Question
Does the virus really have an ageing effect?
12 October 2010. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term.
I have a question on the ageing effect of the virus. Does the virus really have an ageing effect? How can this be prevented or reduced?
Now-a-days I appear to be old facially and even my hair has become white. I am almost 34 but I look like someone over 45. I was diagnosed five years ago and still have no health problem. I am not on medication.
Thank you for your valuable deeds!
Answer
Thank you for your question.
HIV and ageing is a relatively new area of research. Now that treatment is available people with HIV are beginning to live longer and associations between HIV and ageing are starting to show up. To read a great booklet all about HIV and ageing please follow this link
A technical article on some aspects of HIV and aging on the immune system can also be found at this link.
Unfortunately there is little known about how to prevent this ageing process. However, there are some things that can be done to reduce the affects such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol and recreational drug intake, exercising, eating a healthy balanced diet.
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