Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy

While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly decreased the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in patients with HIV, the risk remains elevated compared to the general population. Certain aggressive lymphoma subtypes, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, and central nervous system lymphoma, are more prevalent. Emphasize to your patients the importance of consistent HIV treatment in mitigating HIV-associated cancer risks and encourage them to promptly report any concerning health changes. Learn more about how HIV increases the risk of cancer: https://lnkd.in/gcX6Ryv9 #HIV #LymphomaAwarenessMonth

Earlier this month was Fungal Disease Awareness Week — a timely reminder of the growing challenge of antifungal resistance. Vaginitis remains one of the most common conditions in women’s health. Candida species is a leading cause. While most yeast infections are easily treated, we are seeing more cases of azole-resistant Candida, complicating management. Sometimes people think they have a yeast infection, but it is actually an STI. Don’t forget: • Recurrent yeast infections may indicate antifungal resistance or signal an underlying issue such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or an STI. • Repeated empiric therapy without further evaluation can contribute to resistance and delay proper diagnosis. • Incorporating diagnostics and patient education into care plans is essential for better outcomes. If your patients have frequent yeast infections, make sure they’re tested for STIs. You can learn more here: https://lnkd.in/d-BGNAyP

CDC strongly supports the use of twice-a-year injectable lenacapavir for #HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Health care providers & people who could benefit from PrEP should discuss PrEP options, including lenacapavir. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gMdRxFRj

It’s common for patients with HIV to struggle emotionally. Here are some mental health questions that you should ask your patients regularly: • Do you have little to no interest in doing things you normally enjoy? • Do you experience persistent sadness? • Do you have increased stress or anxiety? • Do you ever have thoughts of self-harm or suicide? If a patient answers yes to any of these questions, encourage them to start seeing a mental health specialist. Stay informed on mental health and HIV: https://lnkd.in/g9pDY7wT #HIV #SuicidePreventionMonth

If you have patients who are HIV+, they are at risk of developing lung disease. If they use a vape, their risk can increase. Suggest HIV.gov as a resource for patients who are looking to take control of their health and live well with HIV. #Vaping #HIV

The U.S. Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30, so it’s important for patients with HIV to know how to avoid interruptions to their treatment plan̶ in case of a natural disaster or other emergency. Talk to your patients about staying prepared, especially for those who live in areas at higher risk of natural disasters. Read our latest blog for tips patients can use to plan ahead. #HIV #EmergencyPreparedness https://lnkd.in/g89k_bgr

This week we observed National Wellness Week, launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). It is a time to reflect on whole person health. We recognize the eight dimensions of wellness and explore how people with HIV can use them to support their health. Encourage your patients to focus on each of these areas to improve their overall quality of life. #HIV #NationalWellnessWeek

Are you an early career investigator interested in HIV research? Register for the NIH Office of AIDS Research 2025 Workshop for Early Career Investigators in HIV. Join us Sept. 26 to network and learn about HIV research across NIH. https://lnkd.in/gPNJUeQj

📣 The HHS Office on Women’s Health is announcing a new continuing medical education/continuing education (CME/CE) activity now available on Medscape: “Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis on the Rise – How to Protect Your Patients.” Through this course, health care providers will be able to enhance their skills in identifying, screening, and managing #syphilis and #CongenitalSyphilis. This course offers: 💻 CME/CE credit 📚 Practical, evidence-based strategies 💡 Latest patient-centered strategies for screening congenital syphilis Access the CME/CE here to expand your knowledge of syphilis and congenital syphilis: https://lnkd.in/gEkf-ZBT