The management of HIV/AIDS typically includes the use of antiretroviral drugs which are medications for the treatment of infection by retroviruses, primarily HIV. Different antiretroviral drugs restrain the growth and reproduction of HIV. When several such drugs, typically three or four, are taken in combination, the approach is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy, or HAART. HAART decreases the amount of HIV and rebuilds the immune system. The American National Institutes of Health and other organizations recommend offering antiretroviral treatment to all patients with AIDS. Because of the complexity of selecting and following a regimen, the severity of the side-effects, and the importance of compliance to prevent viral resistance, such organizations emphasize the importance of involving patients in therapy choices and recommend analyzing the risks and the potential benefits to patients with low viral loads.
There are different classes of antiretroviral drugs that act on different stages of the HIV life-cycle.
Read more about Management Of HIV/AIDS: Classes of Drugs, Combination Therapy, Adverse Effects, In Older Adults, Mega-HAART, Structured Treatment Interruptions
Famous quotes containing the words management of, management and/or aids:
“No officer should be required or permitted to take part in the management of political organizations, caucuses, conventions, or election campaigns. Their right to vote and to express their views on public questions, either orally or through the press, is not denied, provided it does not interfere with the discharge of their official duties. No assessment for political purposes on officers or subordinates should be allowed.”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)
“The care of a house, the conduct of a home, the management of children, the instruction and government of servants, are as deserving of scientific treatment and scientific professors and lectureships as are the care of farms, the management of manure and crops, and the raising and care of stock.”
—Catherine E. Beecher (1800–1878)
“It could be said that the AIDS pandemic is a classic own-goal scored by the human race against itself.”
—(B. 1950)