The Truth About IRIS

IRIS is an inflammatory condition that typically becomes noticeable after a person goes on HIV therapy for the first time or when people restart their medications after taking a lengthy break.  

 

It is prevalent mainly among people with damaged immune systems, including but not limited to those who are HIV-positive. People with TB, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Graves’ disease, hepatitis B or C, Kaposi’s sarcoma, shingles, cytomegalovirus, or herpes are also prone to IRIS. 

 

IRIS is represented by soreness, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions. It can also lead to changes in breathing, pneumonia, hepatitis, abscesses, and eye inflammation. These symptoms can show up on any part of the body, including internal organs or nerve fibers.

 

The science behind IRIS is still being deciphered, but people experiencing IRIS usually continue their HIV medication unless the inflammation becomes life-threatening. From there, a doctor would prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation.