“AIDS and HIV are not the same thing. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). People who have HIV do not always develop AIDS. It usually takes 10 years for HIV infection to develop into AIDS if not treated,” says Dr. Julio Cachay, an internist and infectious disease specialist at our clinic, who provides us with valuable information on this subject.

What is the level of registered cases in our country?

In Peru, 5,924 new cases of HIV and 869 cases of AIDS have been reported this year. The age group with the highest incidence of infection is 18 to 59 years old.

How to prevent this disease?

• It is prevented with the use of condoms during all sexual intercourse, whether vaginal, anal or oral.
• Avoid contact with blood. If any procedure involving cutting or puncture is to be performed, disposable or sterile material and latex gloves should be used.
• All pregnant women should be tested for HIV during the first trimester. If the result is positive, treatment should be initiated, and breastfeeding should be discontinued. The partner should also be tested.

The real revolution lies in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which, if taken daily, reduces by more than 90% the chances of contracting HIV through sex or by 70% through the use of unsterilized needles or needles used by several people.

How to support the patient?

• Keep the house clean, make sure the patient follows a healthy, balanced diet and watch his/her body weight.
• Check that he/she is taking his/her medications, asking about possible side effects.
• Maintain a friendly and encouraging manner at all times.

Remember:

• Today, having HIV is no longer a death sentence. Patients can reduce their viral load (amount of virus in the blood) to undetectable levels with antiretroviral therapy.
• If a pregnant woman is HIV positive, she will not necessarily infect her baby. By administering the antiretroviral, the mother-to-child transmission rate is below 1%.
• During oral sex, HIV transmission is possible if the partner has bleeding gums, oral sores or cuts and has contact with fluids from a person who has a detectable viral load.

Dr. Julio Cachay
Internist and Infectious Disease Specialist at Clínica Ricardo Palma