Version July 2025
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What is HIV? —
This a virus that affects the body's "immune system," which is responsible for fighting infections. People with HIV can get sick more easily than other people. That's because their immune system does work as well to fight off infections or cancer.
"T cells" in the immune system help keep you from getting sick. HIV lowers the number of T cells in your body. When you have lower numbers of T cells, you have a higher chance of getting a serious infection.
The last stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is at its weakest, is called AIDS.
Can HIV be treated? —
Yes. While HIV cannot be cured, there are treatments that can help. People with HIV can take medicines to control the virus, keep their immune system strong, and stay healthy.
How is HIV treated? —
Doctors treat HIV with "antiretroviral" medicines. There are different types of antiretroviral medicines that work in different ways. Most people take a combination of 2 to 3 different medicines every day. The different medicines are combined into 1 or 2 pills. That way, people don't need to take as many pills.
Over time, some people might be able to switch to a medicine that can be given as a shot. The shot is given every 1 to 2 months.
Do I need to take medicines if I have HIV but feel fine? —
Probably. Doctors recommend almost all people with HIV start treatment. That's because HIV can attack your immune system and other parts of your body without you knowing it. Also, taking HIV medicines lowers your chance of giving HIV to someone else.
How can HIV medicines help me? —
The medicines help keep the HIV virus in your body under control. When you take your medicines every day, your T cell count will go up, and the amount of virus in your body (called the "viral load") will go down. That way, your immune system can work better, and you can stay healthy.
HIV attacks other parts of the body, too, such as the kidneys, heart, and brain. The medicines can help these body parts stay healthy.
HIV medicines can also help during pregnancy. Pregnant people with HIV can pass the virus to their baby. The medicines lower the chance of spreading HIV to the baby.
When should I start treatment? —
You and your doctor will decide when. Doctors usually recommend starting treatment right away, so you stay healthy. It is especially important to start treatment if your T cell count is low.
When you start treatment, your doctor will work with you to find the right combination of medicines for you. This depends on:
●Your blood test results
●Your other medical conditions
●Your other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines
●How many pills you want to take each day
●Whether you want to get pregnant
What else should I know before I start treatment?
●Treatment is life-long. You need to take your medicines for the rest of your life. That's because HIV cannot be cured.
●Do not skip doses or stop taking your medicines. If you skip doses, the medicines could stop working.
●Although most of the medicines are easy to take, they can have side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any problems or side effects from your medicines.
●Keep track of when and how to take your medicines. It's important to follow all your doctor's instructions about treatment. You can use a pill box to help you organize your medicines.
What is a clinical trial? —
This is a scientific study that tests new medicines or new combinations of medicines to see how well they work. There are clinical trials for HIV all over the world. To find out more about being in a clinical trial, talk with your doctor.
Patient education: HIV and AIDS (The Basics)
Patient education: HIV blood test (The Basics)
Patient education: Tests to monitor HIV (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for adults with HIV (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking medicines to prevent HIV before exposure (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventing HIV after a possible exposure (The Basics)
Patient education: Exposure to HIV or hepatitis through blood or body fluids (The Basics)
Patient education: What are clinical trials? (The Basics)
Patient education: Initial treatment of HIV (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Tips for taking HIV medications by mouth (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Testing for HIV (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: HIV and pregnancy (Beyond the Basics)
