HIV infection is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), sometimes called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Treatment consists of tablets called antiretrovirals (ARVs). These medications prevent or slow the replication of the virus, allowing the immune system to recover from its damage. Usually, treatment begins with 3 different types of antiretroviral medications, available in one combination tablet. The treatment does not cure the virus, so it must be taken for life; however, individuals who are undergoing treatment can reach the point at which they have almost no detectable levels of virus and are nearly incapable of transmitting it to others. [1]
What are some of the main medical treatments for human immunodeficiency virus?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is primarily treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking antiretroviral medications to slow the virus's replication and help the immune system recover. Although ART does not cure HIV infection, it can reduce the virus to nearly undetectable levels, which significantly lowers the risk of transmission.