TREATMENT

 

Is there a cure?

Although there have been many advances in HIV treatments and therapies in recent years that have dramatically improved the quality of life and life expectancy of persons with HIV/AIDS in the US and other developed countries, there is, as of yet, no cure. Numerous studies are being undertaken to advance treatment and vaccines. Feel free to speak to one of our staff members if you have any questions.

Know your Status, Prevention is Treatment

With continued clinical research of HIV treatments, it is important to remember that prevention is the key to stopping the HIV epidemic. 

It is important to know your status so that you can access the best treatment available. There are numerous treatment centers and clinics that are available to you. Our staff can help identify the center that is most convenient for you. They will make the personal referral and follow up to make sure that your needs are being met.

PEP, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

PEP, short for post-exposure prophylaxis, was first shown to be effective in preventing occupational exposure to HIV (needle sticks and blood splashes, etc.). This led researchers to study whether giving HIV medications shortly after sexual exposure might also work.

Timing is critical when it comes to PEP; HIV medications must be started as soon as possible—recommendations vary from 36 to 72 hours after exposure—and continued for 28 days. The effectiveness decreases the longer treatment is delayed, so starting quickly is important. Results have been impressive showing that out of 401 people treated in a PEP study in San Francisco in the late 1990's, none sero-converted.