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Ask the Expert Hot Topics
October 21, 2002

Check out these hot topics at The Body's Ask the Expert forums:
Forum on HIV and the Workplace I was just diagnosed HIV-positive; do I need to tell my human resources department? If my viral load is undetectable, does that mean I'll pass the lab test required by my company's insurance carrier? Forum on Starting Treatment Which would be worse: Putting up with the side effects of treatment or not starting treatment at all? My doctor's all for starting me on the combination of 3TC/ddI/tenofovir (Epivir/Videx/Viread), but I'm concerned about ddI/tenofovir interactions. What do you think? Is it OK to stop first-line therapy before my viral load has become undetectable, so I can avoid side effects? Diet and Nutrition They say people on anti-HIV meds shouldn't take garlic supplements. Is this true for HIV-positive people not on meds as well? Drug Resistance and Understanding Your Labs If I take a long drug holiday after developing resistance to d4T and ddI, is it safe to begin taking those two meds again? Is being infected with a drug-resistant strain of HIV more dangerous than being infected with a "regular" HIV strain? What's the relationship between a person's CD4 count and viral load? Which is more important in determining resistance?		Side Effects and Opportunistic Infections Is it safe to get a flu shot if I have HIV? I think ddI (Videx EC) has given me peripheral neuropathy, totally numbing my big toes. Should I still give this regimen a chance, or should I consider switching? Does everybody experience some kind of side effect with anti-HIV meds? I have never been on anti-HIV meds, yet I have facial and general wasting, plus a big belly. Is this normal? Forum on Fatigue and Anemia Are there any long-term side effects to using Androgel as a testosterone replacement? What could it mean if Procrit hasn't improved my anemia after six weeks? How do my testosterone levels affect erythropoiesis (the creation of new red blood cells)? Cancer and HIV Could you explain how Kaposi's sarcoma is contracted? If I'm being treated for internal anal warts, should my partner be treated as well? Is there a pill that can treat people with internal anal warts? Off the Beaten Trail If I inject lemon juice into my veins, will it kill all the HIV? One of my student's ears was bleeding while he took a test; the blood may have fallen on his test. If I got a paper cut from that test, could I be at risk?
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