Key points at a glance
💊 Simple HIV treatment
One tablet a day is usually sufficient; it is highly effective and well tolerated.
🧬 U=U protects
With successful therapy, HIV is undetectable and non-transmissible.
⏱️ It’s worth getting an early start
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 involve?
HIV treatment ensures that medication suppresses the virus to such an extent that it can no longer replicate. The immune system recovers, secondary conditions are prevented and quality of life remains high. The aim of treatment is to achieve an undetectable viral load, which forms the basis for U=U.
How does HIV therapy (ART) work?
Antiretroviral therapy, or ART for short, combines active ingredients that block the HIV life cycle at various stages. In most cases, one tablet a day is sufficient. After a few weeks, HIV is often no longer detectable. Regular monitoring of blood counts, kidney and liver function, and, where necessary, STI screening, ensure the treatment’s effectiveness and help to detect side effects at an early stage.
Medication: Principle of action & tolerability
There are now several classes of active substances available, such as integrase-, NNRTI-, NRTI- or PI-based regimens. These medicines are now very well tolerated. Initial side effects such as mild nausea, headaches or sleep disturbances usually subside quickly. If something isn’t working, the regimen can be changed in consultation with the GP’s surgery. It is important to take the medication daily, as this is the only way to keep the viral load permanently below the detection limit.
Life expectancy with HIV
Anyone who is diagnosed at an early stage and receives consistent treatment now has a life expectancy that is almost normal. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking and the treatment of associated conditions such as high blood pressure further support good health.
U=U & Protection for partners
U=U stands for ‘undetectable = untransmittable’. If the viral load is below the detection limit, HIV is not transmitted during sex, regardless of the sexual practice involved. Condoms and testing are still advisable, however, to prevent other sexually transmitted infections.
Frequently asked questions
What effect does HIV treatment have on the body?
Medicines suppress the virus so effectively that it can no longer replicate. The immune system recovers, complications are prevented and quality of life remains high. The aim is to achieve an undetectable viral load, which forms the basis for U=U.
How often do I need to take my HIV medication?
One tablet a day is usually sufficient. After a few weeks, HIV is often no longer detectable. Regular blood tests ensure that the treatment is effective.
What side effects might occur during treatment?
Initial symptoms such as mild nausea, headaches or sleep disturbances usually subside. If a particular medication is not suitable, the treatment regimen can be changed in consultation with the surgery.
What is my life expectancy if I have HIV and am receiving treatment?
Anyone who is diagnosed early and receives consistent treatment can now expect a life expectancy that is almost normal. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking and the treatment of any associated conditions further support good health.
What does U=U mean?
U=U stands for ‘undetectable = untransmittable’. If the viral load is below the detection limit, HIV is not transmitted during sex, regardless of the sexual practice. Condoms and testing are still advisable, however, to prevent other sexually transmitted infections.
