Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease: shifting focus toward the chronic,long-term illness paradigm for rehabilitation practitioners

Abstract

Due to an enhanced understanding of the HIV disease process and the advent of more effective medical and pharmacological interventions, people with HIV and AIDS are living longer than ever before. Accordingly, HIV disease is being redefined as a chronic, long-term medical condition rather than an inevitably terminal disease. Current biological, neurological and psychological aspects of HIV disease are discussed in this article as they apply to the rehabilitation practitioner working with individuals with HIV and AIDS. Functional limitations, employment-related issues and areas of future research are also discussed from a rehabilitation perspective.