The Effectivity of Antiretroviral Therapy Against HIV/AIDS
The past few decades have brought about some of the most meaningful discoveries in antiretroviral therapy (ART). These fast-paced advancements have allowed treatment to become more easily accessible, benefiting the overall well-being of HIV-affected communities and individuals.
But how much do you know about the evolution of antiretroviral therapy through the years and how it works? The team of healthcare professionals at Novus, PA, has you covered; read on to discover more!
ART History Crash Course
For years, the scientific community has worked tirelessly to find ways to appease one of the most severe epidemics in modern history. Thanks to their thorough research and groundbreaking discoveries, what once was a deadly disease has become a manageable chronic condition.
The first reported cases of HIV/AIDS came to the surface in 1981. They manifested themselves as a series of lung infections and other diseases that showed the immune systems of those affected –– often gay men–– were collapsing. Cases and deaths escalated exponentially and appeared among different sectors of the population. A year later, the CDC introduced the term Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and defined it as “a disease occurring in a person with no known cause for diminished resistance to that disease”.
In 1983, a team of French researchers identified a retrovirus they believed could be at the root of AIDS and named it lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV). In the US, the CDC confirmed that transmission through sexual contact and infected blood exposure were the main causes of infection. Within two years, the CDC announced that AIDS was caused by the newly detected human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Shortly after, the FDA approved the first antibody test to detect traces of the virus in blood samples.
In March of 1987, the FDA approved the first antiretroviral drug. However, AIDS remained the leading cause of death among Americans 25-44 in 1994. The urgency of the situation led to widespread recommendations on the use of antiretroviral drugs (PEP) to reduce infection in individuals exposed to HIV in healthcare settings. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatments wouldn’t be approved until 2012.
Expanded health insurance access and new federal policies led to a significant decrease in HIV-related deaths throughout the 2010s. The past decade witnessed astounding progress in antiretroviral therapy research and brought more potent and safer ART drugs.
Nowadays, extensive studies are being led worldwide and work closely with communities of people living with HIV/AIDS, bearing promising results and leading to an accelerated approval rate for new, life-changing drugs. Single-tablet daily combinations are available and have increased treatment success rates, translating into improved life expectancy.
How Do Antiretrovirals Work?
ART aims to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. This combination of medicines (commonly known as an HIV treatment regimen) prevents the virus from multiplying and reduces its viral load (the amount of HIV in the body). This gives the immune system an opportunity to recover, fight off infections and minimize the risk of transmission. Reducing an individual’s viral load to undetectable levels has become possible, eliminating the risk of transmission through sex.
Taking ART after contact with an infected individual could save your life. If you believe you might have contracted HIV, please get in touch with your trusted healthcare provider without delay to begin antiretroviral therapy.
Where to Go For Antiretroviral Therapy in Pennsylvania?
At Novus, we strongly believe everyone should have easy access to expert, compassionate care. Our team of medical specialists has years of experience providing affordable and confidential treatment options for all.
With 5 locations across Pennsylvania, you can rest assured knowing there is a Novus center near you. Contact us today to request an appointment; we look forward to speaking with you!
