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HIV TREATMENT

Quick and effective access to treatment is the key

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antiretrovirals reduce viral mortality at any stage of infection, reduce transmission, and maintain a high CD4 cell count.

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Antiretrovirals (ARV)

 

HIV medications, also known as antiretrovirals, slow the progression of the virus in the body. It is recommended that everyone living with HIV begin treatment to improve and stabilize their health. The usual treatment is one pill a day, every day.

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Quick Start

 

According to the World Health Organization, rapid HIV initiation is defined as starting antiretroviral (ARV) treatment within the first 7 days of diagnosis. Rapid linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ARV) is essential to achieving an undetectable viral load (<200 copies/ml) in a significantly shorter time.

 

This allows:

  • Reduce the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load). Achieve an undetectable and untransmittable status. Maintain high CD4 levels.

  • Reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  • Prevent diseases. Prolong life expectancy.

  • Preventing Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

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Effective treatment

 

It's important to talk to a healthcare professional about strategies for maintaining effective HIV treatment. Discuss adherence tools and talk about how treatment can prevent transmission of the virus to sexual partners. Continue using condoms correctly and consistently, and take your medications daily as prescribed.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). How to Optimize HIV Treatment. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/clinicians/treatment/treatment-clinicians.html HIV.gov. (2021). HIV Treatment Overview. Retrieved from: https://www .hiv .gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/hiv-treatment/hiv-treatment-overview

US National Library of Medicine. (2017). Guidelines for managing advanced HIV disease and rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK475977/

 

Note: This brochure is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a total grant of $2,267,447.00, with 0% funded from non-governmental sources. The content belongs to the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views or endorsement of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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This work was supported by grant number UT8HA33947, EHE (Ending the HIV Epidemic), from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

 

Grant Policy Statement : This website is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a grant totaling $2,540,593 with 0% funding from non-governmental sources. The content belongs to the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views or endorsement of HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. government.

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