Currently there is no way to get rid of the entire virus once a person is
infected. However, new medicines can slow the damage that HIV causes to
the immune system. Also, doctors are getting better at treating the illnesses
that are caused by HIV infection. Many people now consider HIV infection a
manageable, long-term illness.
HIV treatment consists of 3 major components – treatment of opportunistic
infections, prevention of opportunistic infections, and ART ( anti –retroviral
therapy). ART decrease viral load, increase CD4 count and slow progression to
AIDS in people with HIV infection.
HIV antiretroviral drug treatment
It is the main type of treatment for HIV or AIDS. It is not a cure, but it can stop
people from becoming ill for many years. The treatment consists of drugs that
have to be taken every day for the rest of someone’s life.
HIV is a virus and when it is in a cell in the body it produces new copies of
itself. With these new copies, HIV can go and infect other previously healthy
cells. So HIV can quickly spread through the billions of cells in the body, if it is
not stopped from reproducing or producing new copies of itself. Antiretroviral
treatment (ART) for HIV infection consists of drugs which work by slowing down
the reproduction of HIV in the body.
The drugs are often referred as:
Anti-retrovirals
anti-HIV drugs
HIV antiviral drugs
When to start antiviral therapy?
ART has been shown to benefit HIV-positive persons with advanced HIV
disease and weakened immune systems. Many experts believe treatment
also benefits people in earlier stages of HIV disease, though there are
different views regarding when to start treatment. Physicians generally
consider the following factors:
• Whether the client has advanced disease or symptoms;
• Results of viral load test and CD4 cell count (CD4 less than 350
cells/mm³ or more(in specific situations) and/or
than 1 lac copies/ml.)
• Client’s willingness to begin therapy;
• Likelihood of client adhering to treatment (adherence is critical to
success);
• Potential benefits of the therapy versus potential risks (risks
include development of drug resistance, side effects, interactions
with other drugs, and negative effects on lifestyle).
Precautions to be taken by a HIV infected person
See a health care professional for a complete medical work-up for HIV
infection and advice on treatment and health maintenance.
Make sure you are tested for TB and other STDs. For women, this includes a
regular gynecological exam.
To take his/her prescribed medicines regularly with excellent adherence.
To inculcate health lifestyles.
To take regular exercises.
To eat nutritious food and fresh green leafy vegetable as well as fruits.
To avoid eating stale food
To drink clean and potable water to prevent diarrhea illness.
To avoid crowded places to prevent acquisition of respiratory infections.
To have regular medical check-ups and avail counseling whenever required.
To confide in doctors. Remember that confidentiality is maintained and this
will help them give correct advice.
Not to donate blood or any organs.
To practice safer sex options and avoid unprotected penetrative sex as far as
possible.
Avoid sharing of shaving razor/blade, toothbrush with others, despite low
transmission risk to others.
Women should take decisions related to pregnancy after counseling and
medical opinion.
To maintain a healthy and positive outlook towards life.
Avoid drug and alcohol use, practice good nutrition, and avoid fatigue and
stress.
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