HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a type of virus that weakens the immune system, making one susceptible to a variety of infections. Although there is no cure for HIV, with the right treatment, its effects can be managed. Modern medicine ensures that individuals with HIV lead productive, long, and healthy lives.
Nonetheless, people living with HIV can, through ART (antiretroviral therapy), manage the condition effectively. ART helps reduce the viral load in the body to undetectable levels, meaning the virus is so low it cannot be detected using conventional methods.
Why Treatment Has to Be Timely
After the diagnosis, treating the patient as soon as possible to protect the immune system and reduce the virus as much as possible is advisable.
The likelihood of transmitting HIV to other people is significantly reduced with timely intervention as well. Through proper management, treatment, and care, HIV can become a chronic manageable condition.
Treatment Objectives of HIV
- Achieve HIV viral load suppression
- Ensure immune defense fortification
- Prevention of morbidity and other complications
- Mitigate onward transmission of HIV infection
Once-a-Day Multi-Pill Treatments
At present, the majority of people living with HIV take a single combined pill containing multiple antiretroviral medications.
Known as single-tablet regimens, these one-dose treatments are more effective, simplified, and have lower chances of non-adherence. Consistent daily intake of the medication prevents viral resistance development.
Some frequently prescribed combination pills taken once‐a‐day include:
Biktarvy: Recommended as first-line therapy due to its two other ingredients, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, and low side effects. Its main ingredient is bictegravir.
Triumeq: Three ingredients dolutegravir, abacavir, and lamivudine also make it a recommended pill. A genetic test assessing sensitivity to abacavir may be needed prior to use.
Dovato: It is a less complex option with only two active ingredients, dolutegravir and lamivudine, suitable for certain patients with suppressed viral loads.
Atripla: Dosage is at 10 pm rather than during the day because its side effects include dizziness or vivid dreams. Its three components are efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
These treatments make chronic HIV patients more adherent to their treatment and improve their health in the long run.
Ways to Access Resources for Treatment of HIV
Paying for HIV treatment can be challenging, however it can be eased through:
Medicare and Medicaid: These two programs can relieve the financial burden of treatment.
Nonprofit support organizations: There are numerous organizations that can help of which some do not aim to profit.
Pharmaceutical companies and Drug sellers: These companies sell a range of generic medications that are easier on the pockets.
“Explore every possible advantage with doctors and pharmacists. Decrease their prices.”
Common HIV Medications
Tenofovir: Tenofovir is part of the group of medications known as Anti-retroviral. It counteracts HIV spread by preventing it from multiplying.
Lamivudine: This is an NRTI that actively fights HIV reproduction with the body.
Dolutegravir: This expiration works mostly by blocking the entrance of HIV within infectious cells. Its kept active on HIV patients that require frequent doses. You can buy dolutegravir online through licensed pharmacies with a valid prescription, ensuring safe and regulated access to this essential HIV medication.
Efavirenz
This drug is an NNRTI. It destructs HIV reproduction faculties and it is usually combined with other reproductive inhibitors to secure a cut in drug resistance.
Abacavir
As an NRTI, Abacavir blocks the progress of HIV within the body. Together with other medicines, it is administered in a combination therapy and is noted for its effectiveness at viral control with low side effect profile.
Viraday
This is a single tablet regimen containing Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Efavirenz, which is known as Viraday. It reduces the complexity of compliance by combining three potent HIV medications into a single tablet taken once a day.
Monitoring Your Health
HIV requires constant health monitoring as a part of treatment regimens to ensure that the patient is managing their overall health. These scheduled appointments help health practitioners evaluate treatment results and mitigate any arising risks in advance. Some pointed elements of this evaluation include:
Viral Load: gives the total number of HIV present in the blood.
CD4 Count: This indicates the power of the immune system.
Kidney and Liver Function: Regular checks of these organs’ functions are required due to the use of some HIV treatments that are harmful to the kidney and liver.
Drug Resistance: Physicians may monitor for drug resistance as part of their treatment monitoring when viral loads escalate, requiring them to alter their treatment regimen.
Mental and Emotional Health: Being HIV positive can change mental states so the healthcare professional has to check a client’s mood and overall health status.
Other Infections: Due to HIV, the immune system weakens and other medical problems that may arise will be looked for such as in OI (Opportunistic Infections) TB and pneumonia.
Healthy Life with HIV
Sustained treatment, coupled with active steps to bolster personal wellness, lets individuals with HIV achieve longevity and a meaningful life. Medication adherence coupled with healthy lifestyle choices supports overall wellness. Below are essential tips for healthy living while having HIV:
Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle
- Regular exercise and a balanced diet
- Active engagement with healthcare services by maintaining set appointment schedules
- Daily adherence to prescribed medications
- Limiting alcohol intake while avoiding smoking
- Open communication with the entire healthcare team
FAQs
What does ART mean?
ART is HIV’s primary treatment. A combination of medications is given to inhibit the virus’s replication and safeguard the immune system.
Long-term health results improve when ART is started early.
Is it possible to manage HIV with a single pill taken daily?
Indeed, the majority of contemporary HIV therapies fuse numerous medications into a single daily pill that is simple to swallow and very effective.
What should be monitored on a person undergoing HIV treatment?
Your physician will monitor your viral load, CD4 count, and kidney and liver functions periodically to ensure your health and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Does HIV limit people from living a normal life?
Without a doubt, as long as treatment is ensured along with the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, individuals with HIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives. Irrespective of HIV, strong supportive care makes a tremendous impact on one’s quality of life.
