HIV Treatment

There was a time when there were no any ways to cure or prevent the transmission of HIV. The people infected with the virus were not live longer than few years. However, the situation is totally changed and there are many ways that not only prevent the HIV transmission but also gives longer and healthier lives.

Is it important to treat HIV?

HIV and AIDS are the disease that affects mostly adult’s life by limiting their work ability, living standards, education and many other factors including early or premature death. World Bank Research also shows these significant impacts of HIV/AIDS in the developing countries. HIV test is meant for counting the number of lives saved but now it is also important to improve the quality life of the infected person and for family members who scared to carry the stress of HIV and AIDS.

The right time to start the treatment:

There is a treatment that not cures the disease but decrease the illness of people for long period. The treatment is known as antiretroviral drug treatment in which the infected person needs to take it on daily base to decrease the level of HIV in the body. The drug stops the weakening of the immune system. The drugs are referred to as:

  • Antiretrovials
  • ARVs
  • Anti HIV or anti-AIDS drugs
  • HIV antiviral drugs

    Anti-HIV that is also called as antiretroviral are helpful to stop the reproduction of the virus or to slow the progress or halt of diseases related to HIV. These medications are also used in combinations that give better results and the therapy is known as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). It contains more than two medicines in a dose given on daily base. However the anti-HIV medications are helpless to cure the disease and the person can transmit virus to others still he or she is having treatment.

    The CD4 test is helpful to determine when the person can start his treatment. HIV mainly attacks the T-cell that is called as helper cells carrying protein called CD4 on its surface. The HIV uses this layer before obtaining an entry into the cell. These cells help to other cells to fight the illnesses. Reduction of these cells may affect the immune system. CD4 test counts the number of these T-helper cells. The uninfected person has the cells between 500 and 1200 cells/mm cube. Treatment is based on number of T-cells, if the infected person having the cells fewer than 350 cells/mm cube then it is clear that the person need to start the HIV treatment.

    According to WHO there are four steps in which first two steps don’t need any tests if the CD4 count is below 200. Treatment need for third step before the CD4 tests falls below 200 and last step at irrespective of CD4 count. It is necessary to carry out the basic clinical assessment before the treatment starts.

    Food and Drug Administration has approved about 30 drugs to treat infected people with HIV. The drugs are divided into main four classes.

    It is clear that the drugs are not even successful to cure the HIV and AIDS but can suppress the virus.