What Are The Signs Of Opportunistic Infections

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Opportunistic Infections

What Are Opportunistic Infections? Testing for OIs OIs and AIDS What Are the Most Common OIs? Preventing OIs Treating OIs What Are Opportunistic Infections? In our bodies, we carry many germs -- bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. When our immune system is working, it controls these germs. But when the immune system is weakened by HIV disease or by some medications, these germs can get out of control and cause health problems. ...

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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 »

Help! I am having opportunistic infections

Dr. Conway:Are ARS symptoms lasting for more than 5 weeks and can they come gradually? I have started having a sore throat and white tongue 3 weeks after unprotected vaginal contacts with a HIV+ male, after that I had muscle and joint pains for the...

Response from Brian Conway, M.D.

University of British Columbia

Dear Anna:The symptoms you describe can be seen with acute HIV infection but are certainly not specific for it. Your doctor is right that the negative HIV antibody test at this stage is a good sign. You might consider having a test for HIV itself... Read more »

Opportunistic arthritis

DR FeinbergIs it possible to be infected with hiv and have joint pain in the hands and feet, or is this a sign of neuropathy. These pains are not continuous, they occur for a few days then subside then come back. Info sugests Reiter's...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

Joint pains in the hands and feet are not indicative of peripheral neuropathy. What you are describing are arthralgias (pain in joints)-- it's not clear to me that you have arthritis (swelling, heat, loss of mobility as well as pain due to... Read more »

Opportunistic Infection

WHAT IS AN OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION?...

Response from Judith Currier, M.D.

University of CA, LA School of Medicine

The term opportunistic infection is used to describe infections that occur in people who have deficiencies in their immune system- it is opportunistic because these infections take advantage of the "defect" in the host.-JC... Read more »

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I may have an opportunistic infection

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I'm so grateful for this forum. I have not been diagnosed with HIV (yet?) but I did get a blood test today and will find out the results Friday (12/3). Here's why I'm concerned. Yesterday I went to my dentist for a routine teeth cleaning. I have... 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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