HIV Treatment: What You Need to Know
When working with HIV treatment, the medical approach used to control human immunodeficiency virus infection and keep the immune system functional. Also known as HIV therapy, it combines drugs, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments to keep viral replication low.
One core component is antiretroviral therapy (ART), a lifelong regimen of at least three medications that target different stages of the virus life cycle. ART lowers the viral load, improves CD4 counts, and dramatically reduces the risk of transmission. Another essential piece is viral load monitoring, regular blood tests that measure the amount of HIV RNA in the bloodstream. Consistent low viral loads (often < 50 copies/mL) signal that the treatment is effective and helps clinicians adjust regimens before resistance builds.
For people who are not yet infected, pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill or on‑demand regimen that prevents HIV acquisition in high‑risk individuals, adds another layer of protection. PrEP’s success depends on adherence and periodic HIV testing to ensure no breakthrough infection. When resistance does appear, drug resistance management, strategies like resistance testing and switching to second‑line or integrase‑inhibitor‑based regimens, becomes critical to restore viral suppression.
Putting It All Together
Understanding how ART, viral load monitoring, PrEP, and resistance management interact gives you a clear roadmap for staying healthy on HIV treatment. ART provides the foundation, viral load checks confirm it’s working, PrEP keeps the virus out, and resistance strategies fix problems when they arise. Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into each of these areas, from side‑effect handling to price‑comparison tools for medication. Whether you’re a patient looking for practical tips or a clinician seeking up‑to‑date guidance, the collection below covers the whole spectrum of modern HIV care.
Biktarvy vs Other HIV Regimens: Complete Comparison Guide
A thorough guide compares Biktarvy with other single‑tablet HIV regimens, covering efficacy, safety, cost, and patient suitability to help you choose the right treatment.