Can HIV Be Cured?
Despite ongoing research, there is currently no cure for HIV. Nevertheless, the infection can be effectively managed with treatment. Most individuals with HIV can suppress the virus within six months of starting medication. While HIV treatments do not provide protection against other sexually transmitted infections, some therapies can significantly slow the virus’s progression and help maintain a low viral load in the body.
Can HIV Be Cured At An Early Stage?
HIV progresses through three stages: acute HIV infection, chronic HIV infection, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
A positive diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) signifies a lifelong infection. Although HIV is incurable, early treatment can help individuals lead a normal life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that treatments like anti-retroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus’s multiplication and reduce the viral load in the body.
HIV Drugs
ART involves taking a combination of several HIV medicines daily. A typical HIV regimen includes three HIV medicines from at least two different drug classes.
Here is a list of FDA-approved HIV drugs:
- Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)
- Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)
- Protease Inhibitors
- Fusion Inhibitors
- CCR5 Antagonists
- Attachment Inhibitors
- Post-Attachment Inhibitors
- Pharmacokinetic Enhancers
- Combination HIV Medicines