How does AndHealth treat HIV?

 

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rachel DeMita, MD, AndHealth infectious disease specialist

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a chronic viral infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells). Over time, if left untreated, HIV can weaken the immune system and progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). With early testing and effective treatments, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

AndHealth treats people living with HIV in Ohio with a whole person, comprehensive approach. You will work with a coordinated infectious disease care team that includes a board-certified specialist with decades of experience.

Common HIV symptoms

HIV may not always cause noticeable symptoms, especially in early stages. Common HIV signs may include one or more from this list.

Because symptoms vary—or may not appear at all—your AndHealth care team can help with regular HIV testing if you may be at risk.

  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat, fatigue) soon after infection

  • Swollen lymph nodes

  • Night sweats

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Persistent diarrhea

  • Frequent or unusual infections

Causes and risk factors

HIV is transmitted when certain body fluids enter the bloodstream of another person.

Risk factors include unprotected sexual activity, multiple partners, injection drug use, or living in an area with higher HIV prevalence.

  • Unprotected sex with someone living with HIV

  • Sharing needles or syringes

  • Receiving contaminated blood products (rare in the U.S. due to screening)

  • Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding

Living with HIV

An HIV diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but today, people with HIV can expect long, fulfilling lives. By leveraging consistent, safe practices, patients can live well with HIV.

Your AndHealth care team will work with you create a manageable care plan—helping you live the life you want.

  • Taking medication as prescribed
  • Attending routine checkups and lab monitoring
  • Protecting partners through safe practices
  • Seeking mental health and emotional support
  • Connecting with trusted HIV care providers and support networks

Treatment options

While there is currently no cure for HIV, AndHealth will work with you to control the virus and protect your health. The cornerstone of HIV care is antiretroviral therapy (ART)—a daily combination of medicines that:

We’ll support your journey with ongoing care, medication adherence, and lifestyle support to help you manage HIV effectively.

  • Strengthen the immune system

  • Reduce the risk of opportunistic infections

  • Prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS

  • Lower the viral load to undetectable levels, which means HIV cannot be passed to partners (“Undetectable = Untransmittable”)

Our care team provides whole-person support for people living with HIV, offering personalized treatment plans and long-term health management.

Frequently asked questions

There is currently no cure for HIV. However, with daily antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV can be managed effectively. Treatment lowers the amount of virus in the body to undetectable levels, helping people live long, healthy lives.

No. HIV is the virus that weakens the immune system. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV, when the immune system becomes severely damaged. With effective treatment, most people with HIV never develop AIDS.

Yes. With proper treatment and medical care, people with HIV can have children without passing the virus to their partner or baby. Antiretroviral therapy greatly reduces the risk of transmission.

Using condoms, taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if at risk, not sharing needles, and ensuring regular testing are effective ways to prevent HIV.