Is there a cure for HIV?
“Based on science and implementing the findings, it is possible to have durable control of the HIV / AIDS pandemic and, if sustained, end it.” Dr. Anthony Fauci
HIV, which affects approximately 36 million people worldwide, attacks cells in the body, replicates, and integrates into the host’s genome, becoming part of their DNA tissue. Scientists around the world are exploring two different ways to find a cure.
Two cumin of treatments
The first way
The patient receives a bone marrow transplant that killed the infected cells. But therapy is challenging, and a third of patients could die from a transplant.
The second way
Target infected cells and remove viral DNA, to develop a straightforward treatment specifically designed for global accessibility. CRISPR technology facilitates the ability to remove viral DNA from the host genome. But without interfering with the functions of the host gene.
Treatment prevents replication of HIV. It does not cure the infection but prevents the virus from multiplying and destroying the body’s defenses. Treatment is chronic and must be followed according to medical indications. If treatment is maintained correctly over time, people with HIV have a quality and life expectancy similar to those who do not have the virus.
What does Undetectable mean?
If a person with HIV has an undetectable viral load for more than six months and is adherent to their treatment, studies show that there are no cases of sexual transmission of HIV. It is vital to highlight that in the case of breastfeeding, they identify cases of transmission even when the mother was undetectable. So, this concept does not apply in these cases.
This discovery has helped reduce the stigma of people living with HIV. Also, they can decide, together with their partner, addressing fears, desires, and preferences, whether or not to use a condom, and in the case of pregnant people, they can decide to look for a child.
How is it cured?
There is currently no cure for HIV. However, existing treatments make it possible to reduce the amount of virus in the blood to the point of keeping it undetectable. That is, the analyzes fail to detect it. However, this does not mean that HIV is not in the body. To a lesser extent, the virus is found in body fluids. Also, there will be an increase in the number of viruses if people stop treatment.
Do HIV medications cause side effects?
Like most medicines, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes it will have side effects.
Some of the common side effects of ART that you may have are:
nausea and vomiting
diarrhea
difficulty to sleep
dry mouth
headache
rash
dizziness
fatigue
pains
Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist right away if you have problems or if the treatment makes you feel unwell. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help manage side effects, or they may decide to change your treatment plan.
I am transgender, HIV medications interfere with my hormone therapy?
The most commonly recommended drugs for HIV have no known interactions with hormones. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have about taking your HIV medications and hormone therapy. Your healthcare provider will work with you to help you stay healthy. It will also help make sure that you continue your hormone therapy.