What should I do if I am diagnosed with AIDS?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on June 03, 2025
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Once HIV is diagnosed, systematic and standardized antiretroviral therapy should be initiated. Once the infection is confirmed, it is crucial to start standardized antiretroviral treatment as early as possible, such as using antiviral drugs which can reduce the replication of HIV in the body; treatment can also be combined with protease inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, etc. By adhering to standardized long-term antiretroviral therapy, HIV can be effectively suppressed to undetectable levels, allowing immune function to gradually improve to near-normal status. This reduces the occurrence of opportunistic infections and gradually improves any that do occur, significantly reducing the incidence of certain tumors.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Can masturbation lead to AIDS?

Masturbating alone cannot lead to HIV infection; HIV requires a source of transmission. Without a source, HIV cannot arise out of nowhere. The HIV virus mainly exists in the bodily fluids of those infected, including blood, vaginal secretions, cervical mucus, breast milk, etc. In fact, if the skin is intact, there usually aren't significant amounts of the virus on the hands. Therefore, masturbating someone else cannot result in HIV transmission. Similarly, an uninfected individual masturbating will not contract HIV, as there is no source of the virus.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Can tattoos transmit AIDS?

Indeed, tattooing is a risk factor for HIV infection, especially in informal institutions where tattoo equipment may be shared. If the tattooing equipment is not properly sterilized, there is a risk of HIV infection. Tattooing and other forms of needle injuries are also pathways for HIV transmission. However, the most common route of HIV transmission is through sexual transmission, often via unprotected sexual activities. There are also cases of mother-to-child transmission, which should be considered based on specific circumstances.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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How long does it take to know if you are infected with AIDS?

After being infected with the HIV virus, 50% to 70% of people will experience symptoms similar to a cold, such as fever, headache, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, occasional nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes, all occurring around half a month later. Of course, some people may not exhibit any symptoms at all. If symptoms do appear, they generally disappear within a month. At this time, it is necessary to conduct a screening test between the first and second month. If necessary, another screening test can be performed in the third month to determine whether there is an HIV infection.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Is the HIV test paper accurate?

The test papers for AIDS, whether domestically produced or imported, have an accuracy rate exceeding 90%, with some even reaching 95% to 97% or more. As for the accuracy of these results, the key depends on two factors: first, whether the testing method you use is accurate, and second, whether the testing is conducted after the window period has passed.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is gonorrhea AIDS?

Gonorrhea is not AIDS. Gonorrhea is a disease caused by the infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae primarily in the genital area, commonly manifesting as painful urination, urinary urgency, discharge from the urethra, and fever. It is a type of sexually transmitted disease. AIDS, on the other hand, is caused by infection with the HIV virus, which destroys the body's immune system, leading to a severe decline in immune functions and thereby causing a series of related opportunistic infections. The pathogen of AIDS is the HIV virus. AIDS is difficult to cure, whereas gonorrhea can be completely cured.