Treatment

Effective treatment for HIV is now available. It is called highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). HAART does not cure HIV, but can keep most affected people well for years. Usually a combination of three different anti-retroviral drugs is used. This reduces the chance of the virus becoming resistant to the drugs and the treatment failing. In the UK treatment is usually started once the CD4 count (CD4 cells organise the immune system's response to certain infections and cancers) is less than 350. The aim of treatment is to stop progression of HIV disease. With successful treatment the viral load (which shows the amount of virus in the blood) can be brought down to very low levels. The CD4 count should then stop falling, and may often rise. HAART is likely to be for life. The drug tablets or capsules must be taken regularly, every day, to prevent the virus becoming resistant. Several different drug combinations are available to suit the needs of different people. HAART can have side effects, but it is important to balance these against the risks of HIV disease. Further trials are continuing into efficacy of multiple combination anti-viral treatment

If cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lymphoma within the brain or nervous tissue and cancer of the cervix develop they need to be treated aggressively with a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and occasionally surgery. Every case is different and the treatment given will be that deemed to be the most appropriate to the case in question.

Due to the way that HIV gradually reduces the efficiency of the immune system in fighting infection, diseases that normally would not cause many problems in a fit person cause lots of problems in people suffering with AIDS. These infections are called "opportunistic infections".

Medication is often given to attempt to prevent the onset of opportunistic infections that may cause problems in the chest. The most serious of these chest infections is called pneumocystis and will frequently require admission to hospital for treatment with high dose antibiotics.
Fungal infections, such as candida, may not respond well to standard treatments and also present a problem in people with AIDS. They may require repeated or high dose treatment to resolve the underlying infection.

Unusual bacterial infections occur in patients suffering with AIDS, they often require intensive treatment in hospital. Once treated the medication is sometimes continued indefinitely after returning home. Infections causing diarrhoea are often a problem as they can cause significant weight loss in people who may already be losing weight.

Viral infections such as herpes can be much more severe in patients who have AIDS. People with AIDS suffering with repeated viral infections may be prescribed long-term anti-viral medication to try to counter further infections.

AIDS may affect the nervous system and brain- if this occurs then changes in behaviour may be noticed. The changes may take the form of memory loss, lack of concentration or apathy. The symptoms can gradually become more severe especially if there is an associated infection within the brain.

After the initial diagnosis of HIV it is extremely important to try and lead an active healthy lifestyle. This means taking regular exercise, reducing stress, no smoking and alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Weight loss should be prevented by consuming a high-energy diet. Consideration should be given to maintaining adequate intake of vitamins and minerals. It is very important to practice of safe sex with the use of condoms. Needle exchange programs are available to intravenous drug users.