The goal of HIV and AIDS treatment is to suppress viral replication, restore immune system function, and delay disease progression. Modern medicine employs a combination of strategies that have significantly improved patients' quality of life and prognosis. The core of treatment is antiretroviral therapy (ART), especially the use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), which has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic disease.
Treatment plans should be tailored based on the patient's age, stage of infection, viral strain characteristics, and potential complications. Regular monitoring of viral load and CD4+ T cell counts is crucial for assessing treatment efficacy. The medical community continues to develop new drugs and strategies, emphasizing patient education and psychological support to enhance adherence and long-term health.
Modern treatment strategies center around "antiretroviral combination therapy," which involves using drugs with different mechanisms of action to prevent resistance. The main options include:
Therapy regimens should be adjusted based on viral genotyping results, with regular assessment of side effects and treatment responses. In resource-limited settings, the World Health Organization recommends simplified treatment using fixed-dose combination drugs.
HAART combines three or more antiretroviral drugs with different mechanisms of action to effectively reduce viral load to undetectable levels. Typical combinations include two NRTIs and one NNRTI, or the addition of a protease inhibitor to enhance efficacy. Recently developed integrase inhibitors (INSTIs) have fewer side effects and are increasingly preferred as first-line options.
The main drug classes currently used include:
Newer drugs such as long-acting injectable Cabotegravir, administered weekly or biweekly, improve treatment convenience and adherence. However, all medications may cause side effects like liver and kidney dysfunction, lipid metabolism disturbances, etc., requiring regular monitoring.
Patients often experience psychological issues such as depression and anxiety, which require counseling and support groups. Social worker interventions can assist with medical care, employment, and insurance issues, reducing the risk of treatment discontinuation.
Opportunistic infections are treated with anti-tuberculosis and antifungal medications; prophylactic therapy can reduce mortality. For patients with comorbid cardiovascular diseases, adjustments in antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications are necessary.
Gene editing technologies like CRISPR aim to directly eliminate latent viral reservoirs, and vaccine research focuses on inducing broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies. These experimental therapies are still in clinical trial phases and are not yet widely available.
A healthy lifestyle can enhance treatment outcomes:
Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they may increase drug toxicity. Regular dental check-ups can prevent common complications such as oral candidiasis.
Research focuses include:
Artificial intelligence is being used to predict drug side effects and treatment responses, making personalized medicine a future trend. The discovery of monoclonal antibodies in 2023 shows promising clinical responses and may become second-line options.
Patients should seek medical attention immediately in the following situations:
Complete virological and immunological assessments should be performed every 3-6 months, with follow-up every 4 weeks during early treatment. If signs of treatment failure appear, treatment plans should be promptly discussed with a physician.
Yes, even if the viral load has become undetectable, patients still need regular blood tests to monitor immune function, liver and kidney health, and drug side effects. Physicians will adjust medications based on CD4 lymphocyte counts and viral load to prevent resistance and maintain efficacy.
How can HIV-negative individuals reduce their risk of infection through preventive medication?Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective method. Taking specific antiretroviral drugs daily can reduce infection risk by over 90%. This approach should be used under medical supervision, with regular HIV testing and health monitoring. It should not replace safe behaviors.
What nutritional or dietary principles should HIV-infected individuals follow in daily life?A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining immune function. It is recommended to consume high-protein foods, vitamins, and minerals, while avoiding high-salt and high-sugar foods to reduce organ burden. If gastrointestinal side effects occur due to therapy, consult a nutritionist to adjust the diet and ensure adequate nutrition.
Can HIV-infected mothers deliver naturally and breastfeed?If the mother has been on ART pre-pregnancy with sustained viral suppression, natural delivery may be considered after medical evaluation. Breastfeeding depends on viral control; some regions recommend formula feeding to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Specific plans should follow medical advice.
Does living or sharing blood contact with an HIV-infected person pose a risk of infection?Routine contact such as sharing meals, or contact with sweat or tears does not transmit the virus. If blood exposure occurs, wash the area with soap immediately and seek medical evaluation to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is necessary. HIV is quickly inactivated outside the body, making everyday contact with infected blood very low risk.
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