How does a CD4 count determine whether a patient is put on treatment or not?
According to the South African government protocol if your CD4 count is below 200, then you qualify to be put on treatment.
If you have a CD4 count which is below 200 and have AIDS defining symptoms can also be put on treatment.
How important is it for me to adhere to treatment?
It is your life if you want the treatment to be effective you need to follow it according to what your doctor has prescribed.
How long do I have to stay on treatment for?
ARV's treatment is a life time treatment. A cure has not yet been found.
If I am HIV Positive what treatment is available for me?
It is not everybody who is HIV positive that needs to be on treatment, you can be HIV positive but if your CD4 count is still high you don't get access to treatment as you are considered to still have a strong immune system. You only qualify for ARV treatment if your CD4 count is below 200 in South Africa.
What drugs are available for Treatment and why do they have to be taken as a combination?
There are a range of HAART drugs that are available such as Regiment 1A, 1B, and Regiment 2. For more information consult your doctor. The anti-retrovirals are always a combination of three drugs. For the treatment to be effective you have to take a combination.
