Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that slowly weakens the body's immune system to a level that it is unable to respond effectively to regular infections. HIV describes the virus whereas AIDS describes the deficiency of the immune system.

AIDS which is an acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is the most advanced stage of HIV viral infection, when the immune system is at its weakest and when the patient suffers with infections from simple pathogens such as candida, bacteria or other viral infections such as glandular fever (EBV). The patient's immune system becomes overwhelmed with infections and is unable to overcome simple infections resulting in things like pneumonia, tuberculosis or cancers such as lymphomas.

In Australia AIDS is very rare because patients take a number of pharmaceuticals to keep infections at bay. Because Australia has an extremely good medicine system and early care, patients can take antibiotics early to treat potentially dangerous infections and receive early treatment for cancers too. 

HIV Myths

Television advertising from the 1980s in Australia depicted the virus as a looming, scary death sentence hiding at every corner. It was easy to think that we could get it from a dirty seat or contaminated food but this is definitely incorrect.

HIV is not transmitted by-

• skin touch such as handshaking, massage or hugging
• Saliva transfer such as sharing a drink or kissing
• sharing food or cookware
• Insect bites or animal bites
• Breathing the same air, sneezing or coughing

HIV Symptoms

Since HIV is a virus similar to Cytomegalovirus, Influenza, Glandular virus or coronaviruses, symptoms are similar.
Common symptoms of viral infection can be-

• Flu symptoms such as runny nose, fever, coughing, excessive mucous
• Night sweats, fever or Chills
• Constant fatigue
• Rapid weight loss with no apparent reason
• Swollen lymph glands or tender groin, underarms or neck
• Persistent cough
• Feeling rundown

Naturopathic and Functional Medicine For HIV

As previously mentioned HIV and AIDS share similarities as other viruses and expression of symptoms of chronic infection. Naturopaths support patients with virus loads by considering the patient as a complete, holistic body where all systems interact and work together.

Therefore building the immunity, energy and strength of a patient who has been diagnosed with HIV is focused on building their resilience and attempting to prevent the expression of AIDS.

The foundation of the terrain theory for health is paramount and improving the strength and response of the immune system is key. This includes-

• Ensuring the microbiome is functioning optimally
• Assessing nutritional status and improving deficiencies
• Maximising diet intake for immune function
• Prescribing herbal medicine for supporting immunity and reducing viral load
• Optimising sleep, lifestyle, environmental factors

Need further help with HIV and AIDS with a naturopathic approach? Get in touch and take control of your health now