• Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 5:00pm
  • 6051 GARTH RD, STE 1100, BAYTOWN, TX, 77573

Faiza Tahir, MD

Infectious Disease Physician located in Baytown, TX

Though there’s still no cure for HIV/AIDS, Faiza Tahir, MD PA, in Baytown, Texas, can prescribe advanced medications that keep the virus well controlled and reduce your viral load so significantly that you can’t transmit it to your partner. Dr. Tahir also prescribes medications that help you prevent HIV if you’re at a high risk of getting the virus. Early treatment gives you the ability to live a long and healthy life even after developing HIV/AIDS. To learn more, call the office or book an appointment online today.

(832) 400-9249

HIV/AIDS Q&A

What Causes HIV/AIDS?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Once the virus enters the body, it weakens the immune system by attacking specialized cells that help fight infections and diseases. As the immune system deteriorates, individuals become more susceptible to life-threatening infections and serious health complications.

How Does HIV/AIDS Spread?

HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse via semen, vaginal secretions, and blood. It can also spread through:

  • Contact with infected blood, such as sharing syringes
  • Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

What Are the Symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

HIV progresses through three stages, each with distinct symptoms:

1. Acute HIV (2-4 weeks after infection)
Flu-like symptoms may develop, including:

  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Sore throat and mouth sores
  • Swollen lymph glands

Some individuals experience mild or no symptoms but still carry a high viral load.

2. Chronic HIV
At this stage, the virus remains active but does not cause symptoms. It continues to replicate and damage immune cells. Without treatment, this stage may last for a decade or more, eventually leading to active infection.

3. AIDS
When the immune system becomes too weak to fight off infections, AIDS develops. Individuals may suffer from various opportunistic infections, such as:

  • Skin rashes
  • Oral thrush
  • Pneumonia
  • Shingles

How Is HIV/AIDS Treated?

Dr. Faiza Tahir offers advanced antiretroviral therapy (ART), which includes a combination of medications that:

  • Reduce the viral load in the blood
  • Prevent the virus from multiplying
  • Protect immune cells from further damage

Following ART treatment as prescribed helps strengthen the immune system, reduce the risk of infections, and lower the chances of transmitting HIV to others.

Can Medications Prevent HIV/AIDS?

Yes, there are preventive medications available:

  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): A daily medication that lowers the risk of contracting HIV from sexual contact by 99%.
  • PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): An emergency medication taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV to prevent infection.

If you need HIV/AIDS testing and treatment, call Faiza Tahir, MD PA, or book an appointment online today.