HIV and hepatitisMrs Dr. Olah brings her expertise in these conditions from many years of working at a Hamburg center for infectious disease and HIV focus practice. Our practice is officially licensed to provide specialized care for patients with HIV infection/AIDS. We offer a special infectious diseases consultation for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases and liver diseases. Appointments can be made by phone (04131) 46 0 46 or online.
HIV/AIDS
HIV is a sog. Retrovirus that severely compromises the immune system in humans by destroying the number of T-helper cells in the blood. These are important components of the immune system to defend against infections. After infection, most patients experience several years without symptoms or disease. If the infection is not detected in time, a pronounced immune deficiency occurs and there is a risk of so-called HIV-associated diseases or opportunistic infections, which by definition correspond to the stage AIDS. These diseases are potentially life-threatening. Requires rapid therapy.
It is therefore important to learn about the HIV infection at an early stage so that appropriate therapies can be started. Thanks to the modern therapy options available today, the progression of the disease can be treated well. A well adjusted HIV therapy also prevents the sexual transmission of the virus to the partner. All other social contacts – except for blood/sexual contacts – generally do not constitute a risk of infection. The aim of treatment is to suppress the virus in its multiplication so that the viral load in the blood becomes "negative". Scientific progress confirms the hope that early drug therapy leads to a largely normal life expectancy. Most patients today tolerate the drugs well. Are not relevantly impaired in their quality of life. The therapy should be monitored by regular laboratory controls in a medical center specialized in HIV/an HIV focus practice. HIV infection is now a chronic disease that is easily treatable, but requires long-term therapy.
PreExposureProphylaxis (PrEP)
"Pre-exposure prophylaxis" (PrEP) means a drug-based prevention of possible contact with HIV. HIV medication is taken on a regular basis or as needed. This method is suitable to reduce the risk of HIV infection for HIV-negative persons of corresponding risk groups. PrEP protects against HIV infection but not against other sexually transmitted diseases. The costs of PrEP are covered by the health insurance companies.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viruses. Rarely, however, drugs, bacteria, alcohol or disorders of the immune system may also be possible triggers.
The most important viruses are hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. The Hepatitis A and E usually run acutely and heal, the infection occurs through contaminated drinking water or food as well as smear infections. There is a vaccination against hepatitis A.
The Hepatitis B (D) and C are transmitted through direct blood contact, unprotected sexual intercourse, and rarely, in the case of hepatitis B, through household contacts. They can be chronic. Hepatitis B can be protected against by vaccination.
In the Hepatitis C there is no vaccination, but treatment options have improved significantly in recent years, increasing the chances of cure to>95% for many patients with a chronic course. Please contact us if you have any questions or if appropriate therapy is needed. We can also perform the available vaccinations as well as laboratory diagnostics.