HIV Treatment Can Prevent Development of AIDS

Antiretroviral Drugs Improve Quality of Life for HIV-Positive People

Antiretroviral Drug Isentress for HIV Treatment - Damien Persohn

Currently, there is no cure for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, according to the September 2009 release of "Fast Facts About HIV Treatment," published by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), HIV treatment with antiretroviral therapy can slow down and almost halt the progression of HIV in the body.

Even in low-income countries, HIV-positive individuals are benefitting from antiretroviral therapy, which combines three or more anti-HIV medications into a rigorous treatment regimen. The drugs combat HIV by interfering with the reproduction of the virus in the body, thus stopping the virus from damaging the immune system. However, the drugs cannot eliminate HIV from the body, so people living with HIV must continuously take the medications.

How Antiretroviral Therapy Works in an HIV-Positive Person

HIV infection can lead to the progressive deterioration of the immune system, until the body can no longer fight off infections and cancers and the individual develops acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). When HIV infects a cell, the virus multiplies and then infects other cells. The greater the number of cells infected, the greater the impact on the immune system. But antiretroviral therapy prevents HIV from multiplying, allowing the immune cells, particularly CD4 cells, to live longer and protect the body.

What antiretroviral therapy cannot do, however, is guarantee that HIV will not be transmitted to a sexual partner, infant, or person sharing sharp instruments, such as a hypodermic needle. Although antiretroviral drugs keep HIV at low or undetectable levels, factors such as therapy adherence, other medications, and other illnesses can affect the therapy's efficacy enough to allow HIV to be passed on to others.

Why Adherence to HIV Treatment Is Important for Preventing AIDS

One issue often stressed with regard to antiretroviral therapy is the importance of strict adherence to the therapy's drug regimen. That's because HIV is an active and clever virus that can mutate quickly to adapt to the medication being taken. However, when three or more HIV-fighting medications are taken at the same time, the virus has a more difficult time adapting.

But the therapy requires more than simply taking a handful of drugs. The individual receiving the antiretroviral therapy must take the medication every day at the right time and in the right way so the virus does not become resistant to the drugs. Skipping medications can give HIV a chance to become resistant to the drug.

Even in patients who are faithful to the antiretroviral regimen, the virus might adapt to the medications. As a result, the first-line drugs are replaced by a second-line combination, although this is usually not necessary for many years. If the second-line drugs fail, a third-line regimen – the salvage cocktail – is usually recommended.

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Side Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy as HIV Treatment

Some antiretroviral medications can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Usually, the side effects are not serious and subside once the patient adapts to the drugs.

In some cases, however, individuals can experience dangerous side effects. In addition, long-term use of certain anti-HIV medications can affect the shape of the body and the distribution of fat. However, changing the medications can sometimes address such issues and improve the patient's well being.

How Antiretroviral Therapy Prevents Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission

HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. In an HIV-positive mother, antiretroviral therapy can not only benefit her, but can also help to prevent the HIV from being passed on to the baby during pregnancy or delivery, assuming the mother is getting good care. After the baby is born, the mother should consider replacement feeding, such as using a substitute for mother's milk – if such an option is safe, acceptable, and feasible.

At the close of 2008, over 4 million HIV-positive individuals in low-income and middle-income countries received antiretroviral therapy. Prior to 2003, however, that number was significantly lower because of the high cost of medicines, lack of financing, and poor health care infrastructures. But enormous progress has been made in terms of economic and political commitment, and many more people now have access to HIV treatment.

Yet people living with HIV often need more than access to antiretroviral therapy. To maintain a high quality of life, the HIV-positive individual must also have access to such resources as safe water, basic hygiene, and good nutrition. In addition, people living with HIV often need psychosocial counseling and support.

Undoubtedly, antiretroviral medications can be an effective weapon against HIV – with good care and continual adherence to the prescribed regimen. And the UNAIDS information about HIV treatment offers a good place to start for anyone looking for details about treating HIV. Certainly HIV treatment has come a long way sine the 1980s, when the AIDS epidemic began. And with the advent of antiretroviral therapy, HIV-positive people can and do live healthier, longer lives.