Ask students whether there is a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS?

Ask students whether there is a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS?

Treatment In the early 1980s testing positive for HIV was a death sentence. It was usually only a matter of time before a person infected with HIV developed full blown AIDS and died. Although there are no cures, anti-retroviral drugs developed in recent years have revolutionized treatments of HIV.

Life-prolonging antiretroviral drugs are being developed that block the replication of the HIV virus. Antiretroviral agents do not cure HIV but can slow the diseases progression. In 2005, 250,000 to 350,000 deaths were averted because of anti-retroviral drug treatment. Some treatments also include strengthening the immune system of those who have HIV and controlling the AIDS-related infections. Nevirapine is a new drug clinically proven to significantly reduce mother-to-child transmission when given to pregnant mothers.