Although death cannot be prevented, the life expectancy of individuals infected with HIV has significantly increased with introduction of newer antiretroviral drugs. These antiretroviral drugs which are generally advised in combination are effective in preventing the multiplication of the viruses to a certain extent.

The doctor may advise other specific treatments and further investigations depending on the type of infection or condition an individual is suffering from.

The antiretroviral drugs may be advised to prevent HIV infection if one has been exposed to HIV through sexual intercourse, sexual assault, injection drug use or an accident. The treatment should be started within 72 h after a high-risk exposure to someone known to be infected with HIV or is suffering from AIDS. The antiretroviral treatment lasts for 28 days. However, this is not effective in individuals who fall in the high-risk category specified earlier.

Mortality in patients with AIDS is generally related to widespread opportunistic infections, which may not respond effectively to treatment or to the development of unusual cancers ¹.

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 08, 2012