If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with HIV, the first thing doctors will talk about is antiretroviral therapy, or ART. It’s a set of medicines that keep the virus from multiplying, which helps your immune system stay strong and lowers the chance of passing HIV to others.
ART combines three or more drugs that attack the virus at different stages. One class blocks the virus from entering cells, another stops it from copying its genetic material, and a third prevents new viruses from leaving the cell. By hitting the virus on several fronts, ART reduces the amount of HIV in your blood – called the viral load – to undetectable levels.
When the viral load is undetectable, two big things happen: your health improves dramatically and you can’t transmit the virus through sex (U=U). That’s why staying on therapy matters more than ever. Even if you feel fine, missing doses lets the virus bounce back, which can lead to drug resistance.
The biggest challenge with ART is consistency. Here are a few simple habits that help:
If you ever miss a dose, don’t panic. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next one – then just skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Always check with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Besides meds, staying healthy means eating balanced meals, exercising when possible, and getting regular check‑ups. Your doctor will monitor your viral load every few months to make sure ART is doing its job.
Remember, ART isn’t a cure, but it’s the most effective tool we have to keep HIV under control. By understanding how it works and building simple routines, you can live a normal, active life while protecting yourself and others.
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