I was diagnosed with HIV a year ago, and I have not started meds yet. My t-cell count is 345 and my viral load is a little over 9,000. My t-cell and vl has gone to 547(t-cell) 19,000 (vl). I am 5'2 and 115 pounds. I want a "cock-tail" that will allow me to have as little fat loss and side effects as possible. Can you please guide me into one or at least two directions?

A decision to start meds is based on clinical symptoms, CD4 count, and viral load. In the US, the current guidelines recommend starting therapy if a patient has symptoms of HIV infection, has a CD4 count under 350, or viral RNA over 100,000 copies/ml. However, there are many factors that are considered in deciding when and how to treat. There is a lot of good information on this web site (including Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults, available under the "Treatment Guidelines" section). I would urge you to read as much as you can, then discuss your options with your care provider, to decide what is best for you.

In general, most experts recommend beginning with 3 drugs, and there are several combinations that are now known to work well with minimal side effects. Again, the exact choice of meds may depend on your specific condition (including any other meds that you are on, desire to become pregnant soon, etc).