If you feel more comfortable, you can opt for a telephone consultation on the appointment form.
The doctor assesses your case, indicates the appropriate analyses and, if confirmed, the right treatment.
The HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which affects the immune system, weakening the body's ability to fight infections and diseases.
The virus mainly attacks CD4 T lymphocytes, These cells are essential for immune defence, and their progressive decline can lead, without treatment, to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, from sharing syringes, from transfusion of contaminated blood (now rare) or transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, labour or breastfeeding.
One of the biggest challenges of HIV is that many infected people have no symptoms in the early stages.
In the first few days or weeks after exposure, mild flu-like symptoms may appear, such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches or enlarged lymph nodes. After this phase, the virus can remain latent and asymptomatic for several years, while continuing to damage the immune system.
Without diagnosis and treatment, the infection can develop into AIDS, This is characterised by the appearance of opportunistic infections (such as pneumonia, oral candidiasis, tuberculosis or chronic viral infections) and a marked reduction in immunity.
With advances in medicine, HIV is today treatable and controllable.
The antiretroviral treatments (ART) prevent the virus from multiplying, maintain an undetectable viral load and eliminate the risk of sexual transmission (undetectable = non-transmissible).
Early diagnosis and regular medical follow-up are key to ensuring a healthy life. long, healthy and quality life, It also prevents transmission to other people.
The symptoms of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) vary according to the stage of the infection and each person's immune response.
In the early stages, HIV can no visible symptoms, This facilitates its transmission during sexual contact or by other means, without the infected person realising it.
When manifestations appear, they are divided into distinct clinical phases:
At this early stage, the virus multiplies rapidly in the body and can cause symptoms similar to mild flu or mononucleosis.
The most common signs include:
These symptoms usually disappear within a few days or weeks, but the virus remains active in the body.
After the acute phase, HIV enters a period of clinical latency, which can last several years.
During this time, the person no symptoms, But the virus continues to multiply and slowly weakens the immune system.
Without diagnosis and treatment, this stage can develop into an advanced infection.
When the immune system is severely compromised, the following occurs opportunistic infections and more serious complications, such as
Even when it doesn't cause symptoms HIV can remain active and be transmitted to partners.
That's why it's essential to realise regular screening tests and start antiretroviral treatment (ART) as soon as possible.
With proper treatment, the viral load can become undetectable, which means that the virus not sexually transmitted.
Regular medical follow-up is essential to keep the infection under control and ensure a long and healthy life.
The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is transmitted mainly through the contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, rectal fluids and breast milk.
Transmission occurs when these fluids come into contact with injured mucous membranes or tissues, or are injected directly into the bloodstream.
The main forms of HIV transmission include:
Unlike other infections, the HIV is not transmitted through casual contactsuch as:
Infection almost always occurs during direct contact with infected body fluids, where use of condoms and sterilised material the most effective prevention measures.
Other forms of prevention include:
The diagnosis of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is done through specific laboratory tests that detect the presence of antibodies and/or antigens of the virus in the blood.
These tests make it possible to identify the infection even in the early stages, before symptoms appear, guaranteeing early diagnosis and timely treatment.
The process is organised to ensure clinical rigour, security and total confidentiality:
One of our doctors will assess your symptoms, medical history and possible risk exposure (such as unprotected sex or contact with infected blood).
Based on this assessment, the doctor may recommend appropriate laboratory tests to confirm or exclude HIV infection.
The most commonly used tests are
The patient goes to the laboratory of their choice to have blood taken.
It is not compulsory to take the test in a specific laboratory, as long as it uses validated methods for detecting HIV.
As soon as the laboratory makes the results available, they are sent digitally and securely directly to the patient and to the Médico na Net doctor.
If the test confirms the presence of HIV, the patient makes a new medical appointment online.
At this stage, the doctor:
This complete process allows for a quick, safe and doctor-guided diagnosis, without unnecessary waiting and with total discretion.
One of the most worrying features of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is that many infected people have no symptoms in the early stages.
For months or even years, the virus can remain active in the body, gradually weakening the immune system and being passed on to partners without the person knowing they are infected.
The absence of symptoms does not mean that the virus has disappeared, HIV continues to multiply in the cells of the immune system and can cause progressive damage if left untreated.
Even when it doesn't cause visible signs, HIV can evolve silently and cause damage:
HIV can remain latent for long periods of time, acting as a silent but active infection.
That's why regular screening is essential in order to identify the infection early and initiate antiretroviral treatment (ART), which controls the virus and prevents its transmission.
With the right treatment, it's possible to achieve the state “undetectable = untransmittable” (I=I), This means that people with HIV who are on effective therapy does not transmit the virus sexually.
Regular medical follow-up and early treatment are essential to ensure a healthy life. long, healthy and hassle-free life, In addition to protecting partners and the community.
Monitoring and treatment:
If the result confirms HIV infection, the doctor makes a second appointment to explain the results, clarify doubts and start antiretroviral treatment (ART) more appropriate.
At this stage, monitoring includes periodic monitoring of viral load and CD4 lymphocytes, This ensures the effectiveness of the treatment and prevents complications.
The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which weakens the immune system by affecting the defence cells called CD4 T lymphocytes.
Without treatment, the progressive decrease in these cells can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
With antiretroviral treatment, it is possible to control the virus, maintain good health and prevent transmission to other people.
Yes. Many people with HIV no symptoms in the early stages.
After infection, there may be an asymptomatic phase lasting several months or years, during which the virus remains active and can be transmitted to sexual partners.
The absence of symptoms does not mean that the virus has disappeared.
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection:
Acute phase (2 to 4 weeks after contact):
Latent phase (asymptomatic):
Advanced stage (AIDS):
After booking an appointment online and filling in the medical questionnaire, the doctor will assess your case and may recommend specific laboratory testssuch as:
Analyses can be carried out at laboratory of your choice, provided that it uses validated methods for HIV detection.
Yes. All data and results are treated with total confidentiality, in accordance with GDPR and health data protection regulations.
Clinical information are not shared with third parties without their consent.
If the result confirms the infection, the doctor performs a second online consultation to:
Yes. It is important to inform recent sexual partners so that they can also be tested and, if necessary, start treatment.
The doctor can advise you on how to communicate this information safely and responsibly.
Currently, HIV has no cure, but it is fully controllable with treatment.
A antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows the viral load to be reduced to undetectable levels, which means that the person does not transmit the virus sexually (undetectable = non-transmissible).
Yes. It is recommended to repeat the test whenever there is a risk of exposure.
In general:
If you present persistent fever, marked weight loss, recurrent infections, night sweats or extreme tiredness, you should look for face-to-face medical care quickly.
Teleconsultation does not replace emergency care in serious situations.
Dr Igor Faria
Training: Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
No. of doctors: 48611
Welcome to Médico na Net! I'm Dr Igor Faria and I see medicine as a commitment to proximity, where every patient deserves to be listened to and cared for carefully.
Since the beginning of my career, I've always been fascinated by the possibility of making a difference, whether in prevention, emergency or long-term follow-up.
I believe that medicine should be accessible and person-centred, with an empathetic and integrative approach.
Dr Mafalda Morais
Training: University of
Santiago de Compostela
No. of doctors: 57192
Welcome to Médico na Net! I'm Dr Mafalda and I've always had a passion for medicine and the positive impact it can have on people's lives.
I believe that medical care should be accessible, precise and reliable, always respecting the individuality of each patient.
With an empathetic and humanised approach, I'm here to help you take care of your health in a complete and personalised way.
Training: Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
No. of doctors: 48611
Dr Igor Faria has over 16 years' experience as a doctor and a career marked by a commitment to care and proximity to his patients. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) in 2008 and specialised in General Practice in 2014, achieving the title of Graduate Assistant in 2023. With a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine, he combines his clinical knowledge with the promotion of health and well-being in different contexts.
Throughout her career, she has been part of emergency medical teams and ongoing support, namely in the VMER in Viana do Castelo between 2010 and 2022 and in monitoring Residential Structures for the Elderly (ERPI) from 2014 to the present. Her experience and training reflect a broad interest in areas such as Geriatrics, Preventive Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology and Sports Medicine, guaranteeing comprehensive care tailored to the needs of each patient.
Her approach is based on empathy, active listening and an integrative vision of medical care. She believes that humour can be an essential tool in the doctor-patient relationship, making consultations lighter and more accessible. At Médico na Net, her main goal is to help those who can't find a solution in the National Health Service, providing a service that is accessible, humane and focused on the autonomy and well-being of her patients.
Outside of medicine, he devotes himself to his family, sport and personal development, believing that a balance between body and mind is essential for a fulfilling life. Guided by values such as beneficence, autonomy, sincerity, integrity and justice, he sees every consultation as an opportunity to help, guide and make a difference. As he likes to say, inspired by Confucius: "Choose a job you love and you won't have to work a day in your life."
Training: University of
Santiago de Compostela
No. of doctors: 57192
Dr Mafalda graduated in Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela, completing her studies in 2013. Since then, she has specialised in General Practice and has accumulated 12 years' experience in patient care in various healthcare institutions. She complemented her training with a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine and Aesthetic Medicine, allowing her to offer more comprehensive care adapted to the different needs of her patients.
He currently works at USF Foz do Lima and the Viana do Castelo Private Hospitalwhere she provides medical care centred on well-being and prevention. He has worked in various health institutions.
Training: University of Barcelona
No. of doctors: 71409
Dr Alexandra Azevedo graduated in Medicine from the University of Barcelona in 2015, where she subsequently specialised in General Practice. During her training, she developed a strong interest in the approach to chronic pain, having completed an integrated master's degree in Medicine and Surgery with clinical research into pain management. Her professional experience includes several years of clinical practice in Spain, particularly in Catalonia, where she has had contact with a wide variety of pathologies and challenges, both in the emergency department and in primary healthcare.
She currently works as a family doctor at the ULS Braga. She has been a member of the medical-surgical emergency team at Vila Nova de Famalicão Hospital and has worked as a guest lecturer at the Nursing School of the University of Minho, teaching anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.
Her main clinical interests include emergency medicine, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, as well as preventive medicine and the control of vascular risk factors. She is also dedicated to anti-smoking counselling and weight loss counselling, helping her patients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Her approach to care is based on a holistic vision, considering health as a balance between physical and psychological well-being.
Dr Alexandra stands out for her humanism and her ability to offer quick and effective solutions to minor problems, ensuring that her patients feel well looked after. At Médico na Net, she sees an opportunity to bring healthcare to more people in an accessible and convenient way.
Passionate about music and travelling, she loves getting to know different cultures and lifestyles, which enriches her view of the world and her medical practice. For her, medicine is not just a profession, but a real commitment to the well-being of the people she cares for. As she likes to say: "Health is the balance between physical and psychological well-being.
