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: 2,8 minutos
Today, HIV can be very well controlled. With the right treatments, you can live a long and healthy life. Here you will find, in a simple way, what therapy and prevention are.
Antiretroviral therapy, called ART, consists of a combination of medications.
• What does it do? It blocks the virus and lowers the viral load to undetectable levels in blood tests.
• When to start? As soon as possible after diagnosis, but it can be started at any stage.
• How to take it? Every day, as directed by your doctor. This consistency is called adherence and is key to making the treatment work.
During the care pathway, you will undergo periodic tests (including viral load and CD4). The goal is to reach and maintain an “undetectable” viral load. When this happens, in addition to protecting your health, you do not sexually transmit the virus: this is the principle of U=U (we will discuss it further in article 6).
It happens to everyone. If you notice it immediately, take the pill. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not double up: continue with the usual schedule. If in doubt, consult your doctor or the center that follows your care.
Some people experience mild side effects at the beginning (nausea, headache, fatigue). These usually pass. Do not stop therapy on your own: discuss it with your doctors, who can adjust or change medications if needed. If you take other medicines or supplements, always inform your infectious disease specialist: this is important to avoid interactions that could reduce the therapy’s effectiveness. When traveling, carry a sufficient supply of medication, the prescription, and a reminder for dosing times.
In addition to your therapy, there are medications used as prevention for HIV-negative individuals.
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
It is a prevention method for those at high risk of encountering the virus (for example, HIV-negative partners of people with HIV not yet on therapy, or individuals who have unprotected sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown). It can be taken daily or only around times of potential exposure, always under medical prescription and supervision. It protects against HIV but not other sexually transmitted infections: the condom remains useful.
• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)
It is an emergency therapy to be started as soon as possible, or within 48–72 hours of unprotected sex or an incident involving exposure to blood. To begin it, go immediately to the emergency room or an infectious disease center.
In summary:
• ART is taken every day: adherence is the key to its effectiveness.
• Goal: undetectable viral load (U=U).
• Do not stop the therapy on your own; always consult your doctors.
• PrEP and PEP protect HIV-negative individuals.
• The condom remains important also for other sexually transmitted infections.
Taking care of yourself, calmly and consistently, really 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.
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