HIV and AIDS

HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, which makes the immune system unable to fight off infections.  HIV is believed to be responsible for AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).  Once acquired, HIV remains in the body for life, although there may be no symptoms for years.  HIV may be contracted from transfusion of contaminated blood; from infected blood passing through the skin barrier via a deep graze, needle puncture, or a wound, in the womb or at birth; by breast-feeding; or through unsafe sex.  When the immune system reaches a particular stage of deterioration due to HIV, certain bacteria which are usually kept in check by healthy immune functioning are able to thrive (opportunistic infections).  AIDS is diagnosed when one or more of these infections is present, but AIDS is not a disease in itself.  Previously an AIDS diagnosis suggested that death would follow quickly, but improvement in drugs treatments may change the implications of an AIDS diagnosis.

Symptoms

• Flu-like symptoms when HIV first enters the system (seroconversion)
• Once the virus has begun to work on the immune system there will be:- night sweats and fevers – exhaustion – weight loss – diarrhea – thrush and herpes – mouth ulcers and bleeding gums
• Conditions associated with AIDS itself include: - neurological problems – fits and confusion – yellow skin and swollen painful joints – Kaposi’s sarcoma, a rare form of skin cancer characterized by raised purple blotches – eye infections, particularly cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can lead to blindness – gut infections – pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)

Because of the seriousness of this disease we make no general suggestions on this site regarding HIV and AIDS treatment.

We hope thet the links below will provide you with the information that you need .

NOTE: Apointments can be made with our Herbalist Lynne Max on 1300 732 093 or email us

HIV Symptoms

HIV Testing

A Practical guide to Complementary Therapies