HIV Care
HIV Services
HIV is a virus that can damage your immune system if left untreated, making it easier for you to get very sick. HIV is spread through contact with bodily fluids like semen (cum), vaginal fluids, and blood — most of the time during unprotected sex. HIV does not discriminate, it can affect anybody. About 1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, and more than 41,000 new infections happen every year. A big number of people are infected and they do not know it, just because they do not get tested.
People can’t tell if they have HIV just by the way you feel, because most people who get HIV don’t develop any symptoms for years. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested, people that are sexually active, especially those with more than one sexual partner need to get tested every 3 months.
HIV testing is simple and painless. And if you are infected with HIV (if you have it), it’s best to find out right away so you can take medication to help you stay healthy and lower your chances of spreading HIV to others. Current medications are very effective, and will keep the virus suppressed making you undetectable, which means that the virus is controlled, not causing serious damage in your body, and preventing you from spreading it to others. The sooner an HIV infected person starts medication, the healthier they will be from there on. At this time we have pills, and also injectable medications, making it simple for control in case you test positive.
Everyone should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. However, there are certain groups that must get tested more often. Men that have sex with men are at very high risk to become infected with HIV and must test every3-6 months, we prefer every 3 months. Other groups in the community should also be tested more often. People that do intravenous drugs are at very high risk as well, and need to test every 3 months, in this group is recommended that they find a clean needle exchange program near them, and never to share their needles with anyone. At Dadeinternal, we do testing for insured patients; and we offer a reasonable price for uninsured patients. Those patients that test positive will be started on medication immediately, and if they are not insured there are existing programs that will allow them to continue to receive care, with us or by referring them to other nearby programs. Everyone will be started on medication as soon as we find out they are HIV(+). For those that are at risk, we will initiate them on PREP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) these are medications that will help prevent HIV infection.
Current HIV therapies are very well tolerated with almost no side effects (actually very rare to have a side effect these days) so treatment tolerance and adherence are very high. It is important to take your medications daily since not doing so can lead to resistance, and future health complications. Treatment options are based on patient’s preferences, for example, we have oral regimens, injectable and IV therapy. The decision of treatment should be made between you and the doctor. Everyone is different and not all medications are suitable for everyone.
At our office we have a nutritionist, who will be able to provide services if needed. Optimal nutrition is key for good health, this is not only important for HIV(+) patients, but also for those that suffer from high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or diabetes and obesity as well.
The diagnosis of HIV can be difficult for some patients, although treatments will keep people healthy and virally suppressed, the diagnosis can result in anxiety and depression for some. For that reason, our staff is trained to offer emotional support and guidance to newly diagnoses individuals. We can suggest counselors and or case managers when needed. We also know specialist in the community that can help and will not judge or discriminate based on sex, sexual orientation, or HIV status.
Our goal is to keep patients healthy and live happy lives. That is why a comprehensive approach to medical care is so important to us.
At this time, we accept: Aetna PPO, Cigna PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Oscar PPO
Pending insurance contracting: Humana and United Healthcare.
Getting Care
At the time there’s no cure for HIV, but there are medications that can help you stay healthy and lower the chances of spreading HIV to others. If you’re at risk for HIV, there are medications you can take to help protect you.
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