What exactly does “treatment” mean for HIV positive folks? Why is it important to start early?

When we talk about treatment, we’re talking about the various medications you might take to help treat HIV. It’s important to get connected to HIV care as soon as possible, because left untreated, HIV can cause more serious health problems. Working with a doctor to decide on a treatment plan can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Here are a few things to know about treatment for HIV positive people:

1. HIV medication needs to be taken for life. Starting treatment is an important step in living with HIV, so it’s important to discuss your options and your readiness for treatment with your HIV service provider. The combination of medications used to treat HIV are known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). There are a lot of different variations of these drugs available today. Current HIV meds are often available to take as a single daily pill, and have fewer side-effects than drugs used in the past. CATIE has lots of information about these different options. It’s possible that new treatments, including injectables or drugs taken less frequently will be available in the future.
2. Treatment can significantly reduce viral load; this can remove the chance of HIV transmission during sex. Most people can reach an undetectable HIV viral load within a few months of starting treatment if they take their medications regularly and follow their doctor’s recommendations.
3. It’s always best to talk to a doctor or care provider experienced with HIV care about how viral load fits into your approach to sexual health. If this isn’t an option where you live, getting educated through websites like this one, and CATIE can help you advocate for yourself.
4. It’s important to connect to care early and decide on a treatment plan if you are diagnosed with HIV.  The most recent research, including the START study, strongly suggests that the earlier you start treatment, the better your health outcomes are likely to be. HIV is also most likely to be transmitted right after someone acquires HIV, when viral load is highest in the body.

Stick to your treatment plan. HIV medications need to be taken every day as directed to be effective. Once you begin treatment, regular visits with a doctor who you trust and who is knowledgeable about HIV will help you stick to your plan.

Taking meds exactly as a doctor says to is the best way to avoid any problems, because HIV can sometimes grow resistant to the meds you’re using if you’re not following the routine. When HIV becomes resistant, those medications may no longer be as effective. This can result in someone having fewer treatment options over time and possibly becoming infectious.

If you are experiencing challenges around taking your medications consistently, you have support options. Try setting alarms in your phone, using a calendar, or using a reminder app.

Some people find pill organizer cases helpful. Post-it notes in conspicuous places in your apartment, recording your doses, carrying extra pills around with you, or flipping your pill bottle upside down every day once you’ve taken your meds can also be useful strategies. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or reach out to your local HIV/AIDS service organization for more help.

This section was adapted, with permission, from The Sex You Want Website.
You can learn more about where we got this information from at: CATIE, SUGAR Health, START Study
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references