HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, reducing its ability to fight off infections and diseases. It's primarily spread through unprotected sex and sharing needles. Regular HIV testing is crucial for early detection.

What are common early symptoms of HIV?

Early symptoms of HIV infection, appearing two to four weeks after exposure, can include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers, resembling flu-like symptoms.

What treatment options does Spectrum Medical offer for HIV?

Spectrum Medical provides personalized antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a daily regimen of HIV medicines tailored to control the infection, manage symptoms, and reduce the likelihood of transmission. The goal is to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load.

What does 'undetectable = untransmittable' mean?

This principle signifies that people with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load through treatment cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. Regular blood tests and medical examinations are conducted to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

How does Spectrum Medical support HIV patients?

Beyond medication, Spectrum Medical's HIV care includes testing, personalized treatment, support, and preventative care for patients and their partners. They also offer community outreach with free HIV and STI testing across Maricopa County and after-hours testing through the Testing After Dark program.

HIV treatment & care

As an AAHIVM-certified practice, Spectrum Medical offers advanced, state-of-the-art treatment for HIV patients. We actively participate in HIV treatment research and provide treatment options customized for each patient’s unique needs to achieve unmatched results.

Personalized treatment and support.

Spectrum Medical provides HIV care beyond just medication. Our HIV care includes testing, personalized treatment and support, and preventative care for patients and their partners.

What is HIV?

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a viral infection that attacks the immune system, weakening its ability to fight infections and diseases. It is most commonly spread through unprotected sex and sharing needles. Regular testing for HIV is crucial for early detection, especially since some people may not know they’re infected.

Common early symptoms of HIV.

Within two to four weeks of HIV infection, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as:

Fever
Chills
Rash
Night sweats
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Mouth ulcers

Treatment designed for you

Early detection is essential. While we cannot cure HIV, we can manage it effectively. Treatment focuses on daily antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of HIV medicines known as an HIV regimen. This personalized treatment aims to achieve several important goals:

Control the Infection
- ART helps control the HIV infection, preventing it from advancing to AIDS.
Symptom Management
- Manage HIV-related symptoms, promoting a better quality of life.
Prevent Transmission
- While ART cannot cure HIV, it significantly improves the prognosis for individuals with HIV and helps reduce the likelihood of spreading HIV to others.

Undetectable = Untransmittable.

Throughout your treatment, we regularly conduct blood tests and medical examinations to ensure that your medication effectively controls your viral load (the amount of HIV virus in your blood). People who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV to others.

Your partner in health.

Whether it’s through testing or specialized care, Spectrum Medical is here to support YOU. Through our community outreach program, we offer free HIV and STI testing at events across Maricopa County, as well as testing after business hours with our Testing After Dark program.