Treatment of HIV and AIDS

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The treatment of HIV and AIDS is a specialised area that includes treatment to suppress the virus, treatment of conditions resulting from the virus, and emotional and psychological support for the individual and his or her family. Most treatment is done by specialists in HIV or GUM (genito-urinary medicine) clinics, although increasingly GPs are involved in the care of people with HIV.

Medication for HIV falls into two main categories. The first is what is called combination therapy. This is usually started when there are clear signs that a personâ€™s immune system is reaching dangerously low levels. It works to suppress the virus and maintain the personâ€™s immunity as far as possible.

There are now a number of these anti-HIV drugs (often called anti-retroviral drugs) which are given in combination and have dramatically improved the life expectancy of someone diagnosed with HIV. However, the treatments are complex and probably need to be taken for the rest of someoneâ€™s life, and can have serious side effects. Which ones to take and when to start taking them varies according to individual circumstances and is best discussed with a specialist.

The second type of treatment involves the treatments required for any AIDS-related illnesses that arise. These will vary according to the condition diagnosed. For many people, testing and appropriate combination therapy treatment may avoid the need for treatment of this kind.

Other support available includes dieticians, physiotherapists, counsellors, and a wide range of social care and peer support services from voluntary organisations.