Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV and AIDS attack a person's immune system and causes them to become sick with opportunistic infections. Treatment can slow the progression of HIV into AIDS, but there is no cure for either HIV or AIDS.
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a treatment regimen used for HIV and AIDS. HAART treatments uses a combination of three or more drugs to keep the virus count low. HIV and AIDS cause the immune system to weaken and the person becomes sick. The HAART regimen stops the immune system from deteriorating and allows the person to recover. According to AVERT.org, there are more than 20 approved antiretroviral drugs that can be used in multiple combinations. The patient will be closely monitored to ensure the virus isn't becoming resistant to the medications.
Treatment for Opportunistic Infections
Patients with AIDS aren't able to fight off illnesses and infections as well as a person with a healthy immune system. Infections that take the opportunity to infect the person with a weakened immune system are called opportunistic infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opportunistic infections can be bacterial infections, fungal, viral and protozoa infections, cancers and neurological conditions. These opportunistic infections are treated based on the presentation of the infection. If the patient is not already on a HAART regimen, he or she will begin one.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials for HIV and AIDS are research studies that test new therapies on humans with HIV/AIDS. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, clinical trials are the fastest way to find treatments. There are benefits and risks with being involved with a clinical trial. The benefits may include access to new medications, health care from experts in the field, medications at no charge to the patient and helping researchers learn more about HIV/AIDS. The risks may include side effects of the medications, ineffective or even harmful medications and hefty investments of the patient's time.
