HIV / AIDS and Social Security Disability Benefits

The Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) weakens the immune system to the point that it has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known are opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections occur in more severe cases. HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another through bodily fluids except saliva, tears, sweat, feces, or urine. HIV transmission results in unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or mother to baby (before or during birth, or through breast milk). An individual with HIV receives an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses.

Some people newly infected with HIV will experience some flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, night sweats and rashes for a couple of days. There are no common symptoms for individuals with AIDS.

HIV/AIDS Treatment

Many HIV positive people get a hepatitis-B vaccine and bacterial pneumonia vaccines, since contracting these diseases could be dangerous for immune suppressed individuals. Antiviral treatments and protease inhibitors may be prescribed when tests show weakness to the immune system. Protease inhibitors delay the onset of AIDS and prolong the life of people who have AIDS or HIV. There isn’t a standard treatment for everyone. Regular checkups may be scheduled every three to six months. Currently, there isn’t a cure for AIDS.

For more information about HIV and AIDS you may visit WebMD’s HIV & AIDS Health Center.

Please contact The Cochran Firm today for a free confidential consultation if you have contracted either one of these viruses. Our qualified team is prepared to help you get the benefits you deserve.

The Cochran Firm handles Social Security disability claims for clients throughout the United States of America. Please fill out the form on this page for a free Social Security disability review with the nationally known Cochran Firm.