HIV Treatment and PrEP

HIV Treatment and PrEP in Maspeth, Queens, and Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY

Living with HIV or seeking to prevent it doesn’t have to be a journey you take alone. At LocalMD, we provide compassionate, expert care for individuals in Maspeth, Queens, and Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY, who are navigating HIV treatment or seeking preventive measures like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). Our experienced internal medicine specialists are dedicated to helping you live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with HIV, are exploring treatment options, or want to protect yourself from HIV, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Understanding HIV Treatment

Receiving an HIV diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but with the right treatment, HIV is a manageable condition. Thanks to advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV can achieve an undetectable viral load, which means the virus is suppressed to such low levels that it cannot be detected by standard tests. This not only protects your health but also prevents the transmission of HIV to others.

At LocalMD, we offer comprehensive HIV treatment tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, strengthen your immune system, and prevent complications associated with HIV.

How to Get Started with HIV Treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with HIV, the first step is to determine the stage of your disease and create a personalized treatment plan. Here’s what you can expect during your initial visit to LocalMD:

1. Diagnostic Testing

Your provider will conduct a series of tests to assess your health and determine the best course of treatment. These tests may include:

• CD4 T-Cell Count: HIV attacks CD4 T-cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in your immune system. A CD4 count below 200 indicates that HIV has progressed to AIDS, even if you don’t have symptoms yet.

• Viral Load (HIV RNA): This test measures the amount of HIV in your blood. The goal of treatment is to reduce your viral load to undetectable levels.

• Drug Resistance Testing: Some strains of HIV are resistant to certain medications. This test helps your provider choose the most effective treatment for your specific strain.

2. Screening for Related Conditions

HIV can increase your risk of other infections and complications. Your provider may recommend additional tests to screen for:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Hepatitis B and C

• Kidney or liver damage

• Cervical and anal cancers

• Urinary tract infections

3. Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your test results, your provider will create a customized treatment plan that typically includes antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART combines two or more medications from different drug classes to effectively suppress the virus, prevent drug resistance, and protect your immune system.

What to Expect from HIV Treatment

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

ART is the cornerstone of HIV treatment. When taken consistently and correctly, ART can:

• Reduce your viral load to undetectable levels

• Restore and preserve your immune system

• Prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS

• Reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others

Adherence to Treatment

For HIV treatment to be effective, it’s essential to take your medications exactly as prescribed. Missing doses can lead to drug resistance, which makes the virus harder to treat. If you experience side effects or have trouble adhering to your treatment plan, talk to your provider. They can adjust your medications or provide support to help you stay on track.

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. During these visits, your provider will check your viral load, CD4 count, and overall health to ensure your treatment is working effectively.

PrEP: HIV Prevention for a Healthier Future

If you’re at risk of contracting HIV, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a powerful tool for prevention. PrEP is a daily medication that reduces your risk of getting HIV by up to 99% when taken as prescribed.

Who Should Consider PrEP?

PrEP is recommended for individuals who:

• Have a partner living with HIV

• Engage in condomless sex

• Have multiple sexual partners

• Use injectable drugs or share needles

• Have been diagnosed with an STI in the past six months

Getting Started with PrEP

At LocalMD, we make it easy to start PrEP. Here’s what the process involves:

1. Consultation: Your provider will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors to determine if PrEP is right for you.

2. Testing: Before starting PrEP, you’ll need to test negative for HIV and screen for other STIs and kidney function.

3. Prescription: If you’re a good candidate for PrEP, your provider will prescribe the medication and explain how to take it.

4. Follow-Up: Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor your health and ensure PrEP is working effectively.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Whether you’re living with HIV or seeking to prevent it, LocalMD is here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to help you achieve your health goals.

Call us today to schedule your appointment or book online at https://localmd.nyc/. Let us partner with you on your journey to better health!