT NOTES: Each commercial laboratory has its own set of “normal” values, called “Normal Range” or “Reference Range” on your lab report. These values depend on the equipment or method used. Compare your results to the range shown on your lab report. Results that are “out of range” may not…

Normal Laboratory Values A listing of normal values for commonly used laboratory tests. Complete Blood Count (CBC) A description of the laboratory tests included in a complete blood count (CBC). Chemistry Panel A description of the laboratory tests normally included in a chemistry panel, plus electrolytes and kidney and liver…

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO APPROVE NEW DRUGS? Developing a new drug can take 10 years or more. First, drug companies must find substances that are active against HIV. Most HIV drugs are identified by testing existing drugs for anti-HIV activity (screening). A newer method is rational drug design.…

WHAT IS ACUTE HIV INFECTION? The amount of HIV in the blood gets very high within a few days or weeks after HIV infection. Some people get a flu-like illness. This first stage of HIV disease is called “acute HIV infection” or “primary HIV infection.” About half of the people…

WHAT IS HIV TESTING? HIV testing tells you if you are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS. These tests look for “antibodies” to HIV. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight a specific germ. Other “HIV” tests are used when people already know…