AIDS Alert Archives – September 1, 2004
September 1, 2004
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New face of HIV/AIDS presents challenges and new comorbidities
Often overlooked, older HIV patients provide a glimpse into the future of the AIDS epidemic in nations where antiretroviral therapy is readily available. AIDS Alert has asked HIV clinicians, researchers, and patients to discuss how these older patients might help us predict the future of the epidemic as the population of HIV-infected people older than 50 increases. -
More normal life spans present next hurdle
HIV researchers and experts agree that the biggest challenge facing HIV clinicians in coming years will be juggling HIV treatment with treatment for comorbidities related to long-term HIV infection and aging. -
Long-term HIV survivor talks about his ups and downs
Its likely that in another decade or two, there will be many HIV patients who have health histories similar to that of 53-year-old Michael Shernoff, MSW. But for now, he is fairly unique. Ive been completely asymptomatic other than blood work, he says. I started on AZT when doses were lower, after viral loads were over 1 million, and Ive been on combination therapies since 1996. -
Older HIV patients have different counseling needs
Older people with HIV often lack or fail to take advantage of psychosocial networks, including support groups, housing assistance, and treatment for mental health problems, according to recent research. -
Disclosure is an issue with microbicides testing
Microbicide products remain in the testing stages and have not been approved by the Food and Drugs Administration; but as some move closer to market, investigators are looking at how likely it is that women will use these products for protection against HIV infection. -
HAART is no panacea for psychosocial problems
It was only logical for clinicians to assume that once highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) became widely available, then HIV-positive men and women would improve mentally and emotionally as well as physically.