Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. Hi, I am a 19 year old gay white male and I am HIV-. I just started dating a guy that is 32 and he is HIV+. He's had this [HIV] since 1990. I just wanted to know how long does HIV let you live? He's always tired, some things he forgets, has mood swings and sweats at night. I just don't want to loose him. Can you help me? I really don't understand things.
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
You state in your message that the guy you're dating has been HIV positive since 1990. You don't say if he's currently on medication. He does, however, seem to have symptoms of his infection-night sweats, fatigue, etc.-which is worrisome.
Before 1995, having HIV infection was a death sentence because we did not have effective medications available. But since 1995 very powerful medication regimens have been developed to combat HIV. Today, a person may be able to live a normal, or near normal, life span if he or she is taking HIV medications that completely suppress the virus. Once such a regimen is found, it is critical that the person remains compliant-that is, he or she must try not to miss any doses of the medication. Unfortunately, current treatments are lifelong. Unless we find a cure, people with HIV infection will have to continue taking medication for decades.
I hope that your boyfriend is under the care of a physician. If
not, he must find a physician who specializes in treating people
with HIV as soon as possible. Also, as much as you care about
him, you must also protect yourself. Be sure always to have safe
sex-no sex without a condom, whether you are top or bottom.
--Dr. Ross Slotten
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