HIV management

Although the cure for HIV infection is not yet available, the treatment can keep the virus under control and allow the immune system to restore its function. People on HIV treatment can live a healthy and productive life. If HIV is diagnosed late, there is a higher risk of developing complications, and treatment outcome may be poorer. For details >>

It is very important to take HIV medications every day

• HIV medications can reduce the amount of HIV in your body and keeping immune system stronger and better able to fight infections.
• Evidence has shown that people with HIV who achieve sustained viral suppression to an undetectable level by antiretroviral drugs have no chance of passing on the virus through sex.
• It helps prevent drug resistance. Skipping your medicines makes it easier for drug resistance to develop. Also, HIV can become resistant to the medications you are taking and limits the options for successful HIV treatment. Drug-resistant strains of HIV can be transmitted to others.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you skip your medicines, you are giving HIV the chance to multiply rapidly. This could weaken your immune system, and you could become sick.

You should:

• Talk to your doctor if you realize you missed a dose. Take the medicines as soon as you can, then take the next dose at your usual scheduled time (unless your doctor has told you something different).
• Discuss with your doctor and may consider to change your treatment regimen to fit your needs and life situation.

Do I have to continue my medicines if my viral load is undetectable?

With the right choice of antiretroviral therapy (ART), viral load will decline over several months to an undetectable level and allow the immune system to begin to recover. However, your viral load will be rebounded unless you take HIV medications on schedule. It will keep your viral load very low and help you maintain your health.

People with HIV need to have regular follow-up in order to monitor disease progression and get early treatment. The ultimate aim is to have early detection of complications and appropriate intervention. Similar to that for other diseases, early diagnosis and management of HIV/AIDS improves the chance of survival.

As part of HIV care, performing blood tests include HIV viral load and the number of CD4 cells in blood will help doctor understand how well is the HIV treatment and to decide whether he/she should make changes to the treatment.