Recent developments in treating HIV

Doctors can now prevent HIV from taking hold in your body if the person acts quickly. People who may have been infected can take anti-HIV drugs to protect themselves. This is called PEP. But you must start the process within 72 hours of when you were exposed, the medicines can have unpleasant side effects. Although there is a little progress in finding the cure to the infection. There are therapies developed in the field of medical science that can decelerate the HIV infection. ART (Antiretroviral therapy) is a revolutionary HIV treatment that has been developed in the past few decades.

So, what is ART?

ART does not cure HIV. It only attacks the virus in different ways. It stops it from reproducing itself and spreading further. HIV infection is measured by the viral load, that is, the amount of the virus which is present in the patient’s bloodstream. The goal of treatment is to get the viral reproduction so low that tests can’t even detect the virus anymore. HIV would still be present in the body, but there’s not enough of it to cause symptoms, this, as long as you keep taking your medication. An important point to remember is that the infected person can still pass HIV to someone else while on medication. There are lots of myths and outdated information about HIV treatment.

Here are five things you should know about ART.

A lot of people with HIV just take one pill a day. That one combination pill packs in all the different active ingredients the body needs. Most people don’t need the “cocktails” with complicated dosing schedules.

There are six classes of antiretroviral drugs for HIV and more than 30 drugs. If one doesn’t work or if it causes side effects, the doctor has many other choices.

Medications work for a long time. People used to worry that their drugs would stop working after a while and that they’d have to keep switching to new ones. That’s not really a risk now.

Drugs nowadays have fewer side effects. While specific side effects depend on the drug, HIV treatment is much safer and easier to tolerate than it used to be. For most people, minor side effects like upset stomach and diarrhea often go away.

Long-term risks include cholesterol problems and weakened bones. But even so, the risks of treatment are much lower than the risks of not getting it, you may start taking medication as soon as you’re diagnosed.

Many experts believe that the sooner you start treatment, the better. However, some doctors prefer to wait until your CD4 lymphocytes count, drops to a certain point before starting treatment. As the cell count drop may be due to some other reason.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Factors to consider before buying a Mercedes Benz
    The 2018 and 2017 Mercedes E class cars like Mercedes E 350, E400, or E class coupe are excellent cars with best in terms of features and specifications. With these high-end features, the company provides an extraordinary level of style, class, and quality to its customers. Hence, if you are looking for a luxury car that gives you value for money and style, you should look into Mercedes E class. Following are a few points that will help you make up your mind. Latest safety features The 2017 model of Mercedes E class was launched with driver drowsiness monitor and a pre-safe system; both of which are excellent add-ons to the already existing top class safety features of Mercedes. The model also has an mbrace telematics system, which provides features like driver monitoring and emergency services. Upgrade options Mercedes gives its customers an astounding number of upgrade options with its E class cars. So, if you do not like the standard version, you can purchase an upgrade package and change everything from the engine of the car to the leather upholstery. Top class standard features Mercedes E class cars come fitted with top class standard features, which make the buyers happy and satisfied. The company provides such a huge array of fittings that most buyers do not have to go for upgrade options. Some of the standard features are the adaptive suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, and automatic windshield wipers among others. Performance Mercedes Benz E class can be purchased in two engine options, a two-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, and a three-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The cars in this class can go from zero to 60 miles in 6.2 seconds and have a maximum speed of 130 miles per hour. These cars also have drive options that adjust flexibility with suspension, steering, transmission, and throttle. Autonomous driving The intelligent drive feature of Mercedes lets the car accelerate, brake, and steer on its own at a speed of 124 miles per hour. This technology makes it almost a self-driving car; all you need to do is keep your hands on the steering. Top end styling The design of 2018 Mercedes E class cars like the 350 is modern and stylish. The front grille, LED ambient lighting, availability in 64 colors, and metallic accent gives these cars a top quality look and feel. Mercedes E class is synonymous with premium luxury, hence you must strongly consider buying it. Comfort The 2018 Mercedes E 350 gives you the best in class comforts with features such as multi-contour seats, massage options, and ample head and leg space. Both rows of seating are comfortable for adults irrespective of their body structure, be it slim or healthy.
  • What causes kidney infections?
    A kidney infection leads to symptoms like pain in the abdomen and lower back region, as well as discolouration and cloudy appearance of the urine. Many reasons may cause a kidney infection and kidney stones, which should be dissolved with a timely diagnosis. Here are some of the causes of kidney infections. Hygiene matters: A kidney infection is most commonly caused due to lack of toilet hygiene. When one does not use a clean bathroom or sits down on a dirty toilet seat in a public rest room, there are chances of contracting a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or a kidney infection. Therefore, one should not sit directly on a toilet seat in a public restroom. Women are more susceptible to this kind of infection than men. Kidney stones: When the excess minerals and toxins do not get flushed out properly in the form of urine, due to the malfunction of one or both the kidneys, these tend to line the kidneys in the form of stones. Individuals who suffer from kidney stones are also susceptible when it comes to kidney infection, and they should be diagnosed on time to dissolve kidney stones with medication rather than surgery. Enlarged prostate: Men who are suffering from an enlarged prostate will often face problems when it comes to timely and proper urination. In many cases, this may lead to a build of toxins and kidney infection as well. Weak immunity: This is also a common cause of kidney infections. Individuals who have a poor diet and weak immunity, in general, will face some different types of issues like a kidney infection. This may also be seen mostly during a change in the season. Sexual intercourse: For many, being sexually active also leads to problems like a kidney infection. This happens if intercourse causes irritation and a burning sensation in the urethra, thus pushing the bacteria further into the kidney and urinary tract where it causes a kidney infection. One must get timely diagnosis and learn how to recognize the early signs and symptoms of kidney infection so that your doctor can dissolve kidney stones on time.
  • How to care for Orchids indoors
    Hailed as one of the most beautiful flowers in the world, orchids are popular houseplants that don’t just add beauty to your house but also help you stay relaxed and stress-free. However, taking care of this indoor plant can be a little tricky, as orchids require a favorable environment and proper care to bloom rapidly. That is why it is imperative to care for orchids indoors in a proper way to ensure that they stay healthy and bloom rapidly. Here, is a list of useful tips you need to follow to care for orchids indoors: Strong, Indirect Light The intensity of sunlight that an orchid plant requires depends on the type of the plant. However, a majority of the indoor orchids require strong but indirect light for successful blooming. Exposure to direct sunlight can burn down the leaves. Adequate Watering Watering orchid plants correctly is essential for their growth. While lack of improper watering can put this indoor plant at risk and make it look weak and dehydrated, overwatering it can lead to rotting of the root and prevent the flowers from flourishing. That is why just the right amount of watering is imperative to keep the plant healthy and prevent it from dying. Adequate Humidity Humidity is another environmental factor that plays a significant role in the growth and flourishing of indoor orchids. These plants require more humidity than other indoor plants. If there is less humidity at the place where you stay, then you should consider misting the orchid plant as this simple trick can effectively raise the humidity factor. Repotting The roots of orchid plants tend to rot too easily. That is why it is essential to repot this indoor plant from time to time. In this process, you will have to get rid of the roots that turn dark. Also, it is best to keep this plant in a big container as keeping them in a tight one can lead to rotting of the roots. Fertilizing The indoor orchid plants require fertilizers to flourish and grow. There are few orchids that may require weekly fertilizing, while there are some that can thrive with monthly fertilizing. Either way, it depends on the type of the orchid plant. However, irrespective of the type, every single orchid plant requires regular fertilizing to stay healthy. Remove Insects It is a well-known fact that insects and bugs can kill an orchid plant. Heavy infestation is one of the most common reasons why most indoor orchid plants do not bloom or survive for too long. While you can use insecticides to get rid of these bugs, it is highly recommended to remove these insects with hands to ensure immediate results. Following these tips is essential to care for orchids indoors. These will help your orchid plant bloom and stay healthy for a long time.
  • Benefits of grocery shopping through online stores
    Online shopping is here to stay. Now you can buy almost anything from e-commerce stores. But there are some reluctant customers who still feel the need to physically touch and examine a product before making a purchase. It really holds true when it comes to shopping for groceries. But the benefits of online grocery shopping far outweigh the benefits of buying the same items from your brick-and-mortar stores. 1. Usefulness: - Convenience is the biggest advantage of shopping from online grocery stores. You can do your shopping anytime and anywhere. You don't have to spend hours traversing aisle after aisle and check your list every now and then to fill up your shopping cart. You don't have to travel in traffic to reach your grocery store or compromise on the product quality, if your favorite grocery store in not available in your neighborhood. - You can save time on grocery shopping even if your favorite store is on your way to home from work. You can simply order your groceries online, schedule a delivery time as per your convenience and by the time you reach home, you will have fresh groceries ready for you and your family. - For some people with young kids, going to grocery shopping can be a real hassle. With online shopping, you can order groceries from the comfort of your home. 2. Discounts: - You can avail fabulous discounts with online grocery shopping. Gone are the days when discount coupons were only available in the Sunday edition of your newspaper. Now, there are tons of websites that offer coupons for various grocery stores or discount deals for online shopping of various products. - You can also find special discounts on the company website for various products. Keep a look out for holiday sales and promotional offers available in your grocery store's social pages. - You can combine store discounts and coupon deals to save a lot on your monthly grocery bills. 3. Comparisons: - You may not be physically able to touch the groceries you wish to buy, but you can compare prices at various online stores and accordingly make your purchase. Most consumers love to compare prices for major purchases. With online shopping, you can quickly browse through different grocery stores to find the best offers and products. You can compare a product by different companies in the same store. For example, you want to buy rice noodles for the first time. You can quickly check the company website for all the brands of rice noodles available with just one search and make your purchase. - You can check your products for ingredients, read the labels and then make your selection. Most online grocery stores list all the label information on dry food items. This allows you to get all the relevant information including preparation methods for new products. - With some practice, you will begin to recognize stores with the best discounts on particular items. This can save you further time on your online grocery shopping.
  • 5 best new cars to buy
    Buying the best new car can be an overwhelming process. It can also burn a hole in your pocket if you have not done adequate research. There is a variety of cars available in the country based on the types and prices. Are you a fan of throttling engines that take you to great speeds? Or do you prefer buying a car for daily commute from your home to work? Prioritize what you need in your new car and do not forget to take your budget into account. Shortlist the new car you want to buy based on your needs and affordability. Here are the best new cars of 2018 that you may consider buying. 2018 Ford Edge One of the best new cars to buy is 2018 Ford Edge. The company has come a long way from their truck-based roots to crossovers and SUVs. The 2018 Ford Edge is a five-seater midsize SUV, which is powered with a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine throttles 245-horsepower, which gives the SUV a fuel economy of 20 mpg (miles per gallon) in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The SUVs brawniest edition is a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which generates a massive 315 horsepower, bringing down the fuel economy to 17 mpg and 24 mpg for the city and highway, respectively. All the variants of 2018 Ford Edge have an automatic transmission and are priced in the range of $30000 to $40000. 2018 Audi A3 The brand is best known for the luxury and performance it offers. The base powertrain of Audi A3 is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It generates 186 horsepower balancing a decent fuel economy and acceleration. The fuel economy of the new Audi A3 is 26 mpg and 35 mpg on the city and highway, respectively.  You can go for a higher version with the Audi A3’s iteration RS 3. The luxury sedan generates up 400 horsepower and comes with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine under its hood, making it sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds. The 2018 Audi A3 has a wide price range from $29000 to $52000, based on the variants. 2018 Kia Sorento Kia Sorento is one of the best new cars to buy as it offers a range of engine variants. One of which is a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 185 horsepower. The combination of its decent fuel economy (21 mpg and 28 mpg for the city and highway respectively) and acceleration makes it a good choice for the daily commute. The price of the Kia Sorento variants ranges from $24000 to $44000.   2018 Honda Fit Subcompact car buyers care more about the budget than the specifications. The 2018 Honda Fit has bagged six budget car awards. So, what makes the new Honda Fit best in its class? The Honda Fit stays true to its name as it offers a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission. You can also opt for a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT gives you a fuel economy of 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, while the manual transmission gives 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The price range of the Honda Fit is from $15000 to $20000. 2018 Acura MDX The SUV is known for the best luxury three-row seating with a lower starting price. The new Acura MDX is one of the best new cars to buy as it comes with composed handling. The luxury SUV maneuvers easily on all types of roads. The SUV is equipped with a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Acura MDX offers a fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. You can also buy an all-wheel-drive as it offers a more desirable fuel economy. The price of the new Acura MDX ranges from $40000 to $55000.
  • The nuances of car loan pre-approval

    Whether you are in the market for a new or used car, you should be armed with the knowledge that you need to make the process smooth and hassle free. Since financing a loan for your purchase, be it a new or used car, is probably something you are interested in, taking that little extra time online to get pre-approved will make for less stress down the line. Does the term pre-approved sound familiar? Well, we have probably all received offers for credit cards that scream 'pre-approved'. So, in the context of a car loan and financing, what exactly does it mean, and what does the process entail?

    Pre-approval can be done online using your chosen bank's website or specialized portal, or when you get on the phone with a representative, answering some questions and finding out the answer. One great reason to apply for pre-approval is that you will get an idea of how much money you can get as a loan, towards your car purchase. Pre-approval, unlike the loan or finance approval, does not require you to have chosen a car, make, model, and narrowed down your choices or reached an almost final decision on which vehicle you want. Pre-approval application and approval takes place without the need for that level of information or choice having been made. The advantage, of course, is that you can get a good indication of how much you have to put down, and also what kind of financing you can expect. This in itself will be a deciding factor for many in figuring out what type of car and the price range they can afford and should be looking for.

    It sounds too good right? So, what are the steps of getting a pre-approval? Most banks and finance companies will ask you to fill out some basic information online, using a form with a series of questions. And generally you won't need to devote more than about 5 to 10 minutes to this endeavor. Of course, an integral part of getting pre-approved is providing credit history, and the information needed for the agency to run a credit check, so keep that information handy. Next, if you get pre-approved, and hopefully you will, you will receive a letter of confirmation from the institution, which will state the amount you are pre-approved for, and how you should go about availing yourself of the pre-approved loan.