Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is a process that occurs when the body’s immune system kicks in. There is acute inflammation when the immune system helps heal an injury such as cuts or pain from a knock to the body. This can be regarded as good or useful inflammation and is only temporary. Then there is chronic inflammation or bad inflammation that actually is more damaging to our body than useful. This is more ongoing or longer term that helps address ongoing or longer-term pain for example. Another reason for chronic inflammation is due to HIV. While antiviral medications have been effective for many people in suppressing the replication of HIV to what we call ‘undetectable viral load’ or a level that is so low that it prevents us from being ill, the level of inflammation is still enough to increase the risk of acquiring conditions such as cardiovascular disease or neurocognitive disorders.

To hear a clear and easy to follow description of Inflammation & Ageing, let’s listen to Jenny Hoy, Director HIV Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital.

This presentation was part of the National Association of People With HIV Australia (NAPWHA) ‘Bolder’ series. The bolder project supports older people with HIV. For more information contact Adrian Ogier – adrian@napwha.org.au.

Thanks to NAPWHA for the use of this video.