Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

What is AIDS?

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by by a virus. The virus is named HIV – human immunodeficiency virus.

People who get infected with HIV will eventually get AIDS, although there are a few people infected with HIV that have not progressed to AIDS yet (despite these people not even taking any type of medication), who are being studied by scientists to work out how their immune system works.

When the immune system becomes seriously damaged, then HIV infection has become AIDS. The way the immune system is damaged is when the HIV virus multiplies in the body and the white blood cells (CD4+ or helper T cells) responsible for stimulating the activity of other cells, become depleted. With less of these helper T cells in the blood, the body becomes even more vulnerable to the virus allowing it to replicate and take over.

In addition to this, less immunity means that other bacterial, viral and fungal infections can take this as the perfect opportunity to invade the body and cause a serious infection, which, if the person was otherwise healthy, would not have any serious impacts.

AIDS happens basically when the body’s immunity is badly compromised due to the initial infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that allows other, opportunistic infection to seriously debilitate the body, often with fatal results.

The Centre for Disease Control has a definition of AIDS – all HIV-infected people who have less than 200 CD4+ T cells per cubic millimeter of blood (healthy adults have counts over 1,000). In addition to this, the definition also includes 26 health conditions which are opportunistic, meaning they would not cause the same severity of symptoms in healthy people as in the HIV-infected people who have a much lowered immune system that can fight off the bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other microbes as easily.

Facts about AIDS

• AIDS is an opportunistic infection with a retrovirus
• Since May 1985, all blood donations in Australia have been tested for HIV virus (the same screening procedures were also set up in other countries around the same time), with more types of screen testing in place after that
• HIV infections are predominantly found in Africa (in 2007), although they are not eradicated in other countries around the world
• HIV is the most common sexual disease in Australia, which is spread by having intercourse without a condom or by sharing needles
• A person with HIV may no even display any symptoms of the disease, but they can still transfer the virus to another person through their body fluids (semen, blood)
• Drugs for HIV are used to delay AIDS-related illnesses, which invariably lead to death
• People with HIV who get opportunistic infections are classified as having AIDS
• There is a great deal of research on developing a vaccine for HIV and thus preventing AIDS
• AIDS was first reported in the USA in 1981
• The only way to prevent HIV infection and therefore AIDS is to not participate in risky behaviour – no unprotected sex, no sharing of needles

Symptoms of AIDS

Initial symptoms

Most people who get infected with HIV may not experience any symptoms when they are first infected. People who do have symptoms, will notice some general flu-like symptoms (within the first month or two after infection) such as:

• Aches
• Enlarged lymph nodes (found in the neck and groin)
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache

Most people will not realise they have been infected by HIV and will just think it is another flu infection.

People initially infected with the HIV are extremely infectious at this time, with a great deal of HIV in the genital fluid, so if they have unprotected sex (vaginal, oral, rectal) at this time, they can infect everyone they have sex with!

Later infection symptoms

As the human immunodeficiency virus infects the body, the immune system will gradually deteriorate and the following symptoms will be displayed:

• Children who grow slowly or get sick a lot
• Cold sores (herpes simplex 1)
• Fatigue
• Frequent fevers (or sweats)
• Genital herpes (herpes simplex 2)
• Loss of appetite
• Shingles
• Short-term memory loss
• Weight loss
• Yeast infections such as candidiasis (in the mouth or genitals)

Full AIDS symptoms

When the infection become AIDS, the following symptoms can be experienced (which are caused by opportunistic infections):

• Cancer – various types of cancers
• Cognitive dysfunction – forgetfulness, confusion
• Coma – usually at the climax of illness, just before death
• Conjunctivitis
• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Extreme fatigue and lethargy
• Fever
• Nausea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting
• Seizures and lack of coordination
• Severe and persistent diarrhea
• Severe headaches
• Vision loss
• Weight loss

A small number of people have remained asymptomatic (have no symptoms) from HIV or AIDS for a very long time (over 10 years), and this is even without taking any type of medication. Scientists are trying to work out how these people stay healthy and why their immune system is not being depleted by HIV like most other people with HIV, why they are not getting sick and how to replicate their immune system function in other AIDS patients.

Causes of AIDS

There are many theories on the origin of AIDS and the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), but no real answers.

The sole and only cause of AIDS is the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), which attacks the immune system and kills off certain white blood cells which would normally protect the body from illness and infection, but which becomes weakened and allows opportunistic diseases to take hold, which ultimately ends in the death of the person with AIDS.

The HIV can be caught by any of the following ways:

• Unprotected sex – anal, vaginal, oral (less common)
• Sharing needles – using a needle that has already been used by someone else either to inject drugs or to draw out blood
• Mother to child – HIV can be passed onto an unborn child from the mother through the placenta.

Circumstantial evidence suggests that AIDS may have been started in the late 1950’s in Africa, when millions of people were vaccinated with attenuated poliomyelitis virus (to inoculate them against polio). It has been suggested that the virus was grown in the kidneys cells of a monkey which was contaminated with a monkey virus with HIV-like properties. This theory, while it is a very plausible explanation, has never been proven (but neither has it been disproven).

Prevention of AIDS

The only way to prevent AIDS is to not get a HIV infection in the first place by not engaging in risky behaviour.

Non-preventable risks factors

There are some risk factors for developing AIDS which are almost entirely unpreventable:

• Health care workers – people who work in the health care industry can be at a slightly higher risk than the average population of being accidentally pricked with a syringe that has had blood infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. There are many precautions in place to prevent this from happening, so it is rare, but can happen
• Mother with AIDS – a pregnant mother will most likely pass on the HIV infection to her unborn child. African mothers especially are prone to unfortunately infecting their unborn child with AIDS as are drug users in Western countries

Preventable risk factors

There are some risk factors for developing AIDS which are entirely preventable:

• Sharing needles – drug users who share needles that have already been used by someone else to inject drugs is another way that the HIV can be passed on and infection can occur which can lead to AIDS
• Unhygienic blood tests – today, there is very little chance of getting infected with AIDS through a blood test, but it still can occur. If the needles have not been cleaned properly, if the person administering the blood test has been infected and if there is any infected blood in the syringe then HIV/AIDS can be transmitted
• Unsafe sex – the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) generally cannot pass through the latex material of a condom. Always use a condom with unprotected partners (or mouth dam) to prevent any possible infection from an infected person who may not even know they have this virus

Preventable risk factors

There are some risk factors for developing AIDS which are entirely preventable:

• Sharing needles – drug users who share needles that have already been used by someone else to inject drugs is another way that the HIV can be passed on and infection can occur which can lead to AIDS
• Unhygienic blood tests – today, there is very little chance of getting infected with AIDS through a blood test, but it still can occur if the needles have not been cleaned properly, if the person administering the blood test has been infected and if there is any infected blood in the syringe
• Unsafe sex – the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) generally cannot pass through the latex material of a condom. Always use a condom with unprotected partners (or mouth dam) to prevent any possible infection from an infected person who may not even know they have this virus

There is no known way to prevent a HIV infection from turning into AIDS. Scientists do know that some people who do get a HIV either do not get sick and do not ge AIDS for a very long time, or in a very tiny percentage of people who do get a HIV infection, they do not go on to get AIDS at all.

Complications of AIDS

AIDS is an opportunistic disease, which severely impairs the body’s immune system and allows other opportunistic diseases (such as cancer) to invade the body and ultimately kill it.

It is much more preferable to diagnose and treat the AIDS before it has come into full effect, just after the human immunodeficiency virus has infected the body, to give the best chance of a positive outcome.

If AIDS is not diagnosed and treated early, before it gets to the point where the opportunistic diseases can get into the body, then the ultimate complication is death.

When to see a doctor about AIDS

Anyone who has unprotected sex with a new, untested partner (either anal, vaginal or maybe even oral), should get a blood test from their doctor to determine if they have been infected with HIV.

Always practice safe sex. Always use a condom with new partners.

Anyone who steps on a needle or has otherwise been pricked by a needle (health care workers are often the most at risk) should see their doctor for a blood test to determine if they have been infected with HIV.

The information on the alternative-complementary treatment of AIDS should be viewed in conjunction with consultation of your treating doctor, to ensure that these strategies do not interfere, with your treatment plan, but actually enhance it. Only your doctor can advise you if any of the alternative treatments are suitable for you.

Diagnosis of AIDS

AIDS is detected through a blood test that tests for HIV antibodies. People with HIV antibodies are HIV-positive, which those without the antibodies are HIV-negative. It is thought that the body produces HIV antibodies by the immune system when it becomes infected with HIV and people who have not been infected with HIV should not produce these antibodies.

Antibodies to HIV usually develop within 6 weeks to 12 months after exposure to the virus. Early testing is advised, as that means risky behaviours (unprotected sex, sharing needles) should then be avoided to ensure this disease is not passed onto others.

Blood tests

For people who have been infected with the HIV virus, the most common blood tests that will need to be done on a regular basis are the following:

• T-cell count – normal levels are 500-1500 in cubic mm of blood, abnormal levels are less than 200
• Viral load count – measures the amount of HIV in the amount of blood being tested to determine how much of the virus is infecting the cells; a low viral count (less than 200 copies of the virus) is excellent, while a high viral count (more than 5,000 copies of the virus) is not so good
• Complete blood count – to test the levels of all the different blood cells (red cell, white cells and platelets) to determine how healthy the blood is
• Chem-screen test – measures a number of important chemicals produced by your body to help it function properly; while this test won’t give much information about HIV or how the immune system is functioning, it can determine if other infections are present or if there are side effects to any drug (or other) treatments

There is no cure for HIV at present (2024), although there are ways to control and manage this illness before it becomes fatal.

Conventional treatment of AIDS

Scientists have developed many anti-retroviral drugs to fight both HIV infection (and prevent replication of the virus) to stop its associated opportunistic infections and cancers.

Medication: Anti-retroviral drugs

Current guidelines for AIDS/HIV treatment is to suppress symptoms for as long as possible with combination drug treatment, but to also achieve this through the least amount of side effects possible in order to provide the best quality of life.

The medical (drug) approach for AIDS is known as the highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). The objective of the HAART is to reduce the virus levels in the blood to very low or non-detectable levels, which means that symptoms are greatly reduced or even stopped altogether, but this treatment does not mean that the virus has been killed off and is now gone. The HAART approach is normally achieved with a combination of three or more medications, which will discussed with the doctor who will devise an individual treatment plan.

Common AIDS/HIV drugs

The most commonly prescribed medications for AIDS/HIV are:

• Cellular inhibitors – these types of drug is used as an anti-neoplastic, which means they are used to treat various types of cancers associated with AIDS. This type of drug targets the T cells themselves and not the virus; this drug should only be used under medical supervision as it can have very serious (even fatal) side effects
• Entry inhibitors (including fusion inhibitors) – these class of drugs prevent the virus from entering healthy CD4+ cells (T cells) and replicating, which means they are different to many other anti-HIV drugs (which work on the virus after it has entered the CD4+ cell)
• Immune based therapies – these are a type of anti-viral medications that control HIV infection by preventing HIV from replicating in the body; various approaches are being used and large clinical trials are being investigated – these drugs are still in the experimental stage and have not yet been officially approved as a HIV/AIDS treatment
• Integrase inhibitors – an experimental drug showing promise in clinical trials and which may offer hope for those people who have become resistant to the other drugs normally prescribed in anti-HIV treatment. This drug stops HIV from further replicating through the DNA
• Maturation inhibitors – these type of drugs that specifically block a late step in processing of the HIV protein to stop HIV-infected cells from becoming infectious and to terminate virus replication. An experimental class of drugs currently in clinical trials to investigate their use in people with HIV infection resistant to the current class of drugs
• Multi-class combination drugs – these are single drug doses which have a combination of a few types of anti-HIV drugs to simplify drug dosage to be administered in a single dose
• Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) – these class of drugs are a type of anti-HIV drug and prevent healthy T cells (CD4+ cells) from becoming infected with HIV. One NNRTI is used in combination with 3 other anti-HIV drugs
• Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) – these are a class of anti-HIV drugs, used in together with other anti-HIV drugs. These drugs prevent the T cells from being infected with HIV
• Protease inhibitors – these are another class of anti-HIV drugs. When one of these drugs is used in combination with 3 other anti-HIV drugs, they can block the replication of HIV in infected T (CD4+) cells

Drug combinations are used to really suppress the human immunodeficiency virus’ action of replication and is used on people with AIDS and also those with a new or existing HIV infection.

All drugs have some associated side-effects, from minor ones to those which could be life-threatening. This must be considered by the doctor when choosing the right medication for the patient. Often, medications are swapped for others if the side effects have a strongly detrimental effect on the infected person. In addition to this, there may be some dietary restrictions with some of these drugs. Your doctor will also advise on the interaction of these drugs with other medications.

Lifestyle modifications

People with AIDS are also advised to following the following strategies to help their body better cope with the disease:

• Avoid taking illicit drugs – illicit drugs may weaken your immune system, which is not functioning as well as it should be
• Exercise – people with AIDS/HIV need to get adequate and regular exercise to help increase strength, flexibility and overall energy, as well as to reduce any psychological problems such as anxiety or depression
• Flu shot – it may be advisable for people with AIDS/HIV to get a flu shot (but ensure to get doctor’s approval). Studies show that the flu shot may prevent many types of influenza (the “flu”) as well as infectious complications such as pneumonia, which may become very serious in people with AIDS/HIV
• Healthy diet – people who have AIDS/HIV need to be eating a really healthy diet, preferably organic and which includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, wholegrains, low fat dairy, oily fish, some poultry and red meat. Studies show that organic foods tend to have higher levels of all the nutrients and can help to improve the immune system (through the antioxidants in these foods) and may increase energy levels
• Limit alcohol intake – while it may seem to be helpful to numb the pain with alcohol, it is not advised to drink excessively, as it can cause a number of adverse health effects in a body which needs as much help as possible with such a serious health condition
• Relaxation – studies show that relaxation therapies are a useful adjunct to conventional treatment for AIDS/HIV. Good relaxation therapies are: meditation, tai chi, yoga, as well as a number of other useful relaxation therapies
• Rest well – it is really important to have enough good quality sleep which rests the body and helps it heal
• Stop smoking – cigarettes cause a depletion of many vitamins and minerals in the body, especially vitamin C, which is needed to help the body fight the infection and in addition to this, just puts the body at even greater risk of developing cancer

Alternative / complementary treatment of AIDS

People who have AIDS (or even HIV) must talk to their doctor about any alternative / complementary strategies that they are thinking about undertaking, before doing so. Your doctor will be in the best position to advise you if these strategies will help you.

Vitamins, herbs, minerals and other nutrients can have major adverse effects if taken in combination with some medications. Always be careful and get advice from your doctor before taking them

Use these strategies here as a guide and work with your doctor (and possibly alternative health specialist) to find the best combination of medication and alternative/complementary therapy that can work the best for you.

At present, there is no cure for AIDS/HIV.

Herbs

Certain herbs have been reported to have some anti-HIV effects, by killing off the HIV and so preventing AIDS from developing:

• Echinacea (echinacea purpurea) – this herb has known anti-viral activity (improving immunity), but there is some controversy with its use in people with HIV infections. Some studies show that echinacea significantly enhanced natural killer (NK) cells, which carry out the immune system’s most potent immunity function – to kill any harmful viruses or bacteria so that they cannot damage the body. These studies also showed that echinacea enhanced cellular immune function in people with AIDS. On study showed that echincea weakened the immune system, which is not beneficial for people with AIDS, who have an already compromised immune system, but this study was the only one which showed this result. Another study has shown that long term use of echinacea did not provide positive results
• St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) – studies show that this herb shows some anti-viral properties and in particular, it has been shown to have anti-HIV activity (against the HIV-1 virus), which is a promising start, but more studies need to be done to confirm this and to determine how to use these results in a way that is beneficial for people with AIDS/HIV. People taking any type of anti-retroviral medications should not try to also take St John’s Wort at the same time, as this combination may lower the immune system response, which may make systems worse and may cause disease progression to worsen as well
• St Mary’s Thistle (Silybum marianum) – silymarin, the active component in the herb St Mary’s Thistle has been shown in many studies to have a beneficial effect on the liver, by protecting it from damage. St Mary’s Thistle is generally regarded as being quite safe to take as it helps the liver to function better and more effectively helps the liver detoxify to reduce damage and disease (in the liver). This herb could be especially beneficial for people with AIDS as many of the anti-retroviral medications prescribed may damage the liver, especially since these medications need to be taken over a long term. People who are taking any anti-retroviral medications should discuss supplementation with this herb with their doctor, to ensure it is safe to do so

Vitamins

There are a number of vitamins which have a beneficial effect in supporting the immune system and helping to reduce symptoms associated with AIDS:

• Bioflavonoids – the vitamins bioflavonoids have potent antioxidant properties and support all the excellent immune function that vitamin C performs
• Folic acid – studies show that people with HIV / AIDS have lowered folic acid levels, which is important, because folic acid is important in ensuring proper cell growth, proper red blood cell formation and healthy DNA – and these are not normal in people with HIV / AIDS
• Vitamin A – studies have shown that a deficiency of vitamin A can lead to much lowered levels of helper T cells and CD4 cells (these are white blood cells important in immunity and especially in AIDS) and supplementation of vitamin A increases the levels of helper T cells back to normal levels. Studies have also shown that supplementation with vitamin A can reduce the severity of HIV infection, reduce symptoms and prolong life
• Vitamin B3 (niacin) – studies show that vitamin B3 helps to decrease or inhibit HIV replication in cells of people infected
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – studies show that vitamin B5 is important in helping the body to relax (it is known as the “anti-stress vitamin) and this helps to support the body by reducing stress levels and reducing exacerbation of symptoms
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – is required to enable the nervous system to function properly, to help with proper protein absorption and to enable certain enzymes to function properly
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) – many studies show that vitamin B12 helps to decrease or inhibit HIV replication in cells of people infected
• Vitamin C – studies show that vitamin C deficiency is associated with defective T lymphocyte activity (important in AIDS) and this is reverse when adequate levels of vitamin C are supplemented. Studies also show that ascorbic acid can prevent HIV reproduction in healthy and unhealthy cells, which have been either stimulated or unstimulated in some way
• Vitamin E – studies show the antioxidant vitamin E has a direct anti-viral effect on retro-viruses such as HIV, which means it can help reduce the replication of this virus in the body and prevent progression to AIDS (very high levels of vitamin E – over 1200IU per day – can depress the immune function, so it should be taken only as instructed)

Minerals

There are a number of minerals which have a beneficial effect in supporting the immune system and helping to reduce symptoms associated with AIDS:

• Selenium – studies show that AIDS patients have very low blood levels of selenium and in fact, the lower the levels of selenium, the higher the death rate from AIDS. Selenium is an antioxidant mineral which is very important in stimulating the immune system to function properly and recent studies have shown that selenium prevents replication of HIV in the cells
• Zinc – studies show that blood levels of zinc are very low in AIDS patients. Zinc deficiency can prevent the white blood cells from acquiring immunity from viruses and in fact, mice with zinc deficiency show a lack of the helper T cells (important in ADS) that is reverse when zinc is supplemented. Zinc also plays an important role in the creation of PEG1, a protein which regulates the immune system. Zinc is an antioxidant mineral which is very important in stimulating the immune system to function properly and it also enables the body to heal more quickly from any infection

Other nutrients

A number of other nutrients are recommended for people with AIDS to help support body function, reduce the effect of the disease and increase proper immune function:

• Acidophilus – the probiotic in acidophilus are the first line of defence in the immune system, as the help to ensure the bacteria in the gastrointestinal system are at normal levels
• Carnitine – the amino acid-like nutrient carnitine has potent antioxidant properties which can help to support the immune system in fighting the infection caused by HIV and prevent more opportunistic illnesses through AIDS. Carnitine also improves memory by increasing the amount of acetylcholine available to the brain
• Coenzyme Q10 – the nutrient co-enzyme Q10 enhance the immune function of the white blood cells and it also helps to ensure a proper ratio of the T4:T8 cells (these are white blood cells associated with immune function). In addition to this, co-enzyme Q10 also supports mitochondrial function, improves cellular detoxification and improves energy levels
• Cysteine – in the form of N-acetyl cysteine is a potent antioxidant, which helps to support the immune system through its anti-viral properties
• Essential fatty acids – the essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) have very potent anti-inflammatory properties which can assist the body when it has an HIV infection progressing to AIDS. The most potent ones are EPA and DHA from omega-3 fatty acids and GLA from omega-6 fatty acids
• Garlic – the herb garlic has well known anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties and can help to support the body of a person infected with the HIV and can help to prevent opportunistic viruses and bacteria from invading the body. Garlic is best used in meals, fresh or cooked, but if this is not well tolerated, supplements can be used
• Glucosamine – the nutrient glucosamine has very potent antioxidant properties and studies show that it has anti-viral effects, which can prevent retrovirus from replicating
• Glutathione – the amino acid glutathione has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, which may help support the body that is infected with HIV to deal with the inflammatory processes associated with the infection. Studies show that low levels of glutathione in the body are associated with poor survival rates
• Lecithin – studies have shown that lecithin inhibits the growth and replication of cells infected with HIV. Lecithin also blocks the infected cells from becoming further infected with opportunistic bacteria and causing further physical deterioration. Phosphatidyl choline has also been used to demonstrate the same results. An excellent source of lecithin (or choline) is raw egg yolks (another great source is soy, but ensure it is GM free)
• Lipoic acid – the nutrient lipoic acid is one of the best antioxidants known to man, as it greatly helps to boost the function of other antioxidant vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in the body to help the immune system better prevent infection and illness
• Methionine – the amino acid methionine is an excellent liver detoxifier and may be beneficial to some AIDS patients to help reduce the toxicity of the anti-retroviral medications they are taking (seek advice before taking it for this purpose)
• Quercetin – studies show the antioxidant quercetin prevents retro-viruses (such as HIV) from replicating and taking over the body and causing AIDS
• Tryptophan – the amino acid tryptophan is required to produce vitamin B3 (niacin), which in turn helps to decrease or inhibit HIV replication in cells of people infected with this virus. Tryptophan is also a precursor of serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood (and helps people better deal with stress)

Dietary modifications

• Eat 5-6 smaller meals – a diet that consists of natural, unprocessed foods (without any artificial additives) and smaller meals may help the digestive system deal more easily with food ingested as the smaller meals do not put as much stress on the digestive system as larger meals
• Eat more red fish – fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, trout are all excellent fish to eat at least three meals a week. These fish all contain higher levels of the omega-3 essential fatty acids that are beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body and which may be especially needed when there is an HIV infection that is progressing to AIDS
• Eat more yoghurt – ensure the yoghurt contains live probiotic cultures (acidophilus) as this will help to stimulate the digestive system to have a more balanced level of bacteria, which can reduce digestive problems
• Increase intake of leafy green vegetables – these vegetables especially (kale, spinach, collard greens) all contain a higher percentage of potent antioxidants which have immune stimulating effects and can help support immune function
• Limit meat intake – red meat is acidic in the body and can further exacerbate symptoms. It is preferable to have a more alkaline diet, which does not include high intake of meats and meat products
• Limit sugar intake – try to reduce sugar in the diet, which includes raw sugar added to tea and cereal and also the hidden sugar in most processed foods
• Remove all processed foods – this includes all soft drinks, all canned and processed meats (from the deli), processed cheeses, instant soup, ice cream, toppings, puddings, cakes, pizza, take-away food
• Remove all foods with artificial additives – artificial additives (colours, flavours, preservatives) are not beneficial in a healthy person’s diet, but in someone sick with AIDS, can cause more pressure on the body to get rid of these chemicals when the body already has enough to deal with
• Try some mushrooms – certain mushroom especially, have very potent anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and some studies have shown some promising results in reducing virus replication. The most beneficial mushrooms that have shown these results are: shiitake, reishi, maitake

Lifestyle modifications

• Get adequate sleep – adequate and regular amounts of sleep, including a regular bedtime are vital in helping to support the body undertake its repair and regeneration, which normally happens in deep sleep
• Get adequate exercise – people infected with HIV or have AIDS are recommended to exercise as much as their illness allows (at least 30 minutes most days of the week). Some people will be able to exercise for longer – it depends entirely on the individual and the state of their health and progression of the disease
• Meditation – many people report this has a very beneficial effect on their symptoms and quality of life; studies are in progress to determine how and if meditation has any effects on the immune system of people infected with HIV
• Reduce stress – elevated levels of the stress hormones, especially when people are under constant and prolonged stress can have an adverse effect on the body as excessive stress can exacerbate any health condition and can reduce immunity to general infections (such as bacterial or other viral)
• Yoga – many people with AIDS report reduction in symptoms and better quality of life from all forms of this exercise and meditation technique from the east

Alternative treatments

• Naturopath – a qualified naturopath may be able to help find a complimentary and alternative treatment regime that works well alongside any conventional medications being taken, to help reduce side effects of the anti-retroviral medications, to reduce further symptoms of the disease and to reduce worsening progression of the disease. Always seek a doctor’s advice before trying any type of alternative medication as the combination may be harmful (and even fatal)

Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take – it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take before you try it.

Living with AIDS

People who have AIDS need a lot of support and care (both from other people, but they also need to provide it for themselves) to help reduce the stress of their illness.

The following are some useful strategies in helping people who have AIDS, live with this condition and cope with its effects:

• Exercise – people with AIDS/HIV need to get adequate and regular exercise to help increase their strength, flexibility and overall energy, as well as to reduce any psychological problems such as anxiety or depression which may affect them
• Filtered water – it is highly recommended by the CDC that people with AIDS drink water that is filtered, boiled or is bottled. People who want to have filtered water should get one which has reverse osmosis, as this is the best filtration available that removes all toxins from the water and ensures all the vital minerals are kept intact
• Get good medical advice – people with AIDS need to find a doctor who has a fair amount of experience in dealing with patients who have AIDS, who understands the treatment options available and who can treat you in a dignified and respectful manner and that you are comfortable with their medical treatment of your condition. A good doctor can also help you with complementary and alternative treatments, with advice on which treatments may or may not work, which ones are dangerous to combine with your medications and which ones are safer to try
• Healthy diet – people who have AIDS/HIV need to be eating a really healthy diet, preferably organic and which includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, wholegrains, low fat dairy, oily fish, some poultry and red meat. Studies show that organic foods tend to have higher levels of all the nutrients and can help to improve the immune system (through the antioxidants in these foods) and may increase energy levels

• Limit alcohol intake – while it may seem to be helpful to numb the pain with alcohol, it is not advised to drink excessively, as it can cause a number of adverse health effects in a body which needs as much help as possible with such a serious health condition
• Proactive – in order to understand this disease and all it’s complex implications, it is important to read a lot of information about it, the treatments (current as well as experimental), in order to arm yourself with as much information so that you can be proactive in your disease management and feel more in control of your life, even with such an illness as AIDS
• Rest and relaxation – both rest and relaxation are important in helping the body fight any disease more effectively. Sleep should be regulated to consistent times and consist of about 7-8 hours a night, in order provide the most amount of time in deep sleep, where the body tries to repair itself. Relaxation should include some form of meditation, visualisation, tai chi, yoga, or any other suitable relaxation therapy. Studies show people who engage in some form of relaxation do better with any type of disease, with less symptoms and more positive prognosis (disease progression not worsening very rapidly)
• Stop smoking – cigarettes cause a depletion of many vitamins and minerals in the body, especially vitamin C, which is needed to help the body fight the infection and in addition to this, just puts the body at even greater risk of developing cancer
• Support network/groups – a great way to connect with others who have this illness is to find some AIDS support networks or groups. This is beneficial because it enables a connection with people who have the same illness, who may be going through exactly the same emotional challenges and also who may be able to give advise based on their journey with this illness

Caring for someone with AIDS

Partner

People with a partner who has AIDS can help their partner through the following strategies:

• Immunisations – anyone who is living with a person who has AIDS must ensure they have had all their immunisations (polio, measles, mumps, rubella), in order to prevent an infection from occurring and inadvertently infecting your partner with AIDS, in which a simple infection from any of these diseases can be fatal to them
• Keep sick people away – anyone who is sick from any type of infection or illness must not be around your partner until they are completely over their infection. Your partner has a lowered immune system and any infection may be potentially serious. Never let a person who has chicken pox near your partner, because a chicken pox infection can kill a person with AIDS
• Laundry – if there is any blood, semen or vaginal fluid on the bed sheets, these need to be handled with gloves and washed separately from other laundry items. They can be soaked in cold water (with some salt added) to remove any stains, then washed regularly in the washing machine. A normal wash cycle should kill the virus, but if you need reassurance, you can add bleach, tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil to the wash
• Protect yourself – if you have any open sores, you must wear gloves around your partner, so you do not infect them (and so they cant infect you either). You must not share your partner’s razor, scissors, tweezers, toothbrush or any other personal items that may get some blood in them, as you may get infected yourself that way too. When cleaning, always wear gloves to make sure that you are protected from accidental exposure to any blood or other bodily fluids from your partner
• Safe sex – if you decide to continue to have sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) with your partner (and you are not infected with HIV), then you must use condoms. Latex condoms can protect you from HIV infection if they are used the right way every time you have sex. Some types of sex reduce the risk of infection more than other types, so talk to your doctor about what is best for you and your partner
• Support – most of all, your partner needs your support and encouragement to know that you are there for them. Let your partner know you are available for them to talk about their feelings and their disease in a respectful and honourable way

Friends

Anyone with a friend who has AIDS can help their friend through the following strategies:

• Stay away if you are sick – if you have any type of infection or illness (even the common cold), you need to stay away from your friend until you are better. The virus that causes the common cold can be dangerous for a person with AIDS, whose immune system is severely compromised and who may get very sick and could die from a simple infection
• Support – most of all, your friend needs your support and encouragement to know that you are there for them. Let your friend know you are available for them to talk about their feelings and their disease in a respectful and honourable way

Parents

Parents who have a child with AIDS can help their child through the following strategies:

• Immunisations – anyone who is living with a person who has AIDS must ensure they have had all their immunisations (polio, measles, mumps, rubella), in order to prevent an infection from occurring and inadvertently infecting your partner with AIDS, in which a simple infection from any of these diseases can be fatal to them
• Keep sick people away – anyone who is sick from any type of infection or illness must not be around your partner until they are completely over their infection. Your partner has a lowered immune system and any infection may be potentially serious. Never let a person who has chicken pox near your child, because a chicken pox infection can kill a person with AIDS
• Laundry – if there is any blood, semen or vaginal fluid on the bed sheets, these need to be handled with gloves and washed separately from other laundry items. They can be soaked in cold water (with some salt added) to remove any stains, then washed regularly in the washing machine. A normal wash cycle should kill the virus, but if you need reassurance, you can add bleach, tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil to the wash
• Protect yourself – if you have any open sores, you must wear gloves around your child, so you do not infect them (and so they cant infect you either). You must not share your partner’s razor, scissors, tweezers, toothbrush or any other personal items that may get some blood in them, as you may get infected yourself that way too. When cleaning, always wear gloves to make sure that you are protected from accidental exposure to any blood or other bodily fluids from your child
• Support – most of all, your child may need your support and encouragement to know that you are there for them. Let your child know you are available for them to talk about their feelings and their disease in a respectful and honourable way

Last reviewed and updated: 14 May 2024