Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
HIV and Its Treatment, What You Should Know
I am HIV positive. What does that mean? Does it mean I have AIDS?
What is a CD4 T cell count?
What is viral load?
What is HIV treatment? (also called drug therapy)
When to Start Treatment
What kind of a doctor do I need?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
What can I expect? What tests will be needed?
How will my doctor and I decide whether to start HIV drug treatment?
I am HIV-infected but do not have any symptoms. Should I start treatment?
What are the benefits and risks of starting early drug therapy?
What are the benefits and risks of delayed drug therapy?
If my doctor and I decide to delay treating my HIV infection, will I need to have my viral load and CD4+ T cell count tested again?
Starting Drug Therapy
When I start therapy, what kinds of medications will I have to take?
What are some of the negative side effects of HAART?
How will I know if my treatment is working?
My doctor wants to change my drug therapy. Why would this be recommended?
HIV and Pregnancy
I am HIV positive and pregnant. What should I do about drug treatment?
Will my baby be born HIV infected?
Prevention
Why does my doctor want to discuss HIV prevention with me?
I am HIV infected, but my viral load is undetectable. What does that mean? Am I cured of HIV?
Adherence
What is “adherence”?
Is adherence important for HIV treatment?
What makes adherence difficult for many HIV-infected patients?
I’m considering starting HIV treatment. How can I be sure I’ll be able to adhere to a treatment plan?
I’ve started HIV treatment. What can I do to help my treatment work?
I’m having problems taking my medication. What should I do?
Summary
Managing HIV infection is complicated, but new treatments can both improve the quality of your life and extend your life. To help you successfully manage your health, remember these tips:
See your doctor regularly (every 3-6 months or as advised) to check your CD4+ T cell count, viral load, and general health, and to discuss treatment and prevention strategies.
Be an active part of your health care team. Tell your doctor about any problems, and be sure your doctor explains concepts to you in such a way that you clearly understand your options.
Educate yourself. The more you know about HIV infection and HIV treatment, the better you will be able to judge the risks and benefits of your options.
Sub Pages List
- I’ve started HIV treatment. What can I do to help my treatment work?
- What are the benefits and risks of starting early drug therapy?
- What is viral load?
- I am HIV positive. What does that mean? Does it mean I have AIDS?
- I am HIV-infected but do not have any symptoms. Should I start treatment?
- When I start therapy, what kinds of medications will I have to take?
- What makes adherence difficult for many HIV-infected patients?
- My doctor wants to change my drug therapy. Why would this be recommended?
- What are some of the negative side effects of HAART?
- What questions should I ask my doctor?
- I’m having problems taking my medication. What should I do?
- Will my baby be born HIV infected?
- I am HIV infected, but my viral load is undetectable. What does that mean? Am I cured of HIV?
- Why does my doctor want to discuss HIV prevention with me?
- What is “adherence”?
- What kind of a doctor do I need?
- I am HIV positive and pregnant. What should I do about drug treatment?
- What is HIV treatment? (also called drug therapy)
- What are the benefits and risks of delayed drug therapy?
- If my doctor and I decide to delay treating my HIV infection, will I need to have my viral load and CD4+ T cell count tested again?
- Is adherence important for HIV treatment?
- How will I know if my treatment is working?
- How will my doctor and I decide whether to start HIV drug treatment?
- What can I expect? What tests will be needed?
- I’m considering starting HIV treatment. How can I be sure I’ll be able to adhere to a treatment plan?
- What is a CD4 T cell count?
No Hiv, No Aids on February 17th 2007