Age Groups Affected By Opportunistic Infections

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Strategies for Managing Opportunistic Infections

Introduction Opportunistic Infections and HIV Disease Preventing Infections in the First Place Treating Infections as They Occur Preventive Treatment for OIs Maintenance Therapy A Final Word on Strategies for Managing Opportunistic Infections List of AIDS-Defining OIs from the Centers for Disease Control Introduction HIV ( human immunodeficiency virus ) infects the cells of your body's immune system. It then impairs how...

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Opportunistic Infections and Group Dynamics

I am not a physician, but I am currenly working with HIV + people in Malaysia, and I was wondering if you could answerthe following question for me. As is common in many western countries, the diagnosis of HIV + status often results in theinfected...

Response from Cal Cohen, M.D., M.S.

Harvard Medical School

It's a good question. Fortunately, people with HIV infection are rarely placed at risk by other people, whether HIV-infected or not. Most of the infections that cause problems are caused either by organisms that are everywhere but whichare... Read more »

what is an opportunistic infection?

Hello. I have a couple of questions. My first is, What, exactly, is an opportunistic infection? I mean, does the fact that I am HIV+ make any malady I may have (be it the flu or shingles or whatever)an O.I.? Also, as I did recently (several days...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

An OI is one of a group of specific illnesses that occurs in people with damaged immune systems -- essentially, the germ that causes the OI is taking advantage of your weakened immunity, hence the term. Shingles is not an OI per se, since it occurs... Read more »

opportunistic infection and care givers

What is the probability of an HIV person becoming a carrier of opportunistic infections such as pneumonia, thrush,and Epstein-Barr? There are two small children, under two years of age, who have been ill with ear infections, sinus...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

Opportunistic infections occur because the person's damaged immune system cannot cope with various germs that are usually not harmful to others who are healthy. Therefore, an HIV+ person cannot "give" opportunistic infections to... Read more »

Opportunistic infections

Dear Doctor,I am getting crazy, please help. My last CD4 count is 1029 and CD4/CD8 ratio is 1.81. But, I am getting opportunistic infections such as athlete's foot and leukoplakia on tongue.What is wrong with me?thanks....

Response from Joseph McGowan, M.D., F.A.C.P.

North Shore University Hospital

The issue here is terminology. For example, fungal infections between your toes ("athlete's foot") is not an opportunistic infection and is seen at any CD4 count (with or without HIV infection). Whereas other types of fungal... Read more »

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Newly diagnosed-looking for others in my age group

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Hi there!

I'm newly diagnosed as HIV+. I was infected through heterosexual contact. I haven't started any medications yet, but have sought treatment with a really great doctor. I'm looking for people in my age range (21-29) that are in a similar... Read more »

Opportunistic Infections??

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I had a risky situation approx 2 years ago. I have been relatively healthy since then but have become overcome with thoughts of hiv. Is it possible to have an opportunistic infection without having other symptoms. I have never had a fever, night... Read more »

Esophagitis as opportunistic infection

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I am wonering if anyone can tell me if Esophagitis can occur within 1st year of acquiring HIV infection. Please, I am extremely scared and I would appericiate an answer.

Thanks,
Nate Read more »

Opportunistic Infections

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Would you say that a reoccuring itchy rash on the lower back/base of spine (large(ish), flat, red and very itchy) 5-6 months after possible exposure (protected vaginal sex with a sex worker) was anything to worry about? I have shown my Doctor and... Read more »

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