Also called: AIDS-related opportunistic infections, OIs Show
Having HIV/AIDS weakens your body's immune system. It destroys the white blood cells that fight infection. This puts you at risk for opportunistic infections (OIs). OIs are serious infections that take advantage of your weak immune system. These infections are less common and less severe in healthy people. There are
many types of OIs:
Having HIV/AIDS can make infections harder to treat. People with HIV/AIDS are also more likely to have complications from common illnesses such as the flu. You can help prevent infections by taking your HIV/AIDS medicines. Other things that can help include practicing safe sex, washing your hands well and often, and cooking your food thoroughly. Start Here
HIVPreventing Opportunistic InfectionsPreventing Opportunistic Infections (OIs)Opportunistic infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungus, even parasites. One way to avoid these infections is to reduce your risk of exposure to these germs. Here are some practical suggestions. Sexual exposures
Injection drug use
Job exposureCertain type of jobs or facilities can put a person with HIV at risk of OIs. These include work in:
Pet exposurePets can carry diseases that don't affect a healthy person but can pose a serious risk to someone with HIV. For that reason, if you have a pet, follow these suggestions. General
Cats
Birds
Others
Cautions about food and water
People with HIV whose immune systems are severely weakened may want to:
Cautions about travelBefore you travel to other countries, particularly developing countries, talk to your provider about ways you can avoid getting sick on your trip. People with weakened immune systems are at risk and should discuss travel plans well in advance. Be sure to check with your provider regarding recommended or required immunizations, as well as indications and precautions of travel vaccines, before traveling out of the country. When traveling in developing countries, people who have HIV should be especially cautious of food and water that may be contaminated. It is best to avoid:
Talk to your health care provider about whether you need to get vaccinated before your trip and whether you need to take drugs to prevent diseases that are common in the country you are going to visit. What is the best way to prevent opportunistic infections in HIV positive patients?How can I prevent opportunistic infections? Taking HIV medicine is the best way to prevent getting OIs. HIV medicine can keep your immune system strong and healthy. If you develop an OI, talk to your health care provider about how to treat it.
What advice you can give to a person who is an HIV positive?Encourage treatment.
People with HIV who take HIV medicine exactly as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load can stay live long and healthy lives and will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex. Encourage your loved one to see a doctor and start HIV treatment as soon as possible.
What is an opportunistic infection for HIV patients?Opportunistic infections (OIs) are infections that occur more often or are more severe in people with weakened immune systems than in people with healthy immune systems. People with weakened immune systems include people living with HIV. OIs are caused by a variety of germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites).
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