Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the cells in the body’s immune system. Without treatment, HIV can turn into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is life-threatening. Today's HIV treatments are advanced enough that most people who are living with HIV can enjoy a near-normal lifespan without their symptoms progressing into AIDS-related illnesses.

As part of an academic medical center connected to ongoing research, The University of Kansas Health System learns of HIV treatment advances as they are developing. Our patients are often among the first to benefit from these new therapeutic discoveries through access to clinical trials.

Like any immunodeficiency disorder, HIV impairs the body's ability to fight off illness and infections by attacking the immune system. HIV is primarily spread through sexual contact, much like other sexually transmitted infections.

However, HIV can also be spread through contact with infected blood. Mothers who are HIV-positive can pass HIV to their child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or by sharing needles. Currently, there is no cure for HIV.

Doctors have identified 2 types of HIV, and each is a distinct virus:

Although HIV-1 is far more common than HIV-2, both types of HIV will progress to AIDS without treatment.

The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the phase of infection.

Doctors diagnose HIV using blood tests. An HIV test checks for the HIV antibody, and can also measure the amount of HIV virus in the blood (viral load). Measuring the viral load also helps determine which stage of HIV infection you have and helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of your treatment.

There is no cure for HIV. However, HIV treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can limit the progression of HIV so that it doesn't become AIDS. ART involves a combination of HIV medications that work together to keep your viral load low.

A lower viral load means your immune system can continue working properly. Lowering your viral load also reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others. If you are on HIV-suppressed and -controlled medication for 6 months, you are unable to transmit HIV through sexual intercourse.

Once you begin antiretroviral therapy, it's important to continue taking your HIV treatment regimen consistently. Inconsistent doses can cause drug resistance, which means that the virus stops responding to treatment.

Today there are more than 40 new HIV medications on the market, and most are tolerable with minimal side effects. Several new medications are being developed each year including a monthly injection.

We have dedicated HIV pharmacists credentialed through the American Academy of HIV Medicine. They provide HIV medications and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a course of medications for people who are at risk for HIV, to patients in the infectious disease clinic. Other services they offer include:

• Assistance with medication coverage and affordability
• Medication education
• Medication review and screening for drug interactions
• Periodic check-ins to discuss how you're feeling on the medication
• Personalized medication selection in partnership with your provider

For more information, contact our pharmacy department at 913-588-1227. In addition to HIV pharmacists, we offer:

• Clinical trials, giving patients the opportunity to benefit from breakthrough medicine.
• Multidisciplinary care across the health system, including mental and behavioral health, substance abuse, colorectal cancer collaboration, family medicine, aging care and more.
• 4 social workers who are part of the federally funded Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. We accept Ryan White as payor.
• Telehealth consultations, including the ability to get labs done close to your home with your HIV care managed virtually.