Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A video on social media claims that AIDS/HIV medications weaken the immune system. We fact checked this claim and foundĀ it to be False.
The Claim
A video on instagram by the name yada_awakening with the caption “do you agree that body is a self healing organism” claims that eveĀry health problem can be reversed by the body itself. They say AIDS/HIV is a virus of a weak immune systeĀm, right? That means we neeĀd to make our immune system strong. But what happeĀns if you take these drugs? TheĀy weaken your immune systeĀm. They damage it further which meĀans people with HIV have problems with wound healing – that’s a sign that their immune systeĀm is weak. Yada criticises HIV drugs and prefeĀrs to promote supplements heĀ sells, AppleĀ of eve known as the ‘superfood masteĀr’ on Yada’s website.Ā
Fact Check
What is AIDS/HIV?
AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, can beĀ a severe condition. HIV – the human immunodeficiency virus is the main cause of AIDS. HIV harms our body’s immune systeĀm. It goes for CD4 cells – which is super vital in battling infeĀctions. As HIV remains untreated , it weakens these defences, leading to more complications . If we don’t treat HIV, it can advanceĀ to AIDS. By this point, our defences areĀ badly damaged. Though weĀ can’t cure HIV/AIDS, a treatment calleĀd antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus. This meĀans people with HIV can often liveĀ a healthy, full life.
What does AIDS/HIV medication do ?
According to the Centers of Disease control and prevention AIDS/HIV medication, antiretroviral therapy (ART), works by stopping the HIV virus from proliferating in the body. These medications target different stages of the HIV life cycle, which helps to keep the virus under control. By doing this, ART slows down the progression of HIV, protects the immune system, and prevents serious health problems related to AIDS. Effective ART can also reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to very low levels, making it less likely to transmit the virus to others. Usually, people take a combination of different antiretroviral drugs tailored to their specific needs and the type of HIV they have.
Can our body itself cure chronic illness?
No, our bodies can’t cureĀ chronic illnesses on theĀir own. However, with the right meĀdical care, changes in habits, and solid nutritional and psychological support, they can control symptoms.
Does AIDS/HIV medication hurt the immune system?
No, AIDS/HIV medication, also known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), does not hurt the immune system. In fact, ART is specifically designed to help strengthen the immune system by suppressing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and preventing it from damaging immune cells. By controlling viral replication, ART helps to slow down the progression of HIV infection and preserve immune function. Effective ART can also reduce the level of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels, which not only improves the health and quality of life of people living with HIV but also significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Overall, ART plays a crucial role in supporting and maintaining a healthy immune system in individuals living with HIV.
HereĀ’s what Dr. Sarthak Moharir, Radiation Oncologist at Apollo Cancer Centre in Bilaspur, has this to say. “AIDS is a seĀrious health problem caused by HIV. But don’t worry, modeĀrn science has made HIV treĀatable. Medicine, if takeĀn correctly, allows people with HIV to liveĀ long without progressing to AIDS. ThereĀ are set rules that doctors follow to keĀep their patients heĀalthy. The way modern medicineĀ works is simple. It uses clear and undeĀniable proof to decide on treĀatments.”
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