When to Begin HIV/AIDS Treatment

From The Body's "Ask the Experts" Forums

I've heard that starting early when you don't need meds can be beneficial. I know this commitment shouldn't be taken lightly, and that there's a risk of becoming resistant. When should I start treatment?
My friend was recently diagnosed with HIV and told to start medication once his CD4 count falls below 200. Is that too late?
My CD4 count was 565 but after 10 months, it dropped very quickly to 388. My doctor thinks this drop is rather unusual and wants me to start HIV meds soon. Does this large CD4 drop mean that I should start medication?

» More questions

New York Times: HIV Treatment Should Be Started Earlier for Most, but Challenges Remain (March 19, 2013)
In Kaiser Daily Global Health Policy Report, from Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
NPR Blog Examines "Test and Treat" Approach as HIV/AIDS Prevention Tactic (September 7, 2012)
In Kaiser Daily Global Health Policy Report, from Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
When to Start Anti-HIV Medications (August 2012)
Part of HIV and Its Treatment.
To read PDF, click here.
From AIDSinfo
Gearing Up to Start HIV Treatment (Summer 2012)
HIV treatment can be a lifesaver, but before you start, you'll want to be mentally and emotionally prepared.
To read PDF, click here.
In The Positive Side, from Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange
Do the Personal and Public Health Benefits of HIV Treatment as Prevention Coincide or Clash? (Summer 2012)
CATIE's James Wilton explores the use of HIV treatment to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
To read PDF, click here.
In The Positive Side, from Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange
A Skeptical Look at "Test and Treat" (April 10, 2012)
From Journal Watch
On TheBodyPRO.com
What Lies Ahead: Trends in HIV Treatment and Care (March/April 2012)
To read PDF, click here.
In Positively Aware, from Test Positive Aware Network
Considering HIV Treatment (February 2012)
From The Well Project
FAQs About Starting HIV Treatment (August 29, 2011)
From The Body's "Ask the Experts" Forums
Starting HIV Medications: Preparing For a Life-Saving Challenge (August 17, 2011)
Starting HIV treatment is a lifesaving decision, but it's also a huge commitment. David Fawcett, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., shares six of the most important factors to keep in mind as you prepare to take HIV meds for the first time.
From TheBody.com

VIEW ALL ARTICLES

More Most Viewed Articles

HIV Tools You Can Use

Track Your CD4 Count, Viral Load and More: Use TheBody.com's Health Tracker

TheBody.com's App for iPhones
TheBody.com's Medication and Health Reminders
TheBody.com's Facebook, Widgets, RSS Feeds and Twitter
Are You at Risk for HIV? Take Our Quiz!
U.S. ASO Finder U.S. ASO Listings
International ASOs

The Body is a service of Remedy Health Media, LLC, 250 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10107. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Remedy Health Media, LLC, and its subsidiaries, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your health care provider.