Famous People With Chronic Diseases Call For HIV Treatment: “Don’t Expect Anything” | Names

Renowned journalist, television presenter and traveler Orijus Gasanov believes that only COVID-19 has been discussed lately, and that all other illnesses have been relegated to the background.

Renowned musician Aleksandras Ivanauskas-Fara, the band’s leader Rondo, also agrees that while people were hiding from the coronavirus at home during quarantine, some of them lived with other chronic diseases.

“Many people have other diseases that they constantly live with. For example, I have diabetes. But I take medication, that’s why I control my disease and live without any concern. I have contributed to this educational initiative to be able to wish all people with chronic diseases ( cardiovascular, kidney or HIV) a treatment. Just take medicine, control the course of the disease and everything will be fine, “says A.Ivanauskas-Fara, who successfully controls diabetes.

“There are many people with chronic diseases that are incurable. I myself have bronchial asthma, but I am constantly in treatment and in total control of the disease. As a result, my life does not suffer in any way, I live fully and happily. People living with HIV can control their disease in the same way. So don’t expect anything, see a doctor and get the medicine you need, “invites O. Gasanov, who has asthma control and is actively living.

President of the Lithuanian Allergy and Asthma Association, allergy specialist and clinical immunologist. Violeta Kvedarienė agrees that HIV patients can enjoy life in the same way as people with asthma. By increasing your knowledge and the availability of specialized medical advice, both chronic diseases are manageable.

“People with chronic diseases can feel good, they are full members of society. For example, properly treated bronchial asthma does not have to change a patient’s lifestyle, in no way interferes with the beginning of a family or career, so no one avoids people with asthma because of this. Infectious physicians classify HIV as a chronic, currently treatable and non-fatal disease, therefore HIV patients should also feel good, “he says. associate professor Violeta Kvedarienė.

According to the infectious medicine prof. Raimonda Matulionytė, one of the reasons why patients do not receive treatment, is possibly the fear of confessing and being rejected, the statement said.

“In the past, HIV patients received different treatment, it was common to think that it was a marginal public disease. But now it is no longer the case, sick people from all walks of life, even those with prestigious jobs, beautiful families Due to the HIV diagnosis, neither the doctors who come into contact with such patients on a daily basis and always maintain their confidentiality, nor the relatives who, from my practice, are very supportive of the patients, “says Professor R. Matulionytė.

The doctor adds that not only has the attitude towards HIV changed, but also the treatment of the disease. In recent decades, great advances in medicine have made it possible for medications to reduce the amount of HIV in a patient’s blood to the point where it is no longer detectable and transmitted to others.

“HIV treatment today allows full control of infection, ensuring complete safety of individual and public health. This initiative makes it easier for patients to understand that HIV is a chronic controlled disease, just like high blood pressure or diabetes. So do not delay and consult a doctor, “urges the infectologist.

For personal medical advice, contact your healthcare provider.

“HIV as a chronic disease” is an educational initiative for patients, loved ones, and the public. The social initiative is implemented in cooperation with the non-governmental organization Demetra working in the field of HIV and the health care company GlaxoSmithKline Lietuva.