Indirizzo: Via Portuense, 292 - Roma Telefono: +39 06.55170.1 P.IVA: 05080991002
Indirizzo: Via Portuense, 292 - Roma Telefono: +39 06.55170.1 P.IVA: 05080991002
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Receiving an HIV diagnosis can be frightening. This is a normal reaction. The first step is to understand what it means, using clear and simple language. This text is here to help.
Our bodies are protected by the immune system. HIV is a virus that attacks certain important cells of this system, called CD4 lymphocytes. When these cells decrease, the body becomes more exposed to other infections. HIV does not affect everyone in the same way, but without therapy immune defenses weaken over time.
A positive HIV test means that markers of the infection are present in the blood, such as anti-HIV antibodies. A positive test is not a label: it is medical information that helps choose the most appropriate therapy.
• HIV: the virus that weakens the immune system.
• AIDS: the most advanced stage of the infection, when immune defenses are very low and so-called “opportunistic” diseases may appear, taking advantage of reduced immune protection. Even at this stage, starting therapy is beneficial and can help immune defenses recover. However, it is better to intervene earlier.
1. Acute phase (2–4 weeks after infection): it may resemble the flu (for example, fever, sore throat, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes), or it may cause no symptoms. During this period, there is a high amount of virus in the blood.
2. Clinical latency: the infection becomes chronic and can last for years without significant symptoms. However, the virus continues to damage the immune system.
3. AIDS: the immune system is very weak and is no longer able to protect the body effectively.
These stages apply to people who are not on treatment. Today, effective treatments are available.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) blocks the virus’s ability to replicate and can reduce viral load to undetectable levels.
• When to start? As soon as possible, but treatment can be started at any stage.
• How to take it? Every day, although new formulations may change dosing frequency. Taking therapy regularly is called adherence.
• What does this mean for you? With good adherence, HIV becomes a chronic condition and is not transmissible when viral load is undetectable. This is a revolutionary scientific paradigm.
You will be followed by a team of doctors and nurses. Together with them, you can build a care plan tailored to you, undergo regular check-ups, and clarify any doubts. Preparing questions before your visit is a great way to feel more confident. Remember: HIV is the virus; AIDS is the advanced stage without treatment. Treatments exist, they are effective, and the earlier they are started, the better they work. Taking care of yourself every day makes a difference.
References
HIV e AIDS – Salute Lazio. (n.d.). https://www.salutelazio.it/hiv-e-aids
How we will try to contact you
We will call you from a national landline number that starts with:
0655170 [...]
It is very important to answer: we are trying to get in touch with you!
How you can contact APC Immuno
To contact APC Immuno directly, please call the following number:
0655170333
We will answer from Mon to Sat from 11:00 to 13:00 compatibly with clinical needs.
For any clinical need it is always better to speak directly with the APC Immuno Staff. o clarify doubts of organizational nature you can send an email to apcimmuno@inmi.it. Do not use the email for clinical questions! We might not answer your question immediately!
How you can contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis
To contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis directly call the number
0655170620
What to always bring with you
• Health Insurance Card
• Valid identification document
• Exemption card for pathology 020.042 or other valid exemption
⚠️ ATTENTION: If you do not have a health insurance card you will have to go with a valid identification document to the CUP for the issuance or renewal of theSTP/ENI and sign, if you meet the requirements, the certificate of indigence, which must be renewed every 6 months, like the STP/ENI. In this way you will be able to benefit from the X01 exemption. Afterwards, you will still have to go to your local ASL with the pathology certificate to obtain the pathology exemption.
Important note on consent to care and participation in research studies
Upon your arrival at Spallanzani you will be asked to sign a document regarding consent to care. It is possible that during a medical visit you will be asked to also sign further consents for participation in clinical and research studies.
Spallanzani, as a Research Institute,participates in numerous clinical studies.
Your possible support is precious to improve care pathways and contribute to the progress of HIV research.
Participation in studies is always voluntary, free, and independent from the care pathway. The Doctor will explain to you in a clear and simple way the contents of the proposed study, which is always approved by the Ethics Committee, guarantees privacy according to current regulations, and from which you can withdraw at any time.
Please contact the information desk: The Nursing Staff will assess the situation and, if necessary, help you schedule an appointment for a medical consultation.
You can access them through the Electronic Health Record (if you have SPID or CIE), or by using the link provided by the CUP staff when you undergo the blood draw.
Please email prenotazioni.spallanzani@inmi.it no later than two days before the scheduled date to reschedule the appointment.
Many procedures can be performed at our hospital. However, some must be scheduled through the Regional CUP number at 069939.
English
