How is HIV infection treated?
While it is a chronic medical problem, HIV infection is becoming a manageable disease. Antiviral drug therapy is used to slow down the growth of the HIV infection. These drugs do not kill the virus, however they do allow individuals to stay healthy for longer periods of time. Anyone who tests positive for HIV infection should consult a health care provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment.
Antivirals (drugs that stop or slow HIV): Currently, there are 11 drug approved that fight HIV. These include the -“nucleoside:” AZT (or ZDV), ddC, ddI, d4T, 3TC; -the “non-nucleosides:” delavirdine and nevirapine; and -the protease inhibitors: saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir and nelfinavir. These drugs are used in combinations of 2, 3 or 4 to best fight the virus. B) Preventive medications: If a person’s CD4 count falls below 200, drugs are used to prevent serious illnesses, such as PCP (pneumocystis carinii pneumonia). PCP is the most common life-threatening illness for people with AIDS, and can be effectively prevented with a common medication. Since the CD4 count can fall below 200 before any symptoms appear, it is important that people with HIV get regular CD4 counts so preventive treatment can begin as soon as needed. Preventive treatment for other illnesses, such as MAC (mycobacterium avium complex), is recommended if the CD4 count falls before 50. C) Treatment for HIV-related
