HIV Medicine

HIV care involves the ongoing medical management and treatment of HIV to help individuals live healthy lives and prevent complications.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells) that help defend the body against infections. HIV is most commonly transmitted through contact with certain bodily fluids, typically through unprotected anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles.

Without treatment, HIV weakens the immune system over time, eventually leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most severe stage of the infection. However, with proper HIV care, most people can manage the virus effectively and avoid progressing to AIDS.

While there is currently no cure for HIV, advancements in treatment allow individuals to control the virus and protect their immune system from further damage. In fact, thanks to modern HIV care, most individuals with HIV in the United States do not develop AIDS.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the cornerstone of HIV treatment. ART involves a combination of medications that prevent the virus from replicating, significantly reducing the viral load, or the amount of HIV detectable in the body. This helps keep the immune system strong and supports a healthier, longer life.

It’s important to begin HIV care as soon as you test positive for HIV. Starting care early helps manage the virus and protect your health.

If you have an AIDS-defining condition—such as cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV) or mycobacterium tuberculosis—or if you are in the early stages of HIV infection (within the first six months), it’s crucial to start HIV care immediately. Early intervention can prevent the virus from advancing and strengthen your immune system.

Pregnant women with HIV should also begin HIV care right away, especially if they are not already on medication to manage the virus, to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

Reza Health is here to help guide you through the process of starting HIV care, discuss how antiretroviral therapy (ART) works, and provide the appropriate prescriptions to help you manage the virus effectively.

HIV care is essential for living a long, healthy life with HIV. The primary goal of HIV treatment is to suppress the virus and keep your viral load low. By preventing the virus from replicating, HIV care allows your immune system to recover and function more effectively, protecting you from infections and other health complications.

A low viral load also reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others, making it an important part of both personal and public health.

Reza Health ensures regular follow-up visits to monitor your viral load, assess your overall health, and review your treatment plan. He works closely with you to manage any side effects from medications and make adjustments as needed, ensuring the most effective care for your unique needs.

With consistent HIV care, you can maintain good health and quality of life.

U=U stands for “Undetectable = Untransmittable.” It is a scientific statement supported by research that means if an individual with HIV is on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and has an undetectable viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood is too low to be measured by standard tests), they cannot sexually transmit HIV to a partner.

This breakthrough has been confirmed by multiple studies, and it has become a key message in HIV prevention. People with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load through consistent treatment are not at risk of passing the virus on through sexual contact, even without condoms or other preventive methods.

U=U applies to heterosexual, gay, and bisexual couples, as well as people in serodiscordant relationships (where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative). It’s an empowering message that emphasizes the effectiveness of modern HIV care in reducing transmission risk to zero.

At Reza Health, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care for individuals living with HIV. A diagnosis of HIV is no longer a barrier to living a long, healthy life. With early detection and effective treatment, many people with HIV go on to live normal lifespans. The key to managing HIV successfully is starting treatment as soon as possible and adhering to your treatment plan.

When you begin HIV care at Reza Health, our team, led by Dr. Reza, will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is highly effective in suppressing the virus and preventing damage to your immune system. The earlier you start ART, the better your long-term health outcomes.

Through regular monitoring and follow-up visits, we help ensure that your viral load stays low or undetectable, which allows your immune system to recover and strengthens your ability to fight off infections. Many individuals with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load can live without
the fear of transmitting the virus to others through sexual contact, thanks to the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) principle.

At Reza Health, your health and well-being are our top priorities. With continuous care and support, people living with HIV can manage their condition effectively and prevent complications like opportunistic infections or the progression to AIDS. Our compassionate, expert team is here to support you at every step of your journey toward maintaining a healthy, fulfilling life.

You can expect the same life expectancy and quality of life as someone without HIV when you stay on treatment and keep up with regular check-ups. We’re here to help you live your best life—contact us at Reza Health to get started on your HIV care today.

Yes, with effective HIV care, you can absolutely live a normal, healthy life. At Reza Health, we are dedicated to helping individuals with HIV achieve the best possible outcomes, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives, maintain their health, and thrive in all areas, including sex and relationships.

Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), many people with HIV can live long, healthy lives with a life expectancy similar to those without the virus. The key is starting treatment early, adhering to your prescribed medications, and maintaining regular check-ups. With consistent care, HIV can be effectively managed as a chronic condition.

When it comes to sex and relationships, it’s important to know that people with HIV can still have fulfilling, healthy relationships. If you are on ART and have an undetectable viral load, this means you cannot transmit HIV to a partner through sexual contact, thanks to the principle of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). This is an empowering message, as it means you can engage in intimate relationships without the fear of transmitting the virus.

At Reza Health, we provide guidance and education on how to protect your health and that of your partners. We discuss safer sex practices, the importance of using condoms if needed, and ways to manage HIV in the context of intimate relationships. Dr. Reza and our compassionate team are here to support you through every step of your journey, ensuring that you can enjoy a fulfilling, active life, both socially and sexually, while managing your health.

You don’t have to face HIV alone—at Reza Health, we are committed to empowering you with the tools, care, and knowledge you need to live your life to the fullest.

Yes, you can have children if you are living with HIV, and at Reza Health, we are here to support you every step of the way. Many people with HIV go on to have healthy pregnancies and children. With the right care and guidance, you can safely start and grow your family.

If you are planning to have children, it’s important to get your HIV under control first. By starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) early and maintaining an undetectable viral load, you can greatly reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to your partner or your baby. Thanks to modern treatment, the risk of transmitting HIV during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding can be reduced to nearly zero.

If you’re planning to become pregnant, we will work closely with you at Reza Health to ensure that you and your partner are in the best possible health before conception. We can discuss options to prevent transmission during conception and help you understand how to safely manage your HIV care during pregnancy. For individuals in care, Dr. Reza will guide you through the steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth.

Additionally, if you’re concerned about how HIV might impact your ability to conceive or have questions about fertility, we can provide information and referrals to specialists as needed.

At Reza Health, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals of having a family. With the right care, education, and support, HIV doesn’t have to stand in the way of having children. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your journey to parenthood.

The difference between HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is an important one, and at Reza Health, we’re here to help you understand how both impact your health and how effective care can prevent the progression from HIV to AIDS.

HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting the CD4 cells (T cells), which play a key role in defending the body against infections. If left untreated, HIV can weaken the immune system over time, making the body more susceptible to infections and certain cancers. However, with effective HIV care—primarily through antiretroviral therapy (ART)—you can keep the virus under control, maintain a strong immune system, and live a healthy life without progressing to AIDS.

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, occurring when the immune system is severely damaged and unable to fight off infections or diseases. To be diagnosed with AIDS, a person must have a very low CD4 count (usually below 200) or develop certain opportunistic infections or cancers that are rare in individuals with healthy immune systems.

The good news is that HIV care at Reza Health can prevent this progression. By starting ART early and maintaining regular check-ups, most individuals with HIV can live long, healthy lives without ever developing AIDS. Our team, led by Dr. Reza, is dedicated to helping you manage HIV effectively and avoid complications by keeping your viral load low and your immune system strong.

In short, HIV is the virus, and AIDS is the advanced stage of the infection that results from untreated HIV. With early diagnosis and ongoing care at Reza Health, HIV can be managed as a chronic condition, and you can live a full, healthy life.

First of all, at Reza Health, we want you to know that being diagnosed with HIV is an important first step in taking charge of your health. With modern treatment, HIV can be managed effectively, and many individuals go on to live long, healthy lives. Here’s what you should do after being diagnosed:

1. Start HIV Care Right Away
Starting HIV care as soon as you’re diagnosed is crucial. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps suppress the virus, protect your immune system, and lower your viral load to undetectable levels. This can keep you healthy and prevent the transmission of HIV to others. At Reza Health, Dr. Reza and our dedicated team will guide you through your treatment options and get you started on a personalized care plan right away.

2. Notify Your Contacts
It’s important to notify anyone you may have been in contact with who could be at risk of HIV. This includes current or past partners and anyone else who might have been exposed. Encouraging them to get tested for HIV is an essential part of protecting their health and preventing further transmission.

3. Find a Health Care Provider
Finding a trusted health care provider is key to managing your HIV effectively. At Reza Health, we specialize in HIV care, providing expert treatment, regular monitoring, and a people-centered approach to support you through every stage of your care. We’ll work closely with you to ensure your treatment is on track and help you manage any side effects or concerns.

4. Schedule Regular Follow-Ups
After starting ART, it’s important to schedule regular follow-up visits. At Reza Health, we will monitor your viral load and check your immune system’s health to ensure that the treatment is working effectively. We’ll also help you manage any side effects from medications and make adjustments as needed to keep you on the path to good health.

5. Learn About Your Medications
Understanding your medications is an important part of your treatment. Our team at Reza Health will educate you on how ART works, how to take your medications consistently, and what to expect. Adhering to your medication schedule is key to keeping the virus undetectable and protecting your immune system.

6. Practice Safe Health Practices
Even though HIV treatment can reduce the risk of transmission, it’s still important to practice safe health practices. This includes using condoms and discussing safer sex options with your partner(s). At Reza Health, we’ll provide guidance on how to manage your health and protect others.

7. Take Care of Your Overall Health
HIV care is about more than just treating the virus; it’s also about supporting your overall well-being. At Reza Health, we emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, a balanced diet, and managing any other health conditions you may have.

At Reza Health, we are here to support you in living a healthy, fulfilling life with HIV. Our compassionate, expert team is dedicated to providing the care, education, and resources you need to manage your condition. Contact us today to begin your care journey and take the next steps toward a healthy future.

At Reza Health, we offer comprehensive HIV testing services with immediate access to care through our “Test & Treat” model. This means that if you test positive for HIV, you won’t have to wait for treatment to begin. We provide immediate linkage to care, so you can start managing your health right away.

Our “Test & Treat” approach ensures that individuals in care who test positive for HIV are seamlessly connected to treatment and support. By starting Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) as soon as possible, we can help prevent the virus from progressing and support your immune system to stay strong. Early initiation of ART has been shown to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

We understand that getting tested for HIV can be an emotional experience, and we’re here to provide compassionate, non-judgmental care at every step. Whether you are testing for the first time, have concerns about potential exposure, or need follow-up testing, Reza Health offers a safe, confidential environment where you can access the resources and support you need.

Our team, led by Dr. Reza, is dedicated to ensuring that everyone receives the care, guidance, and respect they deserve. We focus on your well-being, and we are here to help you take control of your health, with a comprehensive care plan tailored to your needs. Starting HIV care immediately after diagnosis helps prevent the progression of the virus and allows you to live a long, healthy life, free from fear of AIDS.

HIV testing is a simple, fast, and important way to know your status. Early detection of HIV allows for immediate care and intervention, helping to manage the virus and avoid complications. At Reza Health, we offer confidential, easy access to HIV testing, whether you’re seeking a routine test or have had a recent potential exposure.

If you test positive for HIV, you can start ART treatment immediately, reducing the chances of complications and helping you maintain your health. HIV care is effective at keeping your viral load low, allowing you to live a fulfilling, healthy life. No one should feel alone when navigating an HIV diagnosis—at Reza Health, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Early HIV testing and treatment are essential for managing the virus and maintaining good health. When HIV is diagnosed early and treated promptly with ART, individuals in care can live long, healthy lives with a viral load that is undetectable—helping prevent the progression to AIDS and significantly reducing the risk of transmission to others.

At Reza Health, we believe that access to care should be seamless and immediate. That’s why we offer the “Test & Treat” model—to ensure that individuals in care can begin treatment and take control of their health without delay. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with HIV for some time, our team is here to support you with personalized, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs.

Reza Health is here to help you take the next step in your HIV care journey. Contact us today to schedule an HIV test or to learn more about our “Test & Treat” services. We’re committed to providing you with the highest standard of care, ensuring that you have everything you need to live a healthy, fulfilling life.