HIV/AIDS: Symptoms, Cause, Treatment, and Insurance in India

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) affects and weakens the body’s immune system. It attacks the CD4 immune cells, which fight infections in our body. If left untreated, HIV progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This is the part where the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and illnesses.

In India, an average of 24.01 lakh adults were living with HIV (PLHIV) in 2021, according to the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) 2021 HIV Estimates Fact Sheet. Despite having the world’s third-largest population living with HIV/AIDS, the national prevalence rate remains lower compared to many other countries. However, this doesn’t negate the importance of awareness and access to proper HIV/AIDS treatment. 

Read on to learn all about HIV/AIDS and how health insurance for HIV helps to manage it. 

HIV/AIDS Symptoms

HIV infection can remain symptomless for years. However, primary exposure (the acute HIV infection stage within weeks of contracting the virus) can cause flu-like symptoms, including:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Fatigue.
• Sore throat.
• General aches and pain.
• Rash.

As HIV progresses into a clinical latent infection stage (chronic HIV), these HIV/AIDS symptoms may resolve with treatment. This stage can last many years or even decades. The last stage of HIV is AIDS, where a weakened immune system causes accidental infections. The symptoms include:

• Recurring fever.
• Persistent fatigue.
• Swollen lymph nodes for extended periods.
• Rapid weight loss.
• Shingles.
• Chronic diarrhoea.
• Pneumonia.
• Blurred vision.

Not feeling sick or having no HIV/AIDS symptoms doesn’t mean you’re HIV-negative. Get tested—it’s the only way to be sure.

Causes of HIV

The virus spreads through bodily fluids—blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk—of an infected person through:

• Having intercourse (which can be oral, anal, or vaginal) without protection.
• Sharing needles or syringes .
• A mother to child, if she is HIV positive and not receiving treatment during pregnancy, delivery, or nursing.

However, here’s how HIV cannot spread:

• Saliva (unless there are open sores in the mouth).
• Bug bites.
• Casual contact by hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
• Donating blood.
• Using the same public bathrooms, swimming pools, or toiletstoilet.
• Sharing utensils.
• Having someone with HIV cough on you.

HIV/AIDS Treatment

There is no cure for HIV/AIDS yet. However, with proper treatment, HIV can be managed. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medications that suppress the virus. It prevents HIV from replicating and keeps your immune system healthy. Early detection and consistently taking your ART medication help manage HIV successfully.

While a cure isn’t available, prevention is key. The following are some steps to prevent getting sick in the first place:

• Practise safe sex; use condoms correctly.
• Don’t share needles or syringes.
• If you are pregnant with HIV, receive treatment to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to the baby.
• If you have a high risk of exposure, like intravenous drug users, consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that helps prevent HIV infection.

Health Insurance for HIV patients

While HIV/AIDS treatments can be manageable, they still require financial considerations. Estimates suggest the costs of ART can range from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per month, depending upon the severity of the condition, medications, and hospital stays. However, opportunistic diseases due to a weakened immune system can be more expensive. Fortunately, health insurance for HIV patients can now help manage these expenses.

Previously, most insurers excluded HIV/AIDS treatments. Thankfully, due to regulatory bodies and advancements in treatment, some companies now offer specific plans or riders for HIV/AIDS patients. These plans cover hospitalisation expenses, pre- and post-hospitalisation care, opportunistic infections arising from HIV, and even daycare procedures.   

However, limitations exist. Waiting periods of up to 48 months might apply before the coverage is active. Some plans exclude pre-existing conditions or lifestyle diseases not caused by HIV/AIDS.

The claim process for HIV/AIDS-related expenses is similar to other claims. In the case of hospitalisation, cashless facilities might be available at network hospitals. The claim process can be either reimbursement-based, where you pay upfront and claim later, or cashless, where the insurer settles the bill directly with the hospital. Pre-approval from the insurer may be required for planned procedures. Always refer to your specific policy documents for details.

Health insurance is a must for people living with HIV/AIDS. It provides financial security for potential medical emergencies and helps manage ongoing treatment costs. You can choose a plan that best suits your needs by understanding the inclusions, exclusions, and claim process.

Key Takeaways

HIV/AIDS is a severe condition, but with proper treatment and management, people living with HIV can live healthily. Health insurance makes HIV/AIDS treatments accessible and affordable. Understanding the HIV/AIDS symptoms, treatment options, and how health insurance can support your needs helps in early diagnosis, adherence to treatment plans, and access to quality healthcare. For comprehensive support in managing HIV/AIDS, consider using PhonePe to find health insurance plans that make treatment more affordable and accessible.