HIV Treatment

HIV can be treated, but there is no cure.

When HIV was first discovered, there were very few drugs available to treat the virus and fend off infection. Since then, HIV treatments have come a long way. While there is not yet a cure for HIV or AIDS, having the virus is not a death sentence. A class of drugs called anti-retroviral medications slow the growth of HIV and extend quality of life.

What is the goal of HIV treatment?

Since HIV suppresses the body's immune system, treatment focuses on reducing symptoms with the fewest number of side effects. Response to treatment is measured by viral load. Viral load is the amount of HIV virus found in the bloodstream. Viral load should be tested at the start of treatment and then every three to four months while undergoing therapy.

How is HIV treated?

Treatment guidelines for HIV include anti-retroviral regimen that can slow down the virus and the damage to the immune system. The drug regime is intense and expensive. There can also be side effects over time. Most people who are able to, though, choose to start anti-retroviral therapy once they are diagnosed with HIV to control any potential sickness and keep their quality of life high as long as possible.