People who are positive to HIV may not have symptoms of HIV infection for 10 years or longer, but they can still transmit the infection to others during this symptom-free period. People often only begin to feel sick when they progress towards AIDS. 

Some symptoms of HIV infection are similar to symptoms of many other common illnesses such as flu, respiratory infections, or gastrointestinal infections. And for this reason, HIV Testing is the only way to know for sure if a person is infected.

Early Stages of HIV

Two to four weeks after contracting the virus, a person can experience flu-like symptoms. This stage is called Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS), and it is the body's natural response to HIV infection. Symptoms may include:

1. Fever

The fever, if it occurs at all, is often accompanied by other usually mild symptoms, such as fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a sore throat. At this point, the virus is moving into the bloodstream and starting to replicate in large numbers. As that happens, there is an inflammatory reaction by the immune system.

2. Fatigue

The inflammatory response generated by a person's besieged immune system can also cause tiredness and lethargy. Fatigue can be both an early or later sign of HIV.

3. Muscle Aches and Joint Pain

Acute retroviral syndrome is often mistaken for the flu, mononucleosis, or another viral infection (even syphilis or hepatitis). The reason is because, many of the symptoms are the same, including pain in the joints and muscles.

4. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are a part of the body's immune system and tend to get inflamed when there is an infection. Many of the lymph nodes are located in the armpit, groin, and neck.

5. Sore Throat and Headache

6. Skin Rash

Skin rashes can occur early or late in the course of HIV/AIDS. If a person has rashes that are not easily explained or easily treated, an HIV test is recommended.

7. Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

30% to 60% of people with HIV have short-term nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in the early stages of the disease. Diarrhea that is unremitting and not responding at all to usual therapy might be an indication of an HIV infection.

8. Ulcers in the Mouth

9. Dry Cough

This symptom is described as an insidious cough that could be going on for weeks that does not seem to resolve.

10. Night Sweats

This is similar to the hot flashes that menopausal women suffer. Night sweats are also hard to dismiss given that they soak your bedclothes and sheets.

Chronic or Latency Phase

After the initial infection and seroconversion, the virus becomes less active in the body, although it is still present. During this period, many people do not have any symptoms of HIV infection. This period can last up to 10 years or sometimes longer.

AIDS

At this stage, many people begin to suffer from fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, night sweats , and even wasting syndrome. Many signs and symptoms of AIDS come from opportunistic infections which occur in patients with a damaged immune system.

Reference:

aids.gov
nlm.nih.gov
health.com
pnac.org.ph

MODES OF TRANSMISSION

There are five body fluids that can transmit HIV, namely:

• Blood
• Semen (including pre-cum/pre-ejaculatory fluid)
• Vaginal/Cervical fluids
• Rectal/Anal fluids
• Breast milk

Note: Feces, saliva, nasal fluid, urine, vomit, tears, and sweat  DO NOT contain enough HIV to infect a person, unless they have blood mixed in them and that a person has significant and direct contact with them.

HOW IS HIV TRANSMITTED?

HIV is spread through body fluids primarily by:

1. Unprotected Sex (vaginal, anal, oral)

Vaginal and and sex are both high risk if no condom is used, and considered low risk if a condom is used. Oral sex is a lower risk activity, with or without a condom. Body fluids deliver the virus into the bloodstream through microscopic breaks in delicate lining in the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth.

2. Sharing Needles (illicit drugs, steroids, tattoos, piercing)

Sharing needles through injection puts a person in contact with blood. Needles or drugs that are contaminated with HIV-infected blood can deliver the virus into the person's body.

3. Occupational Exposure

Those who have the greatest risk for this type of HIV transmission are the healthcare workers. HIV-infected blood or other fluids come in a contact with a healthcare worker through needle sticks or cuts. They can also get infected when the infected fluid gets splashed into their eyes, mouth, or into an open sore or cut.

4. Mother to Child Transmission (breast milk; during gestation and delivery)

Babies have constant contact with their mother's body fluids (amniotic fluid and blood) through pregnancy and childbirth. After birth, infants can get HIV from drinking infected breast milk.

5. Receiving Blood or Blood Products (blood transfusion)

This mode of transfusion is a result of a blood transfusion with infected blood, or an organ transplant from an infected donor.

COMMON MYTHS:

HIV CANNOT be transmitted from casual contact, which includes:

• Kissing
• Hugging
• Shaking Hands
• Sharing Food and Utensils
• Toilet Seats
• Mosquito Bites

References:

aids.gov
cdc.gov
pnac.org.ph
aidsguelph.org

A great percentage of people do not know that they have already been infected by HIV. An infected individual can feel, look, and act healthy just like a non-HIV positive individual. And just like any person, he can have common symptoms of infection such as flu, cough, fever, and sore throat, but still, do not think that it can already be HIV.

The only way to know your status is through an HIV test.

Here is a list of places where you can for HIV testing. Normally, they provide the test for free.



LUZON

Angeles Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Lucielle Ayuyao - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
1-20 Cristina Drive, Villa Teresa Subd., Angeles City
(045) 3222979 / (0915) 987-2100

Caloocan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Zenaida Calupaz - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Mabini St. Calocan Health Dept. 
2888811 loc. 2281 / (0917) 601-8331

Laoag Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Imelda Tamayo - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Brgy. 10, City Health Office, Tupaz, Laoag City
(077) 7720289 / (0918) 979-7491

Makati City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Calixto Salud - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
JP Rizal St. Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City
8701615

Mandaluyong City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Yolanda Tuaño - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City
5467799; 2115336 / (0917) 842-4298

Manila Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Diane Mendoza - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
San Lazaro, Sta. Cruz, Manila
7116942 / (0920) 577-9074

Marikina City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Honielyn Fernando - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Marikina City
(0917) 829-8862

Pasay Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Loretta Garcia - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician 
Pasay City Health Office 
5514180 / (0922) 891-5674

Pasig City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Rocylene Roque - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Caruncho Avene. Brgy. San Nicolas, Pasig City
6400111

Puerto Galera Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Ginalyn Caguete - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Rural Health Clinic, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
(043) 4420182 / (0927) 238-3989

Puerto Princesa Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Eunice Herrera - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
City Health Office, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
(043) 4658182 / 09272383989

Batasan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Dottie Mercado - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Batasan Hills, Quezon City
(0905) 357-6353

Bernardo Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Suzette Encisa - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Bernardo Clinic, Quezon City
(0916) 478-1607

Project 7 Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Monina Santos - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Project 7 , Quezon City
(0918) 618-4133

Santiago Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Robelyn Vera Go - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
City Health Office, San Andres, Santiago City
(078) 6827687 / (0919) 462-6389

Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC)
Dr. Christine Villaroman
Quiricada St. Sta. Cruz, Manlia
(0922) 824-5216

MEDI - Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center
Dr. Ma. Luisa M. Date
Bldg. 14, DOH Compound Sta. Cruz, Manila
7438301 loc. 1702

Tuguegarao Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Josefina Chua - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
City Health Office, Tugegarao City
(078) 8462197 / (0917) 574-5050


VISAYAS

Cebu City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Ilya Tac –an - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Gen. Maxilano St. Cebu City
(022) 3659962 / (0917) 329-1663

Iloilo Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Odetta Villaruel - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Iloilo City
(033) 3208151 / (0921) 569-4450

Lapu-Lapu Ciy Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Rodolfo C. Berame - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician

Mandaue City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Edna Seno and Dr. Debra Maria Catulong - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician


MINDANAO

Butuan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Jesus Chin- Chui - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
City Health Office, Butuan City
(085) 3423432; 815111 loc. 1039

Davao City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Jordana Ramitere - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
City Health Office, Magallanes St. Davao City
(222) 4187 / (0920) 910-2718

Davao Regional Hospital
Ms. Telesfora A Hinay
Apokon, Tagum City
(082) 2218593; 2279536; 4003653

General Santos Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Mely Lastimoso - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
General Santos City Hospital
(083) 3051510 / (0908) 887-7512; (0919) 848-3116

Zamboanga Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr Kibtiya Uddin - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician
Petit Barracks, Zone 4C, Cty Health Office, Zamboanga City 
(0927) 483-6672


Useful Link: HIV HUBS IN THE PHILIPPINES


References:

manilagayguy.net
stophivnow.blogspot.com

HIV HUBS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here is a list of HIV hubs all over the Philippines for your reference. The list was actually taken from other blogger-friends. I deem it important to be posted here as some readers have asked where to go after they have been diagnosed with HIV. 

In government-run HIV hubs, initial laboratory exams are given free to HIV patients, and these tests include hepatitis profile, stool and urine tests, blood chemistry, TB test (sputum exam and X-Ray), among others. A CD4 Count (a test which tracks the progression of your HIV infection) is usually scheduled on another day.

Makati Medical Center and The Medical City are private hospitals which offer medical services to HIV-positive patients. 

Please use this list as reference in case you have friends who are asking where they should go after they have been diagnosed positive with HIV.

It is important to bring your confirmatory HIV result when going to your preferred HIV hub.

LUZON

Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC)

Dr. Manuel C. Factora - Medical Center Chief

Dr. Maria Lorena L. Santos - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader

Gov. Pack Rd. Baguio City

(074) 4423165; 4424080; 5236077; 5234103; 4428342 / (0917) 507-2326

Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital (BRTTH)

Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera - Chief of Hospital

Dr. Anna Lynda Bellen

Legaspi City, Albay

(052) 4830017; 4830886; 4830015 / (0917) 793-5692

Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC)

Dr. Emmanuel F. Acluba - Chief of Hospital

Dr. Teresita Reyes - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader

Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao City

(078) 3213561 to 64; 3213560; 8053560 Mobile / (0917) 628-0924

Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC)

Dr. Jeisela B. Gaerlan

Medical Specialist II/HACT Leader

(072) 700-3808

Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center

Dr. Venancio S. Banzon - Chief of Hospital

Dr. Edwin Pasumbal - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader 

Brgy. San Dolores, San Fernando, Pampanga

(045) 9613921; 9613380 / (0927) 404-0365

Makati Medical Center (MMC)
No. 2 Amorsolo St., Legazpi Village, Makati City
8888-999

Philippine General Hospital (PGH)

Dr. Rolando Enrique Domingo - Director

Dr. Jodor Lim - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader

Ms. Dominga C. Gomez - SAGIP Unit

Taft Avenue, Manila

5261705; 5673394 / (0939) 625-8730

Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Dr. Remigio M. Olveda - Executive Director
Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco - Head, HIV Research Unit
Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
8072628 to 32; 8072636; 8097599; 8422245; 8072628 loc. 414/208

San Lazaro Hospital (SLH)

Dr. Arturo Cabanban - Medical Center Chief
Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan -Abrenica - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader

3099528-29; 7438301 local 6000 / (0917) 535-9380

The Medical City
Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City
988-1000 / 988-7000

VISAYAS

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital

Dr. Epifania S. Simbul - Chief of Hospital

Dr. Criselda E. Bacolor - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader

Lacson St. Bacolod City

(034) 4351591;4332697; 2080094 / (0922) 860-8876

Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital
(formerly Bohol Provincial Hospital)
Miguel Paras St., Tagbilaran City, Bohol
(038) 411-4868 / 411-4869 / 411-3185

Vicente Sotto, Sr. Memorial Medical Center (VSSMC)
Dr. Gerardo M. Aquino - Chief of Hospital
Dr. Regina Melodia - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader 
B. Rodriguez, Cebu City
(032) 2539882; 2539982; 2537564; 2532592 / (0919) 347-3658

Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC)
Dr. Jose Mari C. Fermin - Chief of Hospital
Dr. Ray Celis - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader
Manduriao St. Iloilo City
(033) 3211797; 3212802; 3211420; 3212841 to 50 / (0918) 940-1217

MINDANAO

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC)

(formerly Davao Medical Center)

Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega - Chief of Hospital

Dr. Alicia Layug - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader

JP Laurel St. Bajada, Davao City

(227) 2731 / (0920) 424-1721

Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC)

Dr. Romeo A. Ong - Chief of Hospital

Dr. Jejunee Rivera - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader

Zamboanga City

(062) 9910573; 9912934; 9920154 / (0920) 424-1721

Useful Link: SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS


References:

manilagayguy.net
stophivnow.blogspot.com

WHAT IS HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

• H - Human. The virus infects human beings.
• I - Immunodeficiency. The virus damages a human’s immune system by destroying important cells (CD4+ T cells) that fights diseases and infection.
• V - Virus. A virus can only replicate itself by taking over a cell in the body of its host.

HIV can hide for long periods of time in the cells of the body that it can take months or even years before a person shows classic HIV disease symptoms. For some, it can happen more quickly but for others, it can take even longer. Because of this large amount of time, a person can be HIV positive and yet show no symptoms.

The only way to really know if you are HIV positive is for you to GET TESTED.

It can take up to 3 to 6 months after becoming infected before the body produces enough antibodies to give an accurate HIV test result. It is important to wait at least 3 months from your last possible exposure (unprotected sex) before taking the HIV test to be sure that the result is accurate.

WHAT IS AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the last stage of HIV infection when a person’s immune system is severely damaged and has difficulty fighting diseases and certain cancers, and put a person at risk for opportunistic infections (OIs). A person will be diagnosed with AIDS if he has one or more specific OIs, certain cancers, or a very low number of CD4 cells.

Before the development of certain medications, people with HIV could progress to AIDS in just a few years. Currently, people can live much longer, even decades, with HIV before they develop AIDS. This is because of “highly active” combinations of medications that were introduced in the mid-1990s.

References:
www.aids.gov
www.cdc.gov
www.aidsguelph.org

So here’s the timeline of my life with HIV:

March 27 - medical exam for my work abroad

March 29 - HIV positive via ELISA (screening test)

May 8 - HIV positive via Western blot (confirmatory test)

May 28 - first visit to an HIV hub

May 29 - baseline labs

     I had my blood drawn; submitted three samples of sputum; and had my X-Ray. I was told that the CD4 machine is under repair. It has been broken for a month or two, as said by a fellow pozzie.

June 7 - consultation with the hub’s HIV specialist

     He said that all my lab results are good, but I was prescribed with Isoniazid as prophylaxis; just something to prevent me from developing TB. He also explained about possible side effects such as rashes and tremors. I can take antihistamines if rashes and itchiness are not tolerable, and I also opted to take Vitamin B complex in order to counteract the possible tremors side effect. I was also given the clearance of taking my daily supplementation of multivitamins, Vitamins C and E, Selenium, grape seed extract, and garlic oil.

June 22 - CD4 test

June 26 - CD4 result: 518!

Someone who read my blog sent me an email and asked why I worry a lot about my CD4, what its importance is, and how I would be able to get a significantly good result. Here’s a brief summary from several online sources:

What is CD4?

T-cells or T-lymphocytes are white blood cells that play important roles in the immune system. There are two main types of T-cells:

• CD4 organize the response of the immune system to bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• CD8 destroy cells that are infected, and produce antiviral substances.

The relationship of HIV and CD4

HIV targets CD4 cells by binding to its surface, and eventually becoming a part of them. Early in the course of the disease, the body can make more CD4 cells to replace the ones that have been damaged by HIV. This is the period when the person with HIV still feels well and has no symptoms.

Eventually, the body can’t keep up, and the number of functioning CD4 cells decreases. As more and more CD4 cells become damaged, the immune system becomes more and more weakened. The weakened immune system leaves the body at risk for illness and infections.

Uses of CD4 Count

CD4 counts are reported as the number of cells in a cubic millimeter of blood. The normal CD4 count is 500 to 1000. Other sources indicate that normal range is 600 to 1200. It is also more important to pay attention to the pattern of results than to any one test result.

It is useful to have CD4 count regularly measured for two main reasons:

• To monitor the immune system, and decide whether and when to start to take HIV treatment and other treatments to prevent infections.
• To help monitor the effectiveness of the HIV treatment.

Personal note:

My baseline CD4 count is 518. For me, my result falls short from the normal range, but it is fairly high that it is still not recommended for me to start with ARVs. I somehow consider myself to be in a critical state because for a period of just around three months starting from the time I was first diagnosed, I developed mild swelling of the lymph nodes and seborrheic dermatitis.

The next schedule for my CD4 is on December, but in my case, I would like to take another one after only three months (September), even if it's not free anymore, just so to know how my health is doing. For now, I just have to focus on improving my lifestyle, so that everything I do is for the improvement of my overall health condition.

References:
aidsmap.com
aids.about.com
webmd.com