HIV Treatment Options

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Emergency treatment within 72 hours of exposure

• Must start within 72 hours (sooner is better)
• 28-day course of antiretroviral medications
• Can prevent infection if taken correctly
• Available at government hospitals

Early Stage Treatment (Recently Diagnosed)

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for newly diagnosed patients

• Start treatment as soon as diagnosed
• Combination of 3+ antiretroviral drugs
• Suppresses viral load to undetectable levels
• Prevents progression to AIDS
• U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable

Seropositive Long-term Care

Ongoing treatment for established patients

• Daily medication adherence is critical
• Regular CD4 count and viral load monitoring
• Quarterly or bi-annual doctor consultations
• Lifestyle counselling and support
• Normal life expectancy with proper treatment