Dear Healthcare Provider, Primary HIV Infection is defined as the acute stage of HIV disease just after transmission. People with early stages of HIV infection present with a series of warning signs-fever, swollen glands, sore throat and rash-that persist anywhere from a few days to two months. When these symptoms are associated with a recent high-risk exposure to HIV, the patient may have primary HIV infection. Various clinical research sites throughout New York City offer early diagnosis and subsequent treatment of HIV. Rather than wait the minimum 90 days after being exposed to HIV, a patient can be tested for the virus after only one week. A direct viral load assay is used to determine infection, in concert with an antibody test. If the patient indeed has a positive viral load test, they are offered enrollment in the study, which involves a triple combination regimen at no cost. African Services Committee's Early HIV Intervention Project serves as a nexus for three populations:
Our staff will screen patients for potential primary HIV infection, counsel them about early diagnosis and treatment of HIV, make an immediate appointment to a primary HIV infection site most convenient to them, escort them to that site and provide medical interpretation if necessary. If you or your colleagues have questions about the Early HIV Intervention Project, please feel free to contact us. Kind regards, |