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

When Did You Start HIV Meds? Stories Spanning Several Decades (April 22, 2013)
From TheBody.com
Why the "When to Start" Question Is Complex and Informed by Limited Evidence: A Response to Dr. Myron Cohen (March/April 2013)
To read PDF, click here.
In HIV Treatment Bulletin, from HIV i-Base
My Shifting Seat on the HIV Merry-Go-Round: A Blog Entry by Ed Perlmutter (April 12, 2013)
"Those were stressful days for sure ... But the nurses and physicians at the ID clinic treated me with respect and exhibited patience and wisdom every step of the way."
From TheBody.com
Changing My Mind on Treatment as Prevention: A Blog Entry by Bob Leahy (April 12, 2013)
Bob Leahy used to be a strong opponent of treatment as prevention and all it stood for. But times change and there has been a sea change in his view.
From TheBody.com
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
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