ART (antiretroviral therapy) is medication used to treat HIV and AIDS that works by stopping HIV from making more copies of itself in the body; HIV spreads by entering certain cells and using them to produce more of the HIV virus. This keeps the amount of HIV in the body (or the viral load) low.

As a result, the amount of HIV in the body stays low and can become undetectable, meaning it is so low that it does not show up on standard tests. When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be passed on through sex. This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). Consistent treatment not only supports your body, but also prevents sexual transmission of HIV.

When there is less HIV in the body, fewer cells are affected. This allows the immune system to continue recognizing and responding to infections like colds, flu, and other illnesses. Keeping the viral load low over time supports long term health and lowers the chance of HIV becoming more advanced.

With consistent treatment, many people living with HIV and AIDS live long, full, and connected lives.

Sources: SFAF — Undetectable viral load, aidsmap — Undetectable viral load (PDF), UCSF — Testing & linkage to care, i-Base — Starting treatment, CATIE — HIV treatment

There are different ways to receive HIV treatment, and you have options. The medications act the same, but they can be taken as a daily pill or given as an injection, depending on your routine and access to care.

Daily pills

• Taken by mouth, usually once a day
• Some people take one pill, others may take more depending on their treatment plan
• Can be taken at home as part of a daily routine

Long-acting injections

• Given as shots by a provider in a clinic
• Usually taken every 1 to 2 months
• Requires a clinical visit for each dose

Both options work to keep the amount of HIV in the body low when taken as prescribed.

When choosing a treatment, you and your provider may consider:

• whether you prefer a daily routine or fewer clinic visits
• how easy it is to get to appointments
• other medications you take
• what feels realistic for your day-to-day life

Your treatment can be adjusted over time if your needs or preferences change.

Sources: aidsmap — Long-acting injectable HIV treatment, i-Base — Starting treatment, CATIE — HIV treatment

After an HIV diagnosis, you will be connected to care and supported through the next steps. You do not have to navigate this alone — providers and clinic staff are there to guide you.

Treatment is recommended as soon as possible. Many people are able to start medication the same day or within a few days, depending on the clinic.

At your first appointment, you can expect:

• Blood tests, including a viral load test to measure how much HIV is in your body
• Other lab tests to understand your overall health
• A conversation about your test results, your treatment plan, and when you will begin medication

You can ask your provider questions like:

• What treatment options are available to me?
• When can I start treatment?
• What side effects should I expect?
• How often will I need to come back for appointments or lab tests?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• How can I get help paying for medication?

You have the right to ask questions, understand your care, and make decisions that work for you. Care is a process, and you will continue to be supported along the way.

Sources: i-Base — Starting treatment, aidsmap — HIV treatment, CATIE — HIV treatment

HIV treatment works best when it is taken consistently.

Over time, treatment becomes part of a routine. Many people connect treatment to something they already do, like eating a meal, brushing their teeth, or checking their calendar for upcoming appointments.

Ways people stay on track with daily pills:

• taking medication at the same time each day
• setting a phone alarm or reminder
• using a pill organizer
• keeping medication in a place they will see it

Ways people stay on track with injection appointments:

• scheduling the next appointment before leaving the clinic
• adding appointments to a calendar with reminders
• setting alerts a few days in advance
• arranging transportation ahead of time if needed

Finding a routine that works for you can make treatment easier to manage day to day.

Sources: aidsmap — Adherence, i-Base — Adherence, TheBody — Medication adherence

HIV care is ongoing, and regular check-ups are part of taking care of your health over time. You deserve care that is consistent, supportive, and responsive to your needs.

Most people see a provider every 3 to 6 months, though this can vary based on what works best for you and your care.

At these visits, you can expect:

• Blood tests to check your viral load
• Other lab tests to monitor your overall health
• A check-in with your provider about how treatment is going
• Ongoing conversations to build and adjust your care plan

Your care plan is something you and your provider develop together. It can include your treatment, follow-up schedule, and any support you may need.

These visits are also a space for you to ask questions, share what’s working, and talk about what you need.

You can ask your provider:

• How often should I come in for check-ups?
• What labs or tests will I need regularly?
• How will I know if my treatment is working as expected?
• What changes should I let you know about between visits?
• Can I switch my treatment if my routine or needs change?
• What support services are available to me?
• Who can I contact if I have questions between appointments?

Over time, these visits can become a regular part of your routine. Your provider is there to support your health and make sure your care continues to work for you.

Sources: CATIE — Viral load test (PDF), aidsmap — Monitoring frequency, IDSA — Primary care guideline

When the amount of HIV in the body is so low that it does not show up on standard tests, the virus is considered “undetectable.” When someone living with HIV is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load, HIV cannot be passed on through sex. This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). U=U is a proven form of HIV prevention for sexual transmission. It does not apply to other types of exposure, such as sharing injection equipment, where other prevention strategies are needed.

Sources: San Francisco AIDS Foundation — U=U

Viral suppression means the amount of HIV in the body has been reduced to very low or undetectable levels through treatment.

After starting treatment, your provider will monitor your viral load through regular blood tests. Many people see their viral load decrease within a few weeks, and many reach undetectable levels within 1 to 6 months, though this can vary.

Reaching undetectable levels is an important part of care. It means your treatment is working and supporting your health over time.

When HIV is at undetectable levels, it:

• supports your overall health
• allows your body to continue responding to infections
• helps protect your health over time

This applies to people living with HIV and those who have been diagnosed with AIDS. Treatment can reduce HIV to low or undetectable levels at all stages, and over time, it can also support the immune system.

To maintain this, it is important to continue treatment and attend regular check-ups. Your provider will continue monitoring your viral load as part of your ongoing care.

Sources: aidsmap — Viral load, aidsmap — Undetectable viral load, SFAF — Undetectable viral load

HIV treatment and care are covered in many ways, and support is available. You do not have to navigate cost or access on your own.

People can receive treatment through:

• private insurance
• Medicaid or Medicare
• state and local programs
• community clinics and health centers

If you do not have insurance, there are programs that can help cover the cost of medication and care. Many clinics have staff who can help you apply for coverage or connect you to these programs.

You may also be able to get support with:

• medication costs
• clinic visits and lab tests
• transportation to appointments

Community-based organizations and clinics often provide additional support, including:

• case managers or patient navigators
• help understanding your options
• connections to local resources

Accessing care can look different for everyone. You deserve care that is affordable, accessible, and respectful of your needs.

Sources: TheBody — Paying for HIV care, CATIE — HIV treatment access