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Types of Treatment
Completion requirements
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A decision must be made regarding the type of treatment the individual must receive.
Depending on the CD4 count, treatment could vary between vitamin supplements, combined with healthy eating regimes and ARV medication. Ultimately, everyone will require ARVs. If ARV is the immediate option, the benefits and disadvantages must be explained to the individual.
The risk of treatment, as well as the possible short- and long term side effects of the medication, must be explained. The HI Virus can become resistant to the medication if the patient does not adhere to the medication regime.
Non-adherence to the regime could reduce future options for treatment. However, if a person starts with the treatment at an early stage of the disease and adheres to the medication regime HIV is a very manageable chronic disease, like e.g. diabetes. He/she will be able to live a healthier life for longer.
It is important that a person who uses ARVs does not stop or skip treatment. This will result in the CD4 count to reduce and the ARVs could become ineffective.
Since ARV medicines must usually be collected away from the workplace, it would be incumbent on the employer to make effective arrangements for workers to acquire the medicines.
ARV Treatment
Click here to view an explanation about how HIV treatment works.
ARVs suppress the repetition of HIV while giving the immune system time to recover its strength and to fight opportunistic infections.
Although ARVs can prolong an individual’s life and improve the quality thereof, it is not a cure for HIV/AIDS.
If the CD4 count is below 250 cells/mm3 or if the individual has an AIDs-related illness, ARV treatment must commence. Regular ingestion of vitamin supplements and a healthy diet remain essential.
Every area has its own public service points for free ARVs, while some private doctors also offer ARVs. For more information, contact the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society on 011 453 5066.
ARV treatment requires lifelong dedication and an HIV-positive person often benefits from a treatment “buddy” – someone who can support them and encourage them to take their medication regularly and also to keep their monthly medical appointments.