Has the virus taken control of life but made it worse? 60% of HIV-infected people report having "this problem", and if it is not dealt with, it may cause more harm
Infection with “Human Immunodeficiency Virus” (HIV) is no longer an “incurable disease” as previously thought. With international attention and the rapid development of medicine, HIV-infected people can effectively control the amount of HIV virus in their bodies by continuing to take antiviral drugs. Currently, there is no difference in life expectancy between infected and non-infected people.
Dr. Hong Dongzhe from the Department of Infectious Diseases at Chiayi Christian Hospital pointed out in an interview that today’s HIV treatment is mainly based on “anti-HIV drugs”. The goal is to inhibit viral replication, help the patient’s immune system maintain normal operation, and at the same time minimize the risk of virus transmission. After reaching the non-infectious state of “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmutable), HIV-infected people can even resume sexual life provided that adequate safety measures are taken. Despite this, the potential side effects caused by long-term medication have gradually eroded the quality of life of infected people.
Up to 60% of HIV patients have “this problem”! Medical warning: If not treated, it may worsen physical and mental harm
By taking anti-HIV drugs regularly every day, infected people can control the amount of virus in their bodies to very low levels and achieve the “U=U” goal. Although medications are effective in controlling the disease, long-term use may cause uncomfortable side effects for the infected person. These side effects are much smaller than before, but long-term use may still cause adverse interactions.
Dr. Hong Dongzhe explained that among the side effects caused by anti-HIV drugs, “weight gain” may be the most “feeling” for infected people. In the short term, it affects self-confidence and causes symptoms such as depression and anxiety. In the long term, it may also lead to the risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes.
Insomnia and headaches are also common side effects. Surveys have shown that up to 60% of HIV-infected people suffer from insomnia. Insomnia can easily lead to emotional instability, inattention and memory loss, which not only affects work performance and interpersonal relationships, but may also further cause depression, anxiety and other mental comorbidities. question. Studies have also pointed out that HIV-infected people are more likely to suffer from mental illness than non-infected people, and insomnia may aggravate physical and mental symptoms, indirectly weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of cardiovascular and other comorbidities. The interaction between drug side effects and comorbidities can easily form a vicious cycle, causing infected people to feel troubled by “HIV is under control, but comorbid symptoms make life worse.” If medication compliance is reduced due to related symptoms, it is easier for the virus in the body to develop drug resistance, leading to treatment failure.
How to alleviate side effects? Can I discuss “changing my medication” with my doctor?
Faced with the problem of potential side effects of HIV drugs, infected people and doctors may not be able to directly tell whether the symptoms are caused by the drugs, the disease itself, or other factors. Therefore, both parties need to actively discuss and jointly find out the causes. The approach can be roughly divided into " There are two major stages: “non-drug intervention” and “drug adjustment”.
Physicians will focus on encouraging patients to observe and adjust their lives, such as working with nutritionists to provide nutritional advice and regular exercise. If they encounter severe insomnia, they will ask the patient in advance whether he drinks alcohol, is stressed in life, or uses recreational drugs. In addition, doctors will also assess the patient’s mental state and refer the patient to the psychosomatic department as appropriate to provide psychological consultation or group therapy to help the patient resolve stress and negative emotions. If necessary, the doctor will also prescribe sleep medication.
After gradually eliminating the possibility, if the situation still cannot be effectively improved and the patient’s quality of life has been affected, the doctor will consider changing anti-HIV drugs and adjust the medication time according to the patient’s lifestyle (such as whether he or she works night shifts) in order to reduce side effects. , and maintain medication compliance.
He suffers from headaches and insomnia, which makes his work performance poor. He has trouble communicating and regains work stability and confidence.
If HIV-infected patients can have active two-way communication with their doctors during treatment, most side effects can be improved. Dr. Hong Dongzhe shared the story of an infected patient: The patient was transferred from another hospital and has taken medication to effectively control the virus. Although I have been suffering from headaches, insomnia, etc. for a long time, I have no conscious need to complain to the infectious disease doctor. After Dr. Hong Dongzhe took the initiative to inquire, he learned that the patient’s headaches and insomnia affected his daily work performance. These pressures in turn aggravated the insomnia, forming a vicious cycle. After discussion and adjustment of anti-HIV drugs, the infected person improved his headaches and insomnia one month later, and regained a comfortable life and stable work. In this regard, Dr. Hong Dongzhe also appealed that given the current trend of “chronic disease” of HIV, treatment can be described as a “long-term battle”. Patients should actively face the side effects of drugs and work with the medical team to eliminate them.
Adjusting your medication is not because you cannot control it well, but because we want you to live a better life!
Dr. Hong Dongzhe said that there are many situations where anti-HIV drugs will be considered to be adjusted. It may be due to poor viral suppression, side effects, or individual special circumstances. In any case, we hope that infected people will not feel that it is their own problem and should avoid being nervous and anxious. Good communication between doctors and infected patients and the establishment of an overall treatment plan will make the infected patients feel more comfortable about adjusting their medications.
In addition, in the face of infected people’s distrust of medical advice due to side effects and dressing changes, Dr. Hong Dongzhe explained that some drugs are effective in inhibiting the virus, but the side effects may be strong, and are suitable for use in the early stage of infection. As time and side effects are observed, Needs to be adjusted again. He said this was the achievement of a “phased mission”, and adjusting medication was the next stage of the treatment mission. Through more communication, the infected person can know the comprehensive treatment plan, build trust and take medication regularly, so that the virus can be stably controlled and a quality life can be restored.
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