How will HIV affect you in the long term?
Though the outlook has gotten much better for those with HIV, there are still some long-term effects that people living with the virus might experience.
As time passes, people living with HIV may begin to develop certain side effects of treatment.
These may include:
- “accelerated aging”
- cognitive impairment
- inflammation-related complications
- effects on lipid levels
- cancer
Your body may also undergo a shift in how it processes sugars and fats. This can lead to having more fat in certain areas of your body, which can change your body’s shape and how you look.
If treated poorly or left untreated, HIV infection can develop into AIDS.
A person develops AIDS when their immune system is too weak to defend their body against infections. A doctor will likely diagnose you with AIDS if the number of white blood cells in your immune system, or CD4 count, drops below 200 cells per mL of blood.
Symptoms of AIDS include brain tumors and serious weight loss. The syndrome could also lead to other health issues, including:
Life expectancy is different for every person living with AIDS. Some people may die within months of an AIDS diagnosis, but the majority can live fairly healthy lives.
certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and invasive cervical cancer
- brain and spinal cord disease
- different types of lung infections
- chronic intestinal infection
- HIV-related brain disorder
- cytomegalovirus infection
OIs are the most common cause of death for people living with AIDS. The best way to prevent an opportunistic infection is by remaining in treatment and getting routine checkups. It’s also important to practice safe sex, get vaccinated, and eat properly prepared foods.