HIV

NewMed Immediate Care

Urgent Care located in Rolling Meadows, IL

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that doesn’t have a cure, but you can manage it with modern care at NewMed Immediate Care. With offices in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Ruchir Thakkar, DO, provides STI screening and the care you need to manage this infection. Call NewMed Immediate Care to schedule an appointment or book your visit online today.

HIV Q & A

What is HIV?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection you can get from sexual contact. You can also get it from contact with an infected person’s blood, like with shared needles. Additionally, the infection can spread from mother to child during childbirth.

Unlike other STIs, HIV doesn’t go away by taking an antibiotic or any other medication. In fact, the infection has no cure. However, with the right medical care, you can control the infection and lower your risk of deadly complications.

Does HIV come with symptoms?

HIV often causes infectious symptoms between two and four weeks after you acquire it. This is called an acute HIV infection, and while the symptoms might not last for very long, you might develop some chronic symptoms later on too.

Early symptoms of HIV include:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Cough
  • Rashes
  • Muscle aches

Sometimes, the symptoms of this primary infection are so mild you don’t even notice them. As time goes on, you might develop increased mild infections of other kinds due to the virus’s impact on your immune system. Common infections to get with HIV include pneumonia, thrush, and shingles.

What are the possible complications of HIV?

HIV may progress into a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) around 8-10 years after your initial infection. With advanced modern medical care, most people with HIV in the United States never get AIDS. But it’s still a possibility that’s important to be aware of.

AIDS leads to a weak immune system that has trouble fighting off infections that typically don’t cause symptoms for most people. It can lead to serious long-term signs and symptoms like recurring fever, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and weakness.

How is HIV treated?

The team at NewMed Immediate Care can provide ongoing care to help you manage your infection and lower your risk of AIDS. They also help you prevent the spread.

The medications you take to control HIV and prevent complications are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). It usually involves two or more medications, but you might be able to get multiple medications in the form of a single daily pill.

If you’re concerned about HIV and would like to get tested, call NewMed Immediate Care or book your visit online today.