HIV: management

Abstract

The treatment of HIV has changed radically over the past 30 years. HIV has changed from an inevitably fatal infection, to an easily treated infection and normal life expectancy if diagnosis is made early, prior to becoming immune compromised and subsequent complications. As people with HIV are living longer, and HIV clinic populations are ageing, co-morbidities, polypharmacy, and drug interactions are becoming more of a challenge. This chapter describes how and when to start antiretroviral therapy (ART), which regimen to choose, drug side effects and complications, drug resistance, and drug interactions. Long-term monitoring and follow up, as well as a handy guide to recommended vaccinations are also included, to serve as a one-stop quick reference HIV clinic guide.