How to Treat or Cure HIV Infection

HIV cannot be cured at present, but it can be controlled very well. With treatment, most people live long, healthy lives.

Core treatment

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) taken every day for life
• Start as soon as HIV is diagnosed, regardless of CD4 count
• The aim is an undetectable viral load and recovery of CD4 count

Monitoring

• Viral load and CD4 count tests at regular visits
• Blood tests for liver, kidney and blood sugar
• Screening and treatment for TB, hepatitis B and C and other infections
• Vaccinations as advised by your doctor

Protecting your health

• Take ART on time, every day
• Do not stop for side effects without speaking to your doctor
• Eat well, sleep well, avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
• Manage stress and seek counselling or peer support

Protecting others

• Ongoing effective ART stops sexual transmission.
• Use condoms if the viral load is not suppressed.
• In pregnancy, ART and infant medicines greatly reduce mother-to-child spread.

Complementary care

Yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic lifestyle advice may support wellbeing, but they do not cure HIV and must never replace ART. Be wary of anyone who claims to cure it.

Seek urgent care for

Severe breathlessness, confusion, seizures, persistent high fever or vomiting that stops you keeping ART down. Call 112 or 102.

Key point

Daily ART is the treatment. Taking it without gaps keeps you healthy and protects others.

Before your appointment

Write down when you may have been exposed, and any symptoms such as fever, weight loss, cough or diarrhoea. List all medicines, herbs and supplements, and any pregnancy plans. Bring past test reports, including CD4 and viral load if you have them. Ask about testing, treatment, confidentiality, support services and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.