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Primary HIV infection results from
exposure to an HIV-infected person or HIV-containing fluids.
The initial phase of primary HIV infection is associated with
immediate, rapid viral replication in a previously uninfected
individual.
Many individuals with primary HIV infection
experience a nonspecific acute retroviral illness, which frequently
goes unrecognized by healthcare providers.
The acute retroviral syndrome may be associated
with the following flu-like signs and symptoms:
How will my patient
benefit from AVRC primary infection studies?
As part of our primary infection research studies, your patient
will receive:
- Immediate HIV
RNA testing with quick results
- Drug-resistance
testing
- Personalized
education about their disease
- Social support
and appropriate outside referrals
- Some studies
are observational and others involve treatment (the choice
is between you and your patient)
Who are appropriate
candidates for these studies?
The AVRC asks for your help in referring individuals who may
have primary HIV infection, specifically:
- Persons who
are symptomatic with a flu-like illness who may have recently
been exposed to HIV (we will perform the necessary confidential
screening at our site)
- Persons with
a history compatible with early HIV infection (HIV positive
with a documented HIV negative test within previous 12 months)
How can I get more information?
Call the AVRC at 619-543-8080. Ask for the First Choice Program.
If your patient's exposure occurred more than 6 months ago,
an HIV antibody test is the most appropriate. The San Diego
County Health and Human Services offers free, anonymous HIV
testing Monday through Friday. Call 619-236-2352 for more
information or visit the
San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Web site.
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