Education Center

HIV Treatment

    Condoms

    Starting HIV treatment early helps keep your body strong and reduces the risk of complications. If you don’t yet have an HIV care provider, you can search for a nearby treatment center to begin your care journey.

    Stay Consistently Engaged in Care

    The best outcomes come from taking your medication consistently and attending regular medical appointments. There are now multiple treatment options available, and your doctor will help choose the regimen that best fits your health status and lifestyle.

    Live a Healthy, Fulfilling Life

    Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and caring for your mental health all support a strong immune system. These practices can help prevent illness and allow you to live a full and active life.

    Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

    When you take your HIV medication exactly as prescribed, the amount of virus in your body can become so low that it’s undetectable in lab tests. Once this level is achieved and maintained, you cannot transmit HIV through sexual contact. This is the ultimate goal of modern HIV treatment: staying healthy and protecting others.

    What Is HIV Treatment?

    HIV treatment is known as ART (Antiretroviral Therapy). It involves taking antiretroviral medication consistently and exactly as prescribed by a doctor.

    • ART reduces the amount of HIV in the body. It helps the immune system strengthen and function more effectively.
    • There is currently no cure for HIV, but ART can control the virus effectively.
    • Most people achieve viral suppression within 6 months of starting treatment.

    Note: HIV treatment does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, or herpes. It is important to use condoms consistently to protect against other STIs.

    Frequently Asked Questions
    When should I start HIV treatment?

    = You should begin HIV treatment as soon as possible after being diagnosed—regardless of how long you’ve been living with HIV or how healthy you currently feel. Starting treatment early helps you maintain better health and significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

    Before starting ART, be sure to inform your doctor about any existing health conditions or medications you're taking. This allows your provider to choose the safest and most appropriate treatment plan for you.

    What Happens if I Delay HIV Treatment?

    If you postpone starting treatment, the virus will continue to damage your immune system over time. The longer you wait, the higher your risk of:

    • Transmitting HIV to others
    • Developing serious opportunistic infections or complications
    • Progressing to AIDS

    Starting treatment as early as possible is crucial to protect your health and the well-being of those around you.

    How Many Types of HIV Treatment Are Available?

    =Currently, there are two main types of HIV treatment:

      1. Oral Medication (Pill Form): This is the most commonly used and widely recommended option, especially for individuals starting treatment for the first time. There are both single-drug and combination pills, many of which have been approved by the U.S. FDA. These treatments are convenient, effective, and safe, forming the backbone of HIV care globally.

      2. Injectable Treatment (Long-Acting Injections): *Not yet available in Thailand.This option is suitable for individuals who have achieved viral suppression (an undetectable viral load) for at least 3 consecutive months. It offers a non-daily alternative, with injections administered every 1 to 2 months, depending on the regimen. This long-acting approach is a promising new choice for those who prefer fewer doses and less frequent medication.

    Benefits of Taking HIV Medication as Prescribed

    = Taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) consistently and exactly as prescribed by your doctor offers powerful health benefits and helps prevent the spread of HIV. Here's how:

    1. Reduces Viral Load in the Blood

    ART helps reduce the amount of HIV in your body (known as viral load). When taken regularly:

    • Your viral load drops significantly, improving your overall health and strengthening your immune system.
    • Many people reach viral suppression (fewer than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood).
    • In many cases, the virus becomes undetectable, meaning standard lab tests can no longer detect HIV in the bloodstream.

    If your viral load decreases after starting treatment, it's a sign that the medication is working. To maintain this, you must continue taking ART consistently without missing doses.

    Missing or skipping doses can allow the virus to rebound quickly, weakening your immune system and increasing the risk of illness.

    2. Prevents Transmission to Others

    If your viral load is undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV through sexual contact—a concept known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

    • An undetectable viral load may also reduce the risk of transmission through shared needles, although more research is needed to determine the exact level of risk reduction.
    • For pregnant individuals, taking ART throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and giving ART to the baby for 4–6 weeks after birth, can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission to below 1%.
    • In the case of breastfeeding, having an undetectable viral load may lower the risk of transmission through breast milk, but it does not eliminate the risk completely. Therefore, breastfeeding is not currently recommended for individuals living with HIV.
    3. Prevents Drug Resistance

    Strict adherence to your ART regimen is key to preventing drug resistance:

    • Missing doses or taking medication inconsistently allows the virus to mutate, which may make the medication less effective—or even ineffective.
    • Once drug resistance develops, treatment options become limited, and you may need to take more complex regimens that could cause more side effects or come at higher costs. Worse still, drug-resistant HIV can be transmitted to others.

    Taking ART exactly as prescribed helps you stay healthy, prevents the spread of HIV, and preserves your treatment options for the future. If you ever have trouble sticking to your medication schedule, talk to your healthcare provider — there are support systems and solutions available to help you stay on track.

    Does HIV Treatment Have Side Effects?

    = Some people may experience side effects from HIV medications (ART), but not everyone does. Many individuals take ART without any issues at all. Common side effects may include:

    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Dry mouth
    • Headache
    • Skin rash or itching
    • Dizziness
    • Fatigue or low energy

    If you experience any discomfort or symptoms after starting treatment, you should inform your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor may be able to offer medication to relieve the symptoms or adjust your treatment plan to better suit your needs.

    What If HIV Treatment Isn’t Working?

    = If your HIV treatment isn’t working as expected—for example, if your viral load doesn’t decrease, or you experience severe side effects that make it difficult to continue—your doctor may recommend changing your treatment regimen.

    This is completely normal and not a sign of failure. Everyone’s body responds differently to medication, and adjusting your treatment is part of managing long-term health.

    Important: Do not stop taking your medication on your own. If a change is needed, your doctor will help guide you to a safe and effective alternative that works better for you.

    Is It Difficult to Stay on HIV Treatment? Here’s How to Cope

    = Staying on HIV treatment consistently can be challenging for many people. If you're struggling to take your medication or attend injections as scheduled, don’t keep it to yourself—talk to your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible.

    • Talk to Your Doctor If You’re Having Difficulty If you’re finding HIV treatment hard to manage, communicate openly with your healthcare provider. Together, you can find practical solutions tailored to your situation.
      • Trouble taking daily pills: Some people find it difficult to take medication at the same time every day. Your doctor may recommend strategies to improve adherence—or explore long-acting injectable treatments as an alternative to daily pills.
      • Side effects: Symptoms like nausea or diarrhea may reduce your motivation to stay on treatment. Your doctor can prescribe medication to ease the symptoms or refer you to a nutritionist to support your overall health.
      • Treatment fatigue: Over time, some may feel emotionally drained or overwhelmed. Regular check-ins with your healthcare team can help you find flexible options to stay engaged in care.
      • Busy schedule: Work or travel might cause you to miss doses or appointments. Ask your doctor about keeping a backup supply of medication at work or in your car—just be sure to discuss safe storage first, as some medications are sensitive to heat or moisture.
    • If You Miss a Dose, Take Action Promptly If you realize you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then continue your next dose at the regular time—unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
      • If you miss multiple doses or frequently forget to take your medication, speak with your healthcare provider. They can suggest tools like reminder alarms, mobile apps, or help restructure your treatment routine. In some cases, a different treatment plan may better suit your lifestyle.
    • Reach Out for Support When You Need It Your mental and emotional health plays a big role in managing HIV treatment. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges or struggling with substance use, don’t wait to ask for help.
      • Depression or low mood: Feeling down or lacking motivation can affect your ability to stick with treatment. Reach out to your doctor, social worker, or patient support staff to connect with a mental health professional or peer support group.
      • Substance use: If drugs or alcohol are causing you to miss doses or appointments, consider getting support from specialists trained in addiction care.
    You’re Not Alone!
    “You don't have to face it alone. Reaching out for help when you need it is the first step toward better physical and mental health. You can also take our depression screening to assess your mental well-being here.”