What is Antiretroviral Therapy?
ART is the daily use of a combination of antiretroviral drugs to control HIV infection. These medicines don’t cure HIV but help lower viral load, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of transmission.
This treatment helps to:
- Suppress HIV viral load to undetectable levels
- Improve immune function and CD4 count
- Reduce the risk of HIV-related illnesses and complications
- Prevent transmission to partners and infants
- Improve life expectancy and quality of life
What to expect during treatment?
ART is lifelong, and consistency is key for success. Side effects vary depending on the medication but are often manageable.
- Noticeable improvement in health within months
- Some mild side effects like nausea, fatigue, or headaches
- Possible metabolic changes or weight gain over time
- Regular blood tests to monitor viral load and immune response
