What are the treatment options for HIV infection?

Antiretroviral therapy uses medicines that suppress HIV activity in the body. It does not remove HIV, so treatment is generally ongoing. Different medicine combinations may be selected according to your health, other medicines, possible side effects, and any resistance identified through clinical assessment.

Regular appointments can include symptom review, blood tests, medicine checks, and discussion of emotional or sexual health. Taking treatment consistently helps keep the virus controlled and protects the immune system. When treatment suppresses the virus, the chance of passing HIV through sex is greatly reduced.

Arrange a medical review to confirm the diagnosis and discuss starting or adjusting antiretroviral therapy. An [HIV Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/hiv-test/) can clarify status when it is not yet confirmed, while [STI Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/sti-screening/) checks for infections that may need separate care.

Take medicines exactly as prescribed and tell the clinician about missed doses, supplements, pregnancy plans, or new prescriptions. Do not stop treatment suddenly without advice. Ask about adherence support, confidentiality, vaccines, and ways to protect partners while treatment is being established.

Contact a clinician promptly for severe or new medicine reactions, persistent fever, breathlessness, confusion, marked weakness, or symptoms of an infection. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, collapse, or severe confusion. A sudden deterioration can need assessment even when you are taking treatment.

Which treatment combination fits my health and other medicines? How will you monitor my response? What should I do after a missed dose? Which symptoms or side effects need urgent advice? When should partners or recent contacts seek testing?