Unlike the previous patient, she had already progressed

Unlike the previous patient, she had already progressed to severe immune suppression and was in need of antiretroviral therapy. While the prognosis prior to 1995 for someone in her situation would have been poor, with currently available treatments, there was reason for optimism. Although emotionally distraught and terrified, she completely recovered from her pneumonia and ultimately started an antiretroviral regimen that included a protease inhibitor. Although she initially experienced some nausea and diarrhea, these symptoms cleared and she has tolerated the treatment very well with no missed doses during the last 8 months. Her CD4 cell count has increased to between 300 and 450 cells/uL and her viral load has remained undetectable for the last 6 months. She is seeing a therapist to help her deal with the psychological issues surrounding her new diagnosis and is feeling great. She comes in regularly for monitoring and asks me, "How am I doing and how long will I be able to stay healthy?" I always respond that she is doing great, which is true, and that while I do not have a crystal ball, my belief is that as long as she stays on her therapy, the sky's the limit.

We have seen unprecedented advances in the management of HIV disease and can offer hope to people in both the early and late stages of HIV disease. Nevertheless, new infections continue to occur. The focus needs to remain on the prevention of transmission and regular testing to assure early diagnosis. Once a diagnosis of HIV infection is made, establishing a comfortable relationship with a health care provider who has expertise in managing HIV disease will allow patients to live with HIV as a chronic, yet controllable disease. For more, please see the MedicineNet.com HIV review article.