A Guide to HIV Stages & Common Symptoms

A Guide to HIV Symptoms and Stages

Identify Common Symptoms at Each Stage of HIV

How would you know if you had HIV? The reality is that might be more common than you’d assume. According to HIV.gov, approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. currently live with HIV – and 13 percent of them are unaware of their status.

With those staggering numbers, understanding the symptoms is more important than ever. Early detection can make all the difference in managing the disease and living a healthy life.

This guide is here to help you recognize the symptoms of HIV at every stage. Whether you’re at risk and need to get on PrEP, have been exposed and are still within the window of time for PEP to be effective, or is you are living with HIV, this information will empower you to take control of your health.

The 4 Stages & Symptoms of HIV

HIV infection progresses through several stages, each with its own unique set of symptoms. The four main stages of HIV are:

  1. Acute HIV Infection
  2. Clinical Latency Stage
  3. Symptomatic HIV Infection
  4. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Recognizing symptoms early is key. It allows for timely intervention, which can slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life prognosis.

HIV Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection

Acute HIV Infection, also known as primary or acute retroviral syndrome (ARS), occurs within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to the virus. During this early stage, the HIV virus multiplies rapidly, and the body’s immune system begins to respond.

Think of this stage as the virus launching an all-out attack on your body. Your immune system responds with a fever and other symptoms as it tries to fight off the infection.

If you experience the HIV symptoms below after potential exposure, it’s important to get tested right away. Early detection can lead to early treatment, which can help manage the virus effectively.

Common Stage 1 HIV Symptoms:

  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, body aches)
  • Rash
  • Night sweats
  • Swollen lymph nodes

HIV Stage 2: Clinical Latency Stage (Chronic HIV)

The Clinical Latency Stage, sometimes called chronic HIV, is when the virus is still active but reproduces at very low levels. Imagine this stage as a “quiet phase” in the body, where the virus is lying low but still present. It’s like a cold war, with the virus waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to continue with treatment and regular check-ups. The virus can still cause damage to your immune system during this stage. This stage can last for several years, even decades, especially with proper treatment.

Common Stage 2 HIV Symptoms:

  • Often asymptomatic
  • Mild symptoms like persistent swollen lymph nodes

HIV Stage 3: Symptomatic HIV Infection

As the virus continues to multiply, the immune system begins to weaken, leading to more severe symptoms. This stage is known as Symptomatic HIV Infection.

With the immune system under stress, it becomes easier for other infections to take hold. This is why you may experience more frequent or severe symptoms.

Managing symptoms through continued treatment is vital. There are many medications available that can help maintain your quality of life and prevent the virus from progressing.

Common Stage 3 HIV Symptoms:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Oral yeast infections (thrush)
  • Shingles
  • Recurring fevers

HIV Stage 4: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. At this point, the immune system is significantly impacted and the body can no longer fight off infections and diseases effectively — meaning even minor infections can become life-threatening.

Aggressive treatment is necessary at this stage. While there is no cure for HIV, proper medical care can still extend life and improve quality of life.

Common Stage 4 HIV Symptoms:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
  • Extreme and unexplained tiredness
  • Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands
  • Persistent infections
  • Neurological disorders

Having HIV Symptoms? Early Action Improves Outcomes

While there are highly effective HIV prevention methods available, if you have been exposed, recognizing the symptoms of HIV at each stage is essential for managing the disease and maintaining your health. Early detection and treatment are key to living a long, healthy life with HIV.

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, don’t wait. You could be a good candidate for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis treatment. Confirm your status by getting tested today.

Reach out to your HIV provider for support and to learn about your treatment options. With the right treatment plan, you can live a fulfilling life even with an HIV diagnosis. You’re not alone. To schedule an appointment with Erin Everett, AAHIVS, contact her today!

Different Types of HIV Tests, Explained

Different Types of HIV Tests Available and Their Accuracy

An Overview of the Different Types of HIV Tests Available

HIV testing not only helps confirm your status, but also plays a key role in preventing the spread of the virus. Here’s what you need to know about the different HIV testing options and what to do after you receive your results.

There are several types of HIV tests available, each with its own advantages. Knowing your options can help you choose the test that’s right for you:

Antibody/Antigen Tests

This is the most common type of HIV test. It detects both HIV antibodies and antigens in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your body produces in response to an infection, while antigens are part of the virus itself.

This test can usually detect HIV within 18 to 45 days after exposure, making it a reliable option for early detection.

Rapid HIV Tests

As the name suggests, rapid tests provide results quickly – often within 30 minutes. These tests can be done with blood or oral fluid and are convenient for those who want quick answers.

While rapid tests are accurate, a positive result should be followed up with a more comprehensive test to confirm the diagnosis.

Home HIV Testing Kits

At-home HIV testing offers the privacy and convenience of testing at home. There are two types: a mail-in test, where you collect a sample and send it to a lab, and a rapid self-test, which gives you results in about 20 minutes.

Home tests are a good option for those who prefer not to visit a clinic, but it’s important to follow up with a healthcare provider if you receive a positive result.

Interpreting HIV Test Results

Once you’ve taken the test, understanding the results is the next step:

Negative HIV Result

A negative result means that no signs of HIV were found in your sample. However, if you were recently exposed to the virus, it’s important to remember that it can take time for HIV to be detectable.

If you think you were exposed within the last few weeks, consider getting tested again in a few months or consult your healthcare provider for advice.

Positive HIV Result

A positive test result indicates that HIV is present in your body. However, a positive result from a rapid test or home test should be confirmed with a follow-up test. Your healthcare provider and/or HIV Specialist will likely recommend an additional blood test to confirm the diagnosis.

It’s important not to panic. HIV is a manageable condition, and early treatment can significantly improve your health outcomes.

Indeterminate or Invalid Result

In rare cases, your test might return an indeterminate or invalid result, meaning the test didn’t provide a clear answer. If this happens, your healthcare provider will recommend retesting.

What to Do if You Test Positive for HIV

If you test positive for HIV, take prompt action. Acting fast will protect your health and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

And remember, with the right care and treatment plan, patients with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

Step #1: Start Treatment Immediately

Early treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is vital. ART helps control the virus in your body, keeping your immune system strong and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop an HIV treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Step #2: Notify Recent Partners

It’s important to inform any recent sexual partners or individuals with whom you’ve shared needles so they can get tested. This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s necessary for their health and safety. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on how to approach this conversation and may also provide resources for partner notification services.

Step #3: Seek Support

Learning that you have HIV can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to seek support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can help you navigate the emotional and practical aspects of living with HIV.

Step #4: Follow Up Regularly

Regular follow-up appointments with your primary healthcare provider are essential for monitoring your health and adjusting your treatment plan as needed. Staying on top of your health is the best way to ensure that HIV remains a manageable part of your life.

Prevention & Getting Tested for HIV in Atlanta

If you are at a higher risk of contracting HIV, it is important to know you do have highly-effective prevention methods such as using Condoms or taking PrEP or PEP medications to reduce your risk of contracting the virus.

If you are located in metro Atlanta and believe you’ve been exposed to HIV, contact Erin Everett, NP-C, AAHIVS, right away to schedule an appointment for HIV testing. Early detection and treatment are absolutely essential to manage the disease process, and to decrease the spread of the virus to others.

Remember, living with HIV doesn’t have to diminish your quality of life. Proper HIV treatment and regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can greatly improve your outcome, letting you live a normal, happy life for years to come.

Health At Every Size: Finding a Provider Attuned to the HAES Movement

HAES Movement: Find a Healthy At Every Size Healthcare Provider in Atlanta

It’s important to find a health care provider who will promote your individual health based on your individual needs, and this includes the needs of your specific body.

Health at Every Size (HAES) seeks to support body positivity and acceptance of all body types, instead of the notion of one body type or size as the universal ideal.

Dieting and body shaming can be extremely harmful to individual health and ignorant of diverse lifestyles and identities, despite mainstream culture’s obsession with weight control and weight loss. HAES seeks to remedy that harm through a new way to look at overall health.

What is the HAES Movement?

Founded by Dr. Lindo Bacon, Health at Every Size, or HAES, is a body acceptance movement and conversation about health from a holistic standpoint, looking at not just a person’s physical health and wellbeing, but also their psychological, spiritual, and relational health and wellbeing.

By engaging in the HAES movement, individuals and healthcare practitioners promote the idea that all bodies are good bodies and reject the notion that one type of body is ideal or healthiest. HAES promotes individual health based on individual body wisdom — the idea that individuals will be healthiest when they listen to their body’s particular needs and adjust health behaviors accordingly.

HAES Movement’s 5 Principles

HAES operates based on five major principles:

Weight Inclusivity

This principle is all about accepting and honoring bodies of all diverse shapes and sizes and rejecting the notion that one type of body or weight is ideal. The HAES movement also rejects body shaming of any kind, focusing on all around health rather than surface-level judgments of health based on appearance or weight.

Health Enhancement

This principle refers to the idea that health care providers should support health policies that offer equality of information and services and provide people with wellness support emotionally, spiritually, physically, socially, and economically. Overall health and wellbeing should be accessible to all people.

Respectful Care

Based on this principle, health services and information should be given with respect to the effects different identities and backgrounds have an affect on the way weight is stigmatized in society, acknowledging the harmful effects of weight bias, stigma, and discrimination. Those with a HAES mindset also seek to support environments that help to address inequities based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

Eating for Well-Being

This principle focuses on embracing flexible eating habits to help support individual hunger, nutritional needs, satiety, and pleasure. HAES does not promote externally regulated eating regimens based on weight control.

Life-Enhancing Movement

This principle seeks to promote physical activities that allow people of various abilities, sizes, and interests to engage in movement they enjoy, to the degree they choose to participate.

Why is the HAES Movement Important?

The idea of Health at Every Size is crucial for the equitable care of patients who come from all different identity backgrounds, ability levels, shapes, and sizes and thus have bodies with different needs.

HAES is about respecting all individuals and seeking to find health solutions that suit the individual and not the imagined majority.

Promoting Social Justice

Since health care has not historically been equally accessible to all people, HAES seeks to challenge the notion that one body shape, size, color, etc. is ideal for optimal health. Instead, every body has its own needs based on a myriad of factors that health care providers should take into consideration.

Meanwhile, HAES as a movement helps people understand that making individual choices and changes to reach a certain size is often a class privilege. There are certain choices and lifestyle changes not everyone can afford to make.

As a result, HAES seeks to help individuals find their healthy body and mind based on the parameters of their individual circumstances.

Healing Past Harm

Previous ideas about health have suggested that all people should seek to see a certain number on the scale or strive for a specific body type, which leads to body shaming, weight stigma, and weight discrimination.

Weight control as a blanket remedy for health concerns can also lead to self-loathing in patients and harmful effects on individuals and society as a whole.

A person who is a certain size or shape is not necessarily unhealthy, and HAES seeks to educate providers and patients about individual health factors, rather than an idealized version of a healthy body.

Finding a HAES Provider in Atlanta

When providing treatment plans and health care advice for patients, providers with a HAES mindset will take a person’s entire self into consideration, encouraging that person to make decisions based on their individual body’s ability, shape, size, and needs.

Rather than promote one body type or an overall advice plan of weight loss, these types of providers will be better equipped to address previous inequities in health care by looking at a patient’s entire self. These providers will also address an individual’s spiritual, mental, and social health, beyond just their physical health.

Erin Everett, NP-C, AAHIVS has become one of the go-to HAES-based primary care providers in the Atlanta area. She is committed to treating each individual patient with the respect and personalized attention they deserve to find health solutions that work best for their body and lifestyle.

Check out Erin’s Podcast interview with Dr. Lindo Bacon, where the two discuss Lindo’s new book “Radical Belonging: How to Survive and Thrive in an Unjust World (While Transforming it for the Better).

Difference Between PrEP vs. PEP for HIV Prevention

Difference Between PrEP and PEP for HIV Prevention

You’ve likely heard about both PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention. These treatments are proven effective in preventing HIV transmission, but with one very important distinction: one is for pre-exposure, while the other is for post-exposure to HIV.

In turn, while both have similar objectives, the differences in PrEP vs. PEP for HIV prevention depend on the individual and whether or not they’ve already been exposed. Below we share more information about both options, what you need to know about each treatment, and how you can access them through your health provider.

What is PrEP?

The acronym PrEP might help you remember the main difference between PrEP and PEP, which is that PrEP is a medication designed to prevent an individual from getting HIV before they’ve even been exposed to the virus.

PrEP stands for preexposure prophylaxis. This medication is designed to help prevent individuals from getting HIV if they take it before being exposed.

PrEP Medications

We use two different medicines for PrEP: Truvada and Descovy.

Both of these medications require patients to take one tablet, once a day and have been shown to be up to 98% effective at preventing HIV when taken daily, as prescribed.

It is important to note that Descovy is not approved for use among cisgendered women.

PrEP Side Effects

Common side effects from taking the PrEP medication Truvada include a slight increase in bowel movements, an upset stomach, headaches, and dry mouth.

However, those side effects usually subside within two to four weeks. If side effects continue any longer, we will have a conversation with a patient and decide if we want to try Descovy.

Though the side effects are similar with both medications, some patients notice negative side effects when they take one but not the other. So we will work with patients to find out which works best for them.

How well does PrEP work?

Both Truvada and Descovy offer a high rate of effectiveness. If patients take Truvada daily, as prescribed, they should experience a 98% to 99% of effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission. Keep in mind, the rate of effectiveness drops to about 74% when you’re sharing IV needles.

Patients should also use a backup form of contraceptives and protection for at least the first seven days using PrEP if engaging in anal sex and about 21 days if engaging in vaginal sex.

Also, PrEP does not prevent other forms of sexually transmitted diseases and infections, so patients should still use some form of barrier protection whenever possible even when taking PrEP.

Finally, patients should know that even with a high rate of efficacy, PrEP does not eliminate all risk. Consider PrEP like wearing a seatbelt, which protects you during an accident, but does not guarantee you will be 100% safe when driving or riding in a car.

Who should take PrEP?

1. Receptive Partners in Penetrative Intercourse

PrEP is recommended for individuals engaging in penetrative sex who receive penetration. HIV is a fragile virus, so it doesn’t live outside the body or in contact with oxygen for long. That means when it comes to sexual activity, anyone who receives, or gets penetrated either anally or vaginally, during intercourse is more likely to contract the virus.

2. Individuals Using Intravenous Drugs and Sharing Needles

Anyone who injects IV drugs or shares needles is also recommended to take PrEP. The bevel or tip of a needle protects the HIV virus in the blood, so if someone has HIV and uses a needle, the tip of the needle maintains a portion of that person’s blood that can be shared to the next person who uses it.

3. Individuals with Multiple Sexual Partners

Those who engage in sex with multiple different partners are also recommended to take PrEP. Essentially, anytime you increase the number of individuals you have sexual intercourse with, you are also increasing your risk of contracting HIV.

Have an honest conversation about PrEP with your provider.

It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your provider about your sexual activities and whether you use intravenous needles and might be at risk of contracting HIV.

Even if you are worried that you won’t be able to afford PrEP without insurance, you should still talk to your healthcare provider, because there are now programs and options available to help individuals without insurance take PrEP for HIV prevention.

Follow up with your provider every three months.

You should also be making follow-up appointments with your provider every three months. There are a few reasons for this.

  • PrEP is still only 98 to 99% effective, so patients still have a 1 to 2% chance of getting HIV while taking PrEP.
  • Patients who are engaging in behavior that would require them to take PrEP might also contract other STIs or STDs, in which case a follow-up every three months will help your provider treat that infection and help you discover how and where you might have gotten it.
  • Patients need to get bloodwork done to monitor kidney function while taking PrEP. Though kidney function usually goes back to normal when patients stop taking PrEP, the numbers we test for kidney function sometimes show up differently, but this could be due to different factors not related to kidney function. Either way, follow-up appointments help providers make sure you’re healthy and that the PrEP is working for you.

Cost of PrEP

PrEP medications have pretty good commercial coverage, so your insurance should cover the cost. But if it doesn’t cover it, or if your deductible hasn’t been met, we direct patients to the Gilead advancing access program. You can apply by visiting GileadAdvancingAccess.com and filling out a simple application form.

The Gilead copay card helps patients pay for their PrEP treatment. So, make sure your PrEP goes through insurance first, and then whatever copay is leftover should get paid by your Gilead copay card. And, once you meet your deductible, your insurance should cover the entire cost.

What is PEP?

While PrEP helps prevent HIV infection prior to exposure, PEP helps to treat patients who have been exposed to HIV.

PEP stands for post exposure prophylaxis. So, the main difference here is that PEP is for patients who have already been exposed to HIV and need treatment to prevent transmission.

It’s important to note that patients who think they have been exposed to HIV have a 72-hour window from the time of exposure to take PEP for the treatment to be effective.

PEP Medications

PEP is actually a combination of drugs. Truvada, which is used as a form of PrEP, can be a component of PEP as well. We also add another HIV drug, and which one we use depends on the patient, their insurance coverage, and needs.

Usually, at our practice, we prescribe either Truvada and Descovy along with dolutegravir, which is an integrase inhibitor and great for HIV treatment. When these medications are dosed together, patients can reduce their risk of contracting HIV by more than 80%.

You can also take raltegravir, but patients have to take that medication twice a day, whereas they can take the mix of Truvada and dolutegravir only once a day, which is easier to remember. If you think you have been exposed to HIV, you will take these medications for 28 days and then do repeat testing.

PEP Side Effects

PEP side effects are similar to PrEP side effects, as in you might experience gastrointestinal issues, headaches, or changes in your sleep patterns. However, these side effects tend to subside within the first few days of taking the medication and definitely by two weeks.

Since the treatment is only 28 days, mild side effects are usually bearable for patients who are worried about HIV exposure.

How well does PEP work?

PEP can only work when you take it within the 72-hour window of possible exposure to HIV. Then, when patients follow the prescribed dose and take their medications daily for 28 days, they reduce their risk of transmission by 80%.

Follow up with your provider.

If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, you’ll start taking PEP within that 72-hour window and then take it for 28 days. At your first appointment, you’ll also get tested for syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis A, B, and C, as well as HIV. If you’re a cisgendered female, you will take a pregnancy test as well.

After that, you will follow up with your provider to take additional tests for HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea. If you are a cis female, you’ll likely take another pregnancy test. This follow up appointment is super important, as it will show whether the PEP treatment worked to prevent HIV.

Cost of PEP

The process of getting PEP treatments covered is similar to PrEP. You can still apply for the Gilead Advancing Access Program.

Make sure that when you go to get your PEP treatment, you go to an experienced provider, HIV specialist, or urgent care clinic that understands the urgency of getting this treatment to you. You shouldn’t face barriers to access, as you need to take the treatment within that 72-hour window of exposure.

PrEP and PEP Providers: No Judgment Zone

You deserve to have access to PrEP and PEP to prevent HIV transmission, because you deserve to have an active sex life without any judgment from your medical providers or barriers to health treatments.

That’s why your provider should offer you a judgment-free zone. Contact me if you have any questions about PrEP or PEP for HIV prevention or need help navigating any concern regarding HIV prevention or treatment. I am here to help.

Informed Consent HRT: What You Need to Know

Informed Consent HRT Atlanta: What You Need to Know

One of the questions most often asked about receiving hormone replacement therapy is whether or not we offer Informed Consent.

Erin Everett, NP-C is one of the few providers in the Atlanta area offering Informed Consent for the purpose of transgender hormone replacement therapy. Below, I provide some greater detail on what Informed Consent HRT means, and what to expect at your first visit to our practice.

What is Informed Consent?

At its most basic level in a healthcare setting, Informed Consent is a legal document that is used to outline a patient’s consent to have a procedure or receive a specific medication or treatment plan. By signing the Informed Consent document, the patient is confirming they are fully aware of all the implications of that procedure or treatment plan, as well as the risks and side effects of the taking of certain medications.

It is common for patients to sign Informed Consent documents before undergoing surgery, or in the case of transgender patients being treated at our practice, signing Informed Consent before receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Depending on the type of transition a patient is desiring (MtF or FtM) the Informed Consent will be different and will cover the hormones that will be taken during the process. For patients who identify as non-binary, we provide them with the appropriate consent based on the hormone being dosed.

Informed Consent HRT for 18+ Patients

It is critically important to note that I can only offer Informed Consent for patients who are 18-years and older, since patients younger than that do not have rights to sign their own consent, and must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign the Informed Consent for them.

In fact, I only treat patients over the age of 18, for both primary care and/or hormone replacement therapy, but there are other clinics in Atlanta that do.

Do You need a Therapy Letter before Informed Consent HRT?

It’s not uncommon for some HRT providers to prefer their patients to have a therapy letter, prior to receiving transgender HRT. Some providers prefer to have a mental health care provider document the patient’s readiness for medical transition. Other providers also utilize this approach in order to document the journey/timeline of gender incongruence.

While you are NOT required to have a therapy letter before starting Informed Consent HRT with me, I recommend that all of my patients see a mental health care provider — especially once they’ve decided to undergo hormone replacement therapy.

When it comes to wanting to transition, most of my patients have felt this way for a long time, and clearly do have gender dysphoria, but mental health care is so important to help as any patient undergoes hormone replacement therapy. My background and training in psychology allows me to practice more comfortably with certain diagnostic criteria that other providers may not be as well versed in.

What Does the Informed Consent Process Entail?

Informed Consent Review

Before I even meet with a hormone replacement therapy patient for the first time, I go ahead and draft a personalized Informed Consent document to go over with them in person.

During the initial visit, we go through the Informed Consent document together, allowing the patient to ask any questions they may have before signing it. The document lists risks, benefits, the expected time frame, and the expected physical changes of taking hormones. The document also covers the emotional changes that might occur.

Our Informed Consent also includes a schedule of follow-ups and bloodwork, because it’s very important that patients come in for follow-ups to make sure that there are no negative side effects occurring from the hormones.

We can not, in good conscience, refill any hormones if we have not made sure that a patient’s health is in good condition, and that they are not suffering from any negative side-effects from the hormones.

Signing the Informed Consent HRT Document

After I’ve gone through an Informed Consent document with a patient, I go ahead and leave the room and get a support staff member to come in and witness the patient’s signature on the consent.

This witness is simply there to verify that the patient signed the document on their own, that I didn’t make them sign it or force them to sign it in any way.

It’s impossible to witness someone’s level of comprehension of the consent, so I stress to patients that once they’ve signed the consent, they are confirming that they have understood all the information on the consent form and are ready to begin treatment.

Once the patient and the witness sign the document, the Informed Consent demonstrates the patient’s understanding of the treatment and its implications.

Next Steps Following Informed Consent

Once the patient has signed their Informed Consent HRT document, we are ready to begin the medical transition. I am present with my patients along the way and available for any and all follow up questions and concerns.

The transition looks different for different people, depending on their goals. We develop an individualized HRT plan, draw blood work and, in most cases, my patient leaves with a prescription for their medications.

We ensure patients have the necessary training to administer their medications safely, this is a well documented process and by doing this we can make sure the patient is supported every step of the way!

To schedule an appointment to discuss Informed Consent HRT, please contact my office.

Introducing the Exclusively Inclusive Podcast!

I am BEYOND excited to announce the launching of my brand new podcast, Exclusively Inclusive!

As a life-long Ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and after having the privilege of providing high quality, judgment-free healthcare for this population for the last several years, I wanted to take make a bigger impact.

By launching the Exclusively Inclusive podcast, I hope to provide the most up-to-date information on healthcare issues impacting the community for listeners beyond the metro Atlanta area. It is my personal goal to reach listeners across America and the world who might struggling with access to care and to arm them with the knowledge to help advocate for themselves throughout their healthcare journeys.

The primary topics I will cover on the podcast include healthcare issues surrounding:

  • Transgender Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • General Primary Care
  • HIV Prevention & Treatment
  • Gender Dysphoria
  • Transgender Surgeries
  • Cost of Healthcare & Insurance
  • Sexual Health

The podcast will feature not just myself, but also local/national experts in healthcare specialties such as:

Again, I can’t tell you how excited I am to launch this podcast, and I hope you’ll give it a listen. I’d also love to hear your feedback on the show, and any questions you might have that I could potentially answer during a segment.

Follow the Podcast!

Website: https://exclusivelyinclusivepodcast.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/InclusiveCast

Instagram: https://instagram.com/exclusivelyinclusivepodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExclusivelyInclusive

Alternative Perspectives Interview on Transgender Healthcare

AlternativeTalk.org Podcast on Transgender Healthcare

Recently, Erin Everett, NP-C, AAHIVS, and Dr. Joseph Smiddy of Druid Hills Primary Care were guests on the Gregg Bossen’s Alternative Perspectives podcast.

During the episode, Mr. Bossen asked questions regarding gender dysphoria, transgender rights, access to healthcare, as well as some of the ins-and-outs of hormone replacement therapy.

To listen to the entire episode, visit AlternativeTalk.org.

Sexual Health: The Missing Link in Primary Care

Health promotion and disease prevention are hot topics in primary care these days. With changes in healthcare, employers are being rewarded for keeping their employees low risk for chronic illness. Incentives include discounts for non-tobacco users and deposits into the health savings account for having low cholesterol, A1C, and regular Blood Pressure checks to reduce Hypertension.

Healthcare incentives are a great way to encourage a healthier lifestyle, and hopefully over time statistics will show they work to reduce healthcare costs long term. However, I believe these measures omit an incredibly important aspect of a person’s overall health. Too often people overlook sexual health when discussing health promotion and risk reduction.

With Atlanta having one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses and other STI transmissions it is imperative we include sexual health in the overall discussion in primary care.

Promoting HIV Prevention with PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily oral prescription medication (Truvada) used for the prevention of HIV infection. Commercial healthcare insurance providers cover PrEP, and many state funded programs are available to improve access to PrEP. However, many primary care providers have little information on what PrEP is, or think it is just for men who have sex with men. Arming providers with the information they need to prescribe and manage PrEP will allow patients greater access to HIV prevention.

Having conversations about sexual health with your patient may uncover concerns about HIV prevention and also other potential sexual health risk factors. With the rise of antibiotic resistance, it is important to emphasize all STI prevention along with HIV. PrEP advocates also promote barrier methods of STI prevention. It’s important for patients to know they have options.

Be Open with Your Primary Care Provider

Primary care providers, talk to your patients about their sexual health. Ask who they are sleeping with and what kind of behaviors they are engaging in, because preventing HIV and STIs is as important as reducing the risk of coronary artery disease.

Patients, if your primary care provider is not having these discussions with you then bring it up during your next visit. If you do not feel comfortable having these discussions with your provider, it may be time to seek out a new one, because understanding the whole picture of your health is critically important.

If you know anyone who is interested in starting on PrEP for HIV prevention, or wants to know more, feel free to contact me.

Choose Health, Choose the Right Nurse Practitioner for You

When I talk to patients about what it means to be healthy, the responses I receive are largely varied. For some people it means preventing illness and maintaining their current level of functioning, for others it means avoiding a hospital visit this month, quarter, or year.

Health goals vary greatly depending on the age of the patient as well. Adolescents have a much different view of health versus seniors. In order to truly meet and identify what your health goals are, it is important to meet with a practitioner who you trust and can form a strong relationship with. Finding a practitioner who understands your needs, your current health status, and where you see yourself advancing health wise, is essential to your overall wellness.

Tips for Choosing the Right Nurse Practitioner

  1. Take a moment to write down your health goals. Is is weight loss? Better nutrition? Decreasing medications such as blood pressure pills? Having increased mobility?
  2. Once you have identified your individual needs, start asking friends who they see and what they like about their nurse practitioner. Is it that they take the time to explain options? Do they call after hours with lab results? Think about what is most important for you with your relationship with a healthcare provider.
  3. Decide whether or not you are comfortable with alternative therapies or prefer a more traditional approach, or both. Some nurse practitioners heavily subscribe to alternative therapies, while even more stick with traditional medicine. Sometimes finding the right combination of the two is what a patient really desires. Not quick to prescribe antibiotics or chronic meds, but also wary of letting conditions get out of hand.
  4. Find a primary healthcare provider who you can speak open and honestly with. If you do not feel comfortable sharing everything with your provider then it is time to look for a new one. One of the riskiest health decisions you can make is to withhold health information from your primary care providers.

Remember, we are here to serve you and your healthcare needs, not to pass judgement on you. Make sure you keep looking until you find the right nurse practitioner and primary care provider for you!