We asked Dr. Maurizio Dal Maso, Medical Director of Fanfani Diagnostics and Health, how the perception of AIDS has changed over the years and thus the fight to combat its spread.
The perception of AIDS has certainly changed in recent decades, for several reasons. Chief among them is the development of highly effective antiretroviral drugs, which have made HIV a manageable condition, prolonging the lives of HIV-positive people. This has helped reduce the fear associated with the disease. Today there is greater awareness. Awareness campaigns have been conducted over the years to educate the public about HIV/AIDS, thus reducing the level of ignorance and fear. Accurate information and prevention has become more accessible and reliable.
Also important is the aspect related to social changes.
Attitudes toward the virus have also changed due to social awareness, which has helped defeat prejudice against HIV-positive people. Also crucial is the aspect related to prevention and diagnostics. The availability of HIV testing and the importance of prevention have become more apparent, encouraging people to know their HIV status and adopt safer behaviors.
How and because of what has a sick patient's quality of life improved compared to the past?
In recent decades, patients' quality of life has improved dramatically, thanks to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection, as well as antiretroviral therapies (TARs) that have revolutionized the management of infection. These drugs help control virus replication, reducing the viral load in the body and allowing the immune system to resume proper function. HIV testing has become faster and more accurate, allowing earlier diagnosis and constant monitoring of viral load level and antibody response.
Are there new tools that have enabled different approaches to early diagnosis?
Certainly, and other functions that have reduced the risk of infection among sexual partners of HIV patients. It is also important to remember that although there have been significant advances in the management of HIV/AIDS, infection is still a "chronic" disease condition that requires long-term treatment and active patient involvement. Adherence to treatment is critical to the success of antiretroviral therapies.
What laboratory tests are useful in monitoring the progress of the disease?
Various laboratory tests are used to monitor the progress of the disease. These tests assess the status of the immune system, the level of HIV replication, and the general functioning of the body. Some of the most common and useful laboratory tests for monitoring the progress of AIDS include HIV viral load are CD4/CD8 cell counts.
Other than that?
Liver and kidney function, cholesterol and lipid tests, and opportunistic infection tests may be mentioned. Finally, it can be said that the management of AIDS requires a personalized approach and continuous collaboration between the patient and the medical team, having new tools for diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention remains the focus we must never lose.
It is the key pillar for reducing the number of new infections and improving public health. Education and awareness, condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis, HIV testing, and more. AIDS prevention is critical to reducing the spread of the virus and improving public health. It is important to maintain an ongoing commitment to informing and raising awareness about HIV prevention, as well as ensuring access to testing, counseling, and treatment services for those who need them.
