💊 Simple HIV treatment
One tablet a day is usually sufficient - highly effective and well tolerated.
🧬 U=U protects
With successful therapy, HIV is undetectable and non-transmissible.
📈 It pays to start early
Early treatment protects health and the immune system.
🌿 Full of life
With therapy, work, relationships, sport, travelling and the desire to have children are possible.
What does HIV treatment mean?
HIV treatment means that the virus is slowed down so much by medication that it can no longer multiply. The immune system recovers, secondary diseases are prevented and the quality of life remains high. The aim of treatment is to undetectable viral load - the basis for „U=U“.
How does HIV therapy (ART) work?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) combines active substances that block the HIV life cycle at different points. In most cases one daily tablet. After a few weeks, HIV is often no longer detectable. Regular checks (blood values, kidney/liver, STI screening if necessary) ensure effectiveness and help to recognise side effects at an early stage.
Medication: Principle of action & tolerability
Several drug classes are available today (e.g. integrase-, NNRTI-, NRTI-, PI-based regimens).
The preparations are Very well tolerated; Initial symptoms such as slight nausea, headaches or sleep disorders usually subside. If something is not right, the regimen can be changed in consultation with the practice. Important is the Daily intake - the viral load remains permanently below the detection limit.
Life expectancy with HIV
Those who are diagnosed early and treated consistently have today an almost normal life expectancy. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking and treatment of accompanying illnesses (e.g. high blood pressure) also support health.
U=U & protection for partners
"U=U“ (undetectable = untransmittable) means: If the viral load is below the detection limit, HIV is not transmitted during sex - regardless of the practice. Condoms and tests remain useful to other STIs to be avoided.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about HIV therapy
A complete cure is still pending. With modern therapy, however, HIV is permanently suppressed - you remain healthy and not infectious. Research into cures is ongoing worldwide.
The viral load is often no longer detectable after just a few weeks. This is confirmed by control blood samples taken in the practice.
Forgetting once is rarely critical. Take the tablet as soon as you realise (no doubling up). If you forget repeatedly, talk to the practice - reminder routines or a change of therapy often help.
Yes, pregnancy and parenthood are possible with effective treatment and good support. Transmission to the child can be prevented.
Yes. HIV is the virus. Aids is a late stage of untreated infection.
The time between infection and reliable detection is usually 2-6 weeks. If suspected: get tested and seek medical advice.
More about HIV
Blog posts about HIV and Aids
Exciting articles and voices from the community: find out more about everyday life with HIV, prevention methods and personal experiences.
Materials to inform and share
Here you will find various materials on HIV, AIDS and queer health - digital or printed, to read, look at and pass on.
HIV / AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases
Basic information on transmission, protection, diagnosis, treatment | 2023 „HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases“...
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