Anemia

Anemia is commonly seen in people with HIV -in approximately 30% of people with asymptomatic infection and 75-80% of those in the clinical stage of AIDS.

Although the rate of serious anemia has reduced since the introduction of combination therapies, this condition is still present in 30% of people who are on HAART, and according to some studies is associated to a lower quality of life and also a decline in survival rates.

Anemia, which includes symptoms of fatigue, depression, dizziness, respiratory difficulties, and coldness, can be caused by medications, or be the result of an HIV-related illness or HIV itself. Also, some circumstances specific to women only, cannot be overlooked. This is the case of menstruation, which can contribute to the onset or the worsening of anemia.